Tree Climber

Serves as a team member of a tree crew with the primary responsibility of climbing and assisting the City Arborist in the performance of all City tree services. Work is performed under the continuous supervision of a crew chief or skilled tree maintenance worker. Work is performed under exterior conditions which can be only partially controlled and requires the exercise of strenuous physical exertion.

• Follows safe practices in the performance of duties in accordance with ANSI A-300 and Z-133 standards.
• Identifies native and introduced tree and shrub species.
• Uses powered and non-powered cutting tools to prune trees and woody shrubs.
• Operates and feeds branches and other vegetative debris into chipper.
• Operates machinery associated with stump grinding and prepares sites for installation of new trees.
• Assists in the removal and installation of street trees of varying sizes in accordance with applicable standards and best practices.
• Performs all required ground, climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments and as directed by crew leader.
• Operates power augers and sprayers to feed and treat trees for pests and disease; removes insects and fungus from trees. 
• Removes and lowers tree branches using ropes, arborist blocks and friction devices; cables and braces trees with split or weak branch unions.
• Responds to emergency calls to remove fallen trees and/or limbs from roadways, sidewalks, and other locations/circumstances that pose an immediate threat to health and safety.
• Ascends trees (up to 100 ft.) using ropes and climbing harnesses, ladders or aerial lifts.
• Acts as liaison to affected property owners for planned or ongoing tree work, maintaining the highest professional standards of customer service.
• Participates in all job site safety briefings and reports observed or potential hazards to supervisors.
• Demonstrates and performs proper climbing techniques and procedures, pruning skills, application of approved knots and rigging techniques.
• Assists with establishing work zones on City streets and other active traffic areas, including but not limited to flagging and placement of traffic control devices. 
• Operates light automotive vehicles including but not limited to pickup trucks, dump trucks, riding mowing tractors, and other power driven equipment that are less than 26,000 GVW.
• Operates motorized equipment and machinery to haul soil, sand, mulch, debris or other materials as well as performing general maintenance work and snow removal.
• Performs related manual labor work in all parks and grounds maintenance activities.

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from High School or completion of a GED is required.
• One (1) year of experience in grounds maintenance caring for park or landscaped areas.
• Two (2) years of experience in the care and maintenance of trees, which shall have included climbing trees by means of ropes and harnesses or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.
• Knowledge, skills and/or abilities assessment tests may be conducted as part of the position screening process.

 
Licenses and Certificates

• Possession of a current valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required. 
• ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist credential or ability to acquire certification within twelve (12) months of hire is required.
• Able to obtain the Department of Agriculture Public Pesticide Applicator Certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire as follows:
  1. Category 0: Core 
  2. Category 6: Ornamental and Shade Trees
  3. Category 7: Lawn & Turf
  4. Category 10: Right of Way 
  5. Category 23: Park or School

• Knowledge of safe practices related to tree trimming, removal, and installation in accordance with ANSI A-300 and Z-133 standards.
• Knowledge of the principles of grounds and turf maintenance.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment typically used in the arboriculture industry.
• Knowledge of the common characteristics of native and non-native trees and woody shrubs.
• Knowledge of City regulations concerning the planting and care of street trees.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in tree maintenance work.
• Knowledge of concepts related to tree wounding/pruning; knowledge of proper pruning practices including large shade trees and ornamentals in accordance with ANSI A-300 standards.
• Some knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions in operating equipment is required.
• Some knowledge of the geography of the City is highly desirable.
• Skill in the operation of power and hand tools.
• Skill in the use of ropes, pole shears, pruning saws, power saws, sprayers, and other standard tools and equipment used for the operations of motorized trim lift for the trimming specialty.
• Ability to follow instructions and safety precautions when using pesticides. 
• Ability to learn and adhere to the methods, practices and tools used in tree maintenance work.
• Ability to perform a variety of manual tasks.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for an extended period, often under adverse climatic conditions.
• Ability to climb trees up to 100 ft. and operate an aerial lift truck up to 60 ft. on a daily basis.
• Ability to make minor repairs, adjustments and service to operating equipment.
• Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets is required.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and to maintain positive interactions is required. 
• Positive interpersonal skills are required.
• Proven ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment is required.
• Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English is required.
• Ability to comprehend written and/or oral instructions.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate successfully with others is required.
• Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations is required.
• Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs is required.
• Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement is required.
  
  

Environmental Conditions 

• Work is predominantly performed outdoors, exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperature.
• Exposure to noise, dust, pollution, vehicle/equipment exhaust and chemicals typically employed in arboriculture.
• Climbs and performs duties on a wide variety of sizeable trees up to 100 ft. from grade.
• Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery, including active vehicular traffic zones.
• Requires working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.

 
Safety Equipment Used or Needed

• Personal Protective Equipment such as hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, rain gear/boots, steel toed safety shoes, and respirators. 
• Fall arrest harnesses and rigging.

 
Comments 

• Requires standing, bending, walking and sitting and climbing in the performance of duties up to eight (8) or more hours a day.
• Requires multi limb coordination – the ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, ore one arm or one leg) while sitting, standing or lying down.
• Requires heavy manual lifting up to 80 lbs.
• This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Salary : $46,426