Tree Trimmer/Hardscape Worker I

City of Lakewood•Lakewood, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under close to general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled street and tree maintenance duties, including trimming, planting, pruning, removal and maintenance of trees; operates and maintains tree trimming and concrete related equipment, and performs repairs and maintenance of street and hardscape throughout the City. This is an entry level class in the Tree Trimmer/Hardscape Worker Series. This class includes employees who have some prior street and tree or other related maintenance work experience and are expected to progress rather quickly towards performing the full range of duties of the Tree Trimmer/Hardscape Worker II class. Assignments are the more routine and repetitive semi-skilled maintenance tasks and duties. They work under general supervision with guidance, instruction or assistance, and may occasionally work in absence of a lead worker or supervisor. Decisions are made within established procedural frameworks. Incumbents may be required to serve on standby duty and to respond to emergencies during non-work hours.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent
One year of experience performing semi-skilled horticulture, tree, hardscape, park or grounds maintenance work
Possession of a valid California Class “C” driver’s license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record
Knowledge of methods, tools, equipment and materials used in maintaining, trimming, removing, pruning and treating trees and hardscape
Knowledge of safe work practices and safety regulations including those specific to tree trimming, equipment maintenance and operation
Knowledge of proper rigging procedures for aerial lift truck
Knowledge of pothole and sidewalk maintenance and repair work
Knowledge of fundamentals of tree surgery
Knowledge of types, characteristics and typical diseases and pests of ornamental and shade trees
Knowledge of basic computer software related to work
Knowledge of basic record keeping practices
Ability to use tree trimming, fall protection and other related safety tools and equipment
Ability to provide training and lead other employees
Ability to maintain and complete daily log in sheet
Ability to identify and repair potholes and sidewalk displacements
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions without close supervision
Ability to read and write at the level required for successful job performance
Ability to learn and use basic computer software related to work
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Ability to work safely and efficiently at a considerable height above the ground
Ability to perform minor sidewalk maintenance and repair work
Ability to perform heavy physical labor
Must be able to work with a full range of body movements involving reaching, bending, stooping, grasping, walking, kneeling, twisting, pulling, reaching, pushing, squatting and climbing
Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Stand and walk for long periods of time
Strength to perform heavy labor
Dexterity to use hand and power-driven tools
Work above shoulder level with power and/or hand tools for sustained periods of time
Work up to 65 feet above ground from an aerial lift
Drive city vehicles on City business
May work on slippery and uneven surfaces
Ability to discriminate colors and see within normal ranges as well as hear within normal ranges
Frequently work outside, and may be exposed to variable weather conditions
Exposure to noise from traffic and power-driven tools & equipment, vibration in working with hand and power-driven tools and fumes from the equipment
All new employees must verify their identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation
All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath or affirmation prior to actual employment
All City employees are required to perform assigned Emergency Service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster

Responsibilities

Work as a crew member in the planting, transplanting, pruning, trimming, and removal of trees
Identify and remove broken, misshapen or undesired branches
Diagnose when trees are diseased and notify supervisor
Chip and load brush and limbs
Trim trees for structural integrity, clearance of street lights and sweepers, and other trimming practices
Irrigate, cultivate and fertilize trees and shrubs
Perform basic tree surgery
Check work location for hazards, such as power lines, fellow employees, equipment, pedestrians and traffic before cutting limbs
Tie and stake trees
Perform the grinding of hardscape displacement, which includes AC patching of displacements to alleviate tripping hazards
Perform curb number repainting throughout the city as needed
Perform patching and repairing of potholes
Safely operate a variety of city vehicles and equipment, including dump trucks, aerial lift truck, skip loader tractor, one-ton brush truck, and other equipment such as grinders and scarifiers
Set up temporary traffic control devices such as cones, sign and barricades in accordance with JPIA and WATCH manual standards
Operate a variety of hand and power equipment used in landscape and tree maintenance including chippers, chain saws, hydraulic saws, handsaws, shears, blowers, hydraulic lift trucks and forklifts
Clean and maintain trimming and hydraulic equipment
Check equipment and city vehicles for any necessary maintenance needed and notify supervisor
Load, lift and carry various materials, equipment and supplies
Complete daily log in sheet of work performed
Use mobile device (i.e. IPad, Tablet, etc.) to receive and respond to emails and service requests submitted for tree and hardscape services
Document completed tree and hardscape work by taking photos and entering completed service into Go Gov and other tracking software
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

Retirement Formula - The City participates in the CalPERS retirement system 2% at 55 for "classic" CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for "new" CalPERS members
The City does not participate in Social Security
13 paid holidays
Sick leave
Two weeks annual vacation (three weeks after three years, four weeks after 15 years)
Cafeteria benefit plan includes medical and dental options (City participates in the CalPERS medical insurance plans)
Employee cafeteria allowance for single employee only coverage is $1,359.02 per month; for employee +1 eligible dependent coverage is $1,640.00; and for employee + 2 or more eligible dependents coverage is $1,900.00
City paid life insurance, long-term disability and vision insurance for the employee
Longevity pay beginning at the completion of 10 years of qualified service
Career medical retiree benefit programs