Urban Forestry Maintenance Operator - Limited Duration

City of Salem•1457 23rd St SE Salem, OR

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Salem Parks Operations Urban Forestry Division is seeking a tree crew support worker to assist with all tree-related activities. This role is funded by an IRA USFS Workforce Development Grant, offering the selected candidate the opportunity to train alongside current City of Salem Urban Forestry staff. Training will cover a wide range of professional tree care duties, including tree identification, GIS tree inventory collection, asset management software, tree planting techniques, structural pruning, trailer operation, wood chipper safety, stump grinding, tree rescue, bucket truck operation, an introduction to tree climbing, IPM tree injections, leading volunteer events, community outreach, traffic control certification, heavy equipment operation, and First Aid & CPR certification. The position involves operating various landscape tools such as hand tools, chainsaws, blowers, power pruners, brush chippers, and stump grinders. Additionally, the role requires operating mini and full-size skid steers, heavy equipment for tree removals and plantings, and driving larger vehicles. The successful candidate must be available for after-hours emergency tree work and on standby for certain events and seasonally. Public interaction is expected, requiring comfort and knowledge in discussing the Urban Forestry Division's work with the public.

Requirements

Must pass the pre-employment background check.
Must have an Oregon Driver license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen depending on area assignment.
Two years of experience in parks maintenance, repair, construction, or landscaping, horticulture, turf, or sports field maintenance or experience tree trimming, or acting as a ground hand.
Occupational hazards and the safety precautions necessary in area of work assignment.
Positive and effective customer service principles.
Safe work practices.
Basic mathematical concepts.
Modern technology includes computers, handheld devices and relevant software.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
Communicate information so others will understand both orally and in writing.
Heavy work; exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Visual acuity necessary to perform an activity such as: reading blueprints or drawings, operating a motor vehicle; viewing a computer terminal; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.
Perform tasks that may require the incumbent to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand for prolonged periods of 2 hours or more, walk, lift, use manual dexterity, repetitive motions, and grasp with or without reasonable accommodations.
Express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word.
Receive detailed information through oral communication.

Nice To Haves

Oregon Pesticide License Class B
CDL
ISA Arborist Certification
ODOT Flagger Certification
First Aid CPR Certification

Responsibilities

Support all tree related activities.
Operate a full array of landscape tools including hand tools, chainsaws, blowers, power pruners, brush chippers and stump grinders.
Operate mini skid steers, full size skid steers, and heavy equipment related to tree removals and tree plantings.
Drive larger vehicles.
Be available for afterhours emergency tree work at night.
Be placed on standby for certain events and seasonally.
Speak with the public about the work being done by the Urban Forestry Division.
Act in a lead role directing the job site tasks of seasonal employees, volunteers or corrections personnel.