Tree Trimmer Ground Technician

City of Laurinburg•503 Hall Street-Public Works Dept., NC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs responsible semiskilled work in the trimming and removal of trees. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Tree Trimmer Supervisor. This role involves driving a bucket truck, operating various equipment, clearing trees and brush from power lines, and assisting higher-level technicians as a ground hand. The technician will prune trees, maintain tools and equipment, and assist with tree removal. Responsibilities also include traffic control, operating chainsaws and wood chippers, and assisting with stump grinders and track hoes. The role requires responding to after-hours emergency tree maintenance needs and providing excellent customer service.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of tree trimming methods.
Some knowledge of tree surgery techniques.
Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the work.
Ability to operate a truck with a hydraulic boom.
Ability to acquire skill in the use and care of ropes, climber hooks, riggings and tools commonly used in tree trimming and felling operations.
Ability to climb trees and to work effectively in dangerous positions at considerable heights above the ground.
Skill in the operation of chainsaws, brush chipper and related tree trimming equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
Graduation from high school.
3-5 years’ experience in tree work or related field.
Exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping and repetitive motions.
Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.
Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, peripheral vision, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions and oils.

Nice To Haves

Ability to obtain Class “A” North Carolina commercial driver’s license within six months after hire.
Ability to obtain Line Clearance Tree Trimmer certification within six months after hire.
Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications within six months after hire.

Responsibilities

Drives bucket truck and operates other equipment as needed, in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
Clears trees and brush from electric power lines.
Assists higher level trimming technicians by serving as ground hand.
Operates various equipment related to tree trimming and removal.
Prunes trees to remove live and dead limbs, using chainsaws, pole saws, pruners and hand pruners.
Cleans and cares for tools and equipment; sharpens saws; washes truck.
Fills chainsaws and weed eaters with gas; changes hydraulic fluid in tractor; checks fluid levels and performs minor preventative maintenance on equipment.
Assists with the removal of trees and fallen limbs.
Places traffic signs and cones at job site and loads them at end of each job.
Operates chainsaw to cut limbs; feeds limbs into wood chipper.
Assists in use of stump grinder and track hoe.
Operates bush hog to clear rights-of-way.
Informs Tree Trimmer Supervisor immediately when issues arise.
Mow rights-of-way; cuts trees, bushes and other obstructions from rights-of-way.
Cleans up around job site; ensures work area is free of debris.
Responds to “after hours” emergency tree maintenance needs.
Performs any other duties assigned by supervisor.
Provides excellent customer service when working with citizens, elected officials, and/or associates.
Supports the overall City organization by executing the directives as set forth by the immediate supervisor and elected officials.