Tree Trimmer

Summary

The purpose of this classification is to perform work functions associated with removing dead or dying trees, tree limbs, brush obstructions, and storm damage debris.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Trims trees on city rights-of-way; cleans up debris from storm damage; transports debris to landfill.

Clears hazardous trees and stumps; climbs and trims trees with power saws to heights exceeding 100 feet; tops trees for airport clearance.

Replaces streetlight bulbs; hangs city holiday decorations.

Operates equipment in performance of duties, specifically: chain saws, stump grinders, winch trucks, bucket trucks, derrick trucks, sanitation trucks, brush chippers, wrenches, shovels, spikes and ropes, and safety belts.

Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles and equipment, specifically: maintaining fluid levels, checking tires, and cleaning vehicles and equipment.

Sets up work zone and flags traffic.

Plants, spray, feeds, mulches, and braces trees.

Receives and/or prepares documentation, records, work orders, and reports; forwards to appropriate personnel or maintains files.

Responds to calls from the public concerning problems, complaints, or emergency situations.

Attends annual tree conference.

Required to be on-call to respond after hours to hazardous tree situations, downed trees, limbs, etc.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; six months of experience in tree removal or a related field. Must obtain and maintain a valid Alabama Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B, within twelve months of employment. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of heavy equipment including a chain saw, stump grinder, winch truck, bucket truck, derrick truck, sanitation truck, brush chipper, wrenches, shovel, spikes and ropes, safety belts, etc. Physical demand requirements for some positions within this classification may at times be at levels of those for heavy work.

DATA COMPREHENSION: May require the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include maps, reports, operational manuals and procedural manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: May require ability to read a variety of documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.

Requires the ability to write basic job-related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. May require the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, calculate decimals/percentages, and determine time and weight.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include standard measuring devices.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using tree trimming equipment and to operate a motor vehicle.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, heavy equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.

Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have above average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.