Tree Trimmer/Climber

Conducts tree trimming and removal surrounding electrical power lines for right-of way clearance using a bucket truck or climbing and rigging techniques, depending on the terrain. 

 include the following. 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.

Tree Trimming: safely trims, cuts, and/or removes dead or excess branches from trees and properly fells trees in the proper direction as to not result in personal injury or surrounding property damage; must be able to identify excessive or obstructive branches; properly cuts away dead and excess branches from trees, or clears branches around power lines using climbing equipment or buckets on extended truck booms and/or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers. Hoists tools and equipment to tree trimmers and lower branches with ropes or block and tackle; removes broken limbs from wires using hooked extension poles; trims jagged stumps using saws or pruning shears; clears sites, streets, and grounds of debris and refuse from tree trimming and removal operations; uses wood chipper and hauls refuse as directed; prunes and shapes trees in a manner that is both healthy to the tree while providing adequate right-of-way clearance.

Supervises crew: directs and supervises ground help in roping and removing/lowering large tree limbs in a safe and non-destructive manner;  supervises ground help in proper signage, safely operating a mechanical chipper; instructs ground help on how to maintain vehicles and equipment (sharpen chainsaws, lube equipment as needed). 

Serves as a member of NLRED Emergency Outage Restoration Team when emergencies occur:  part of on-call schedule, responds to call-ins during outages, responds to major outages when not on-call.    

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.

• No felony convictions.

• Five (5) years of previous verifiable tree trimming and climbing experience.

• A valid Arkansas Class A Commercial Driver's License and good driving record are required or ability to obtain license within six months of hire.

• Must be able to drive a manual transmission vehicle.

The complexity, guidelines, supervisory controls, and supervision responsibilities described below are representative of this position.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The work is closely controlled, either by a supervisor or the structured nature of the work.  For both one-of a kind and repetitive tasks the supervisor makes specific assignments that are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instructions.

  The worker consults with the supervisor as needed on all matters not specifically covered in the original instructions or guidelines.  The supervisor reviews most work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Provides task supervision to the tree trimming crew. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include the safety and welfare of subordinates, training employees; assigning and directing work; assisting with performance appraisal; recommending or disciplining employees.

COMPLEXITY:

The work consists of tasks that are clear-cut and directly related; there is little or no choice to be made in deciding what needs to be done; actions to be taken or responses to be made are readily discernible; the work is quickly mastered.

GUIDELINES:

Specific, detailed guidelines covering all important aspects of the assignment are provided; authorization is needed for deviations. There is no choice in deciding what needs to be done and very little choice in how the task is to be done.