Tree Trimmer/Climber Assistant

Assist Tree Trimmer with limb and tree removal. Operates chipper and chain saw.

The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.  Other duties may be assigned. Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this position.

Assisting/Trimming: Assist tree trimmer in limb and tree removal by means of ropes; operates a hand line to assist trimmer in raising and lowering tools and equipment to trimmer; uses a chainsaw in order to prep limbs and small trees for chipper; loads chipper as well as truck with larger tree cuts; uses rakes, shovels and pruners in the cleaning of right-of-ways, down guys, and pole bases as well as customers' yards.

Equipment Maintenance: Is responsible for maintaining and sharpening hand tools as well as chainsaws.

Checks fluid levels and air pressure in all equipment on a daily bases. Maintains truck materials, gas/oil, tool bins, soap and hand towels, and prepares drinking water each morning.      

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Less than a high school diploma and have no felony convictions. Having some experience working with hand tools in an outdoor climate is preferred.  Must be able to drive a manual transmission.

Ability to climb trees for trimming and to rescue an injured climber (if necessary) within six months of hire.

A good driving record is required and must be maintained throughout employment.  The employee is also required to obtain a valid class A commercial driver's license within six months of hire in order to operate:

Tree trimming truck with manual transmission.

Bucket truck

Pickup truck

Other City owned vehicles as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read a basic number of two and three syllable words. Ability to read and understand simple instructions, product labels, warning labels, maintenance instructions, and OSHA manuals. Must be able to communicate with customers a plainly, clearly and in a respectful manner.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES OR REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of environmental concerns about proper pesticide use. Working knowledge of an electrical distribution system and the danger inherent in working with high voltage wires.

Knowledge of NLR Vegetation Management specifications. Knowledge of NLRED line clearance safety standards. Ability to learn to climb trees for trimming and to rescue an injured climber (if necessary) within six months of hire.

Ability to learn the operation of an aerial bucket truck. Ability to plan and organize work. Ability to establish a positive and effective working relationship with supervisor, co-workers, and any other persons with whom the incumbent comes into contact.

Ability to accept supervision and respond to constructive criticism in a cooperative manner.  Ability to obey all city rules and regulations, safety rules, and operating procedures.  Ability to calmly function in tense and/or unpleasant situations as necessary.  Requires initiative and trustworthiness including the ability to work industriously and productively without constant supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to maintain a record of regular and predictable attendance and punctuality is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk with and listen to persons by phone and in person.

Must travel from site to site; work with and around heavy construction equipment and pesticides; work at heights on aerial equipment (including ropes and saddles) and ladders; work on slippery and uneven surfaces; work around traffic. Must be able to climb trees for trimming and to rescue an injured climber (if necessary). Must be able to lift and manipulate equipment weighing 100 for prolonged periods of time. Hearing must be in the normal range with or without correction.

Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception necessary to driving or monitoring trimming work. Correct color vision is required to adequately differentiate between regularly used tools and/or wires. The employee's body weight, fully clothed, wearing shoes or boots and uniform appropriate for the season of the year, must not exceed 300 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee will often work during bad weather conditions: heat, rain, wind, ice, sleet, and snow. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts such as those in tree trimming equipment, in outdoor conditions and is regularly exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee frequently is exposed to fumes or airborne particles such as exhaust from motors or dust from tree cutting. The employee is expected to respond to emergency calls as needed 24 hours per day.

The employee may be required to monitor contractor work on Saturday occasionally. The employee's duties involve the responsibility for the safety and well-being of citizens of the City.