Tree Worker/Climber (14219, Grade HL6)

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Montgomery Parks is hiring a Tree Worker/Climber for its Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The role is part of the Urban Forestry Section, which cares for trees throughout Montgomery Parks and supports the safety, health, and long-term stewardship of the park system’s tree resources. The position performs tree maintenance and care across Montgomery Parks, including climbing, aerial operations, pruning, removals, rigging, hazard response, and other specialized tree-care work. The employee works with arborists, tree-care professionals, equipment operators, park maintenance employees, and other crew members. Training, professional development, and field experience provide opportunities to expand tree-care skills. Work is primarily outdoors and at considerable heights, including in adverse weather and around noise, vibration, dust, hazardous materials, power tools, power lines, wildlife, stinging insects, poisonous plants, and dangerous trees or limbs. The work involves climbing trees and ladders, operating vehicles and equipment, and moving tools and supplies weighing over 100 pounds. Overtime and emergency on-call work may be required. The position is union-represented under the MCGEO collective bargaining agreement. Starting salary is determined based on qualifications and experience; bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
One year of tree maintenance experience, including six months of tree climbing experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling one year may be substituted.
Valid driver's license in accordance with State and Commission rules and regulations, without restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit required driving duties.
Depending on assignment, a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, in accordance with State and Commission rules and regulations.
Pass the Commission medical examination.
Knowledge of tree climbing, pruning, removal, rigging, tree-maintenance practices, local tree species, common diseases, and recognized industry safety standards.
Skill in safely operating chainsaws, chippers, climbing and rigging systems, aerial lift equipment, hand tools, vehicles, trailers, radios, and related tree-service equipment.
Ability to identify tree hazards, follow established procedures, select appropriate corrective actions, and perform physically demanding work at considerable heights.
Clear communication, sound judgment, teamwork, and attention to safety when coordinating with crew members and working around the public.
Ability to maintain accurate electronic and paper records and obtain CPR and First Aid certification.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing aerial tree work, technical rigging, hazardous tree removal, or storm-response operations.
Experience using TreeKeeper or a comparable tree inventory and work-management system.
International Society of Arboriculture credential or relevant arboriculture, climbing, chainsaw, aerial lift, or aerial rescue training.
Bilingual ability is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

Safely climb trees using saddles, ropes, climbing hooks, safety lanyards, and other approved equipment, and perform assigned work from aerial lift equipment.
Use ropes, pulleys, rigging systems, and lowering devices to safely remove or lower trees, limbs, and tree sections.
Coordinate with ground crew members to support clear communication and safe climbing, lowering, and removal operations.
Operate chainsaws and hand tools to fell, prune, trim, and remove hazardous, diseased, damaged, dead, or unwanted trees and brush.
Assist with inspections to identify hazardous trees, structural concerns, and tree-health issues, and apply corrective action within established guidelines.
Clear fallen trees and debris from roads, trails, creeks, bike paths, buildings, and other park areas; respond as needed to storm damage and tree-related emergencies.
Inspect, operate, and maintain chainsaws, chippers, climbing and rigging systems, hand tools, radios, vehicles, trailers, and other tree-care equipment.
Complete preventive maintenance and minor repairs, secure and account for equipment, and promptly report mechanical concerns.
Establish safe work zones, use required personal protective equipment, and follow applicable safety standards and procedures.
Support work-site setup, debris removal, cleanup, and restoration with equipment operators, park maintenance employees, and other crew members.
Maintain accurate TreeKeeper records and complete required reports, forms, and related documentation.
Contribute to a cooperative, safety-focused work environment and perform related park maintenance duties as assigned.