Tree Specialist

Town of West Springfield • West Springfield, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Position performs tree removal and tree pruning on town trees using aerial lift/rope saddle in accordance with ANSI A300 standards. Operates aerial lift, chippers, stump grinders, chainsaws and other gas/diesel powered equipment. Ability to safely and effectively perform primary job functions while minimizing damage to town and private property. Reports any tree related concerns or equipment malfunctions to the Working Foreman or Tree Warden. Examples of Duties The primary functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Climbs trees using aerial lift, ropes, and ladders; removes dead, diseased, dying, broken and interfering branches, and lowers them to the ground with ropes and other rigging equipment. Operates skyworkers, log splitters, chippers and related medium and heavy duty forestry construction and maintenance equipment Trims trees for clearance of overhead utility facilities, street lights, signs, vehicular and pedestrian traffic Assists in planting, cultivating, transplanting and the removal of trees, shrubs and growth Maintains and makes minor repairs to tools and other equipment Performs tasks normally assigned to a laborer and/or skilled laborer.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent plus two years of training at an accredited school or on-the-job equivalent
• Two years experience in the operation of heavy automotive equipment or the equivalent combination of education and expertise to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Possession of a valid Commercial Driver’s License Class B with the proper endorsements: air brakes, hazmat and tanker required.
• Working knowledge of horticulture and arboriculture
• Working knowledge of the maintenance of municipal grounds
• Working knowledge of the operation, care and minor maintenance and adjustment of light, heavy and special motor equipment used in tree removal and pruning
• Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions involved in operation of special motor equipment.
• Agility and physical strength, such as moving in or about construction sites or over rough terrain, or standing or walking most of the work period.
• Ability to work in an environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises
• Ability to climb onto ladders, platforms, and equipment
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to operate equipment requiring hand and eye coordination and mechanical aptitude
• Ability to access and negotiate difficult places and varied terrain
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Use arms, hands and fingers to handle, reach and feel objects; operate tools and controls.
• Able to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell while performing, supervising or inspecting work, including construction projects often on uneven ground.
• Able to engage in frequent walking, bending, standing, squatting, climbing and occasional sustained physical effort.
• Position requires the employee to routinely read documents and reports for understanding and analytical purposes.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and ability to focus.

Nice To Haves

• Class 2A/1C Hoisting Engineers license preferred

Responsibilities

• Climbs trees using aerial lift, ropes, and ladders; removes dead, diseased, dying, broken and interfering branches, and lowers them to the ground with ropes and other rigging equipment.
• Operates skyworkers, log splitters, chippers and related medium and heavy duty forestry construction and maintenance equipment
• Trims trees for clearance of overhead utility facilities, street lights, signs, vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• Assists in planting, cultivating, transplanting and the removal of trees, shrubs and growth
• Maintains and makes minor repairs to tools and other equipment
• Performs tasks normally assigned to a laborer and/or skilled laborer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED