Tree Trimmer

City of Newton • Newton, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs manual semi-skilled to skilled work pruning or removing trees and brush from utility rights-of-way and municipal properties. Work emphasizes pruning and removing trees and brush near municipal electrical lines and clearing rights-of-way for installation of new electrical lines and systems. The employee works as part of a crew under the supervision of skilled or supervisory personnel. Work is evaluated based on the quantity and quality of work, compliance with safety requirements, and dependability.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED equivalency and some experience in commercial or municipal tree trimming or related arboricultural work, or equivalent education and experience.
• Valid North Carolina commercial driver's license (CDL-B).
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions for tree trimming and removal of brush, trees, and stumps.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, and tools used in tree trimming work.
• Knowledge of characteristics of deciduous trees and vegetation native to the area.
• Skill in using manual and power tools and equipment, including materials of the trade.
• Ability to climb trees at varying heights using shoe spikes and harness equipment.
• Ability to follow safety precautions when spraying pesticides and herbicides.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, the public, and other employees; understand and follow oral and written instructions; and recognize and report safety issues to supervisors.
• Ability to work for extended periods in varying weather conditions, respond to emergencies, and remove snow and ice as directed.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for long periods, operate chainsaws and pruning devices and hydraulic bucket trucks, and climb trees with chainsaws using spikes and harness gear.
• Visual acuity to inspect small defects or parts and operate mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic hoisting equipment, including a bucket truck, and related equipment.
• Physical capacity for heavy work requiring exertion of more than 100 pounds of force occasionally, more than 50 pounds frequently, and more than 20 pounds constantly to move objects.

Nice To Haves

• CDL-A preferred.
• First aid and CPR.
• Pesticide applicator's license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform general to skilled labor trimming trees and brush.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
• Operate and maintain chainsaws, weed eaters, pruning shears, high-speed chippers, and stump cutters; use saws, ropes, climbing gear, pruners, and axes; and operate a bucket truck when qualified and trained.
• Place barricades and signs at job sites and direct traffic as a flagger when required.
• When qualified, climb trees using appropriate safety equipment and follow directions for cutting or pruning to avoid contact with buildings, electrical wires, or structures and to preserve tree shape and appearance.
• When qualified, spray herbicides and pesticides at substations and rights-of-way.
• Follow safety guidelines, place warning signs and traffic cones, serve as a traffic flagger when needed, and wear required safety gear and a hard hat.
• Respond to emergency work, including snow and ice removal, debris removal, equipment operation, and other labor or maintenance work; respond to emergencies when required and subject to call-back.
• Perform related work as required, including other manual labor tasks in other departments as needed.

What This Job Offers

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