Urban Forestry Worker I

The City of Salinas is seeking to fill one vacancy in the Urban Forestry Division, this vacancy may be filled either at the II or I level based on experience and certifications. This is an open until filled recruitment and may close at anytime.

All applicants must provide proof of education and Driver's license at time of application submittal.  Copies of high school diploma/transcripts will be accepted. A copy of a valid California Driver's License will be accepted. Applications will be considered incomplete without the required documents.

Summary of Duties:

To perform a variety of skilled work involving the pruning, removal, planting and general maintenance of trees.  Perform semi?skilled and skilled general landscape maintenance duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is a journey level position in the Urban Forestry class series.   Positions in this class may be required to perform the full range of urban forestry work but are distinguished from other positions in the Urban Forestry class series in that they are not expected to climb or lead a crew on a regular basis.  The primary assignment of this position is that of ground support to forestry activities and the operation and maintenance of the equipment required to carry out ground level pruning, chipping and maintenance tasks.

• Prune trees and shrubbery at ground level using prescribed methods.

• To provide clearance of streets, sidewalks, signs, and lights and as necessary to ensure continued health of trees and shrubs.

• Remove fallen trees, dead limbs, stumps and other debris during the course of a regular working day as well as on an emergency call out basis.

• Clean, maintain and repair Forestry Section equipment and tools.

• Work both independently and as a crew member in all aspects of urban forestry related work.

• Plant, stake and apply pesticides to trees.

• Operate chipper, aerial lift, stump grinders, chain saws, drive trucks and operate other related forestry equipment.

• Irrigate, weed, prune and fertilize trees and shrubs.

• Perform general landscape maintenance work when not assigned to tree pruning duties.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Receives general supervision from the Maintenance Manager or designee.  Primary supervision provided by the Urban Forestry Crew Supervisor.  Lead supervision may be provided by a Senior Urban Forestry Worker.Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in all aspects of urban forestry operations.

• Methods, materials, equipment and tools used in general landscape maintenance operations.

• Tree diseases, pests and proper materials and methods for their eradication.

• Safe and efficient work practices relating to urban forestry duties.

• Semi?skilled and skilled tree pruning and maintenance work.

• Effective use of forestry tools and equipment and ability to safely check and report any defects.

Ability to:

• Work independently in the absence of supervision.

• Work cooperatively as a crewmember.

• Assist in the training and supervision of less experienced personnel.

• To understand and carry out oral and written directions.

• Perform a variety of general landscape maintenance duties.

• Competently prune trees.

• Effectively operate and maintain vehicles, equipment and tools.

• Use forestry equipment and tools.

• Safely and effectively prepare and apply pesticides and herbicides as trained and authorized.

Education:

High School Diploma/GED.

Experience:

Any combination equivalent to one year of full-time urban forestry experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possess a valid California Driver's License.

Possession of valid California "Class B" Driver's License, valid Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) and American Red Cross issued Basic First Aid cards within six (6) months of appointment.

(Upon hire, the City of Salinas will pay for the required training in order to obtain the Class B Driver's License, CPR and First Aid certifications.)Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read fine printed materials on labels, Material Safety Data Sheets, manuals, maps, diagrams, to work with color-coded wires with no color deficiencies; hearing sufficient to conduct in person, radio and telephone conversations occasionally over the noise of operating equipment; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about uneven terrain of a park or un-landscaped terrain; physical strength to lift from the floor up to 60 lbs and up to 90 pounds with assistance; physical stamina sufficient to sit or walk for prolonged periods of time and persevere long periods of exposure to pollen and grass - no severe allergic reactions to dust or pollen; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.

Working Conditions:  Perform heavy manual labor for periods up to but not limited to 8 hours. Stand and work alone on aerial lifts while pruning trees at elevations up to fifty feet above ground.  Be available for emergency call out response for forestry activities. Work outdoors under adverse conditions such as night, in heavy traffic, in heat, wind, cold and rain.   Work in environments with very loud equipment noise levels.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.