Equipment Operator I- Arborist

NATURE OF WORK
The purpose of this position is to perform tasks related to the maintenance of the City’s urban tree canopy. Duties include planting, pruning, and removing trees and branches using industry standard practices and equipment with an emphasis on ground-based tasks. This is labor-intensive work and requires strong communication skills to safely work with all crew members at the various job sites through the City of Portsmouth.

Performance is subject to review according to the City's personnel plan through observation, reports and the results achieved.

SUPERVISION
Work is performed under the general direction of the Public Works Director, Deputy Public Works Director, General Foreman, or their designee. Incumbent plans and carries out daily work with a degree of independence and teamwork.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

1. Skilled in the use of ground-based arboriculture specialty equipment to include grapple truck, chipper, stump grinder, spray/watering truck, chain saw, and air spade. Rigging equipment to include arborist block, pulley, slings, cariners, friction brake, GRCS, and mechanical advantage system; proficient with a variety of industry standard knots.

2. Must perform all duties of ground-based tree care operations that include establishing rigging equipment, felling trees, establishing safety for self, coworkers, public, and property, worksite clearing and processing of material.

3. May direct permanent, seasonal, and intern staff while in the field; possesses the ability to understand tasks, devise and implement a work plan with guidance from the Tree

4. Possess a thorough understanding of tree physiology and the proper techniques to maintain tree health through pruning, fertilizing, and establishment.

5. Understanding of work safety practices identified in ANSI Z.133 Safety Standard, and the ability to identify and correct unsafe work practices performed by self or others; demonstrate a commitment to safety in all work operations; proper use of worksite personal protective equipment (PPE).

6. Use of tree preservation tools such as air spade, porous pave, compost tea brewing and application for trees afflicted by natural disaster and with biotic or abiotic stressors.

7. Maintains all PPE, hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment used in daily operations.

8. Must respond to emergencies after normal business hours, including all winter snow operations, severe weather events, and City events.

9. Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...

1. A strong understanding of all elements relating to tree work in an urban setting.

2. Ability to determine the best way to undertake various tasks and projects, particularly in his/her areas of skill, plan the work, effectively supervise other assigned employees in their work and efficiently and effectively complete assigned work. A good understanding of the interdependence between assigned work or projects and the entire job and the sequence in which work should be performed.

3. Ability to effectively and safely use power driven tools, hand tools, specialized machines and heavy equipment and a good knowledge of the characteristics of materials used i.e., their purpose, suitability for application or use and useful life.

4. A strong commitment to producing excellent work and work products in the most cost- effective manner possible.

5. On-going development and training of acquired skills and knowledge in the efficient, safe and effective use of equipment, materials, tools, computerized equipment and time.

6. Strong personal example to provide excellent services to external and internal customers.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co- workers, employees in other divisions or municipal departments and City officials.

8. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels and maintain and understanding of racial equity, inclusion, and belonging.

ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT
Work is performed in garage, yard, field locations and while driving and requires substantial physical dexterity, strength and use of all limbs and most fingers. This includes the ability to work in and around all types of job sites and projects and to lift up to 80 pounds unassisted. Work is performed in all weather conditions and at elevated heights. Equipment operation and record keeping knowledge is required. He/she must be able to hear normal sounds, distinguish sound as voice patterns and communicate through human speech.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants for this position must have graduated from high school or have earned a graduate equivalent diploma (GED). Minimum two (2) years of experience in urban forestry is required.

The successful candidate shall possess, or have the ability to acquire in 12 months, the International

Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) Certified Arborist Certification. An incumbent must possess, or obtain in 12 months, a valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class B and have no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability by any insurance carrier providing coverage to the City.

(The above descriptions are illustrative. They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.72 - $26.15 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Urban Forestry: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)
• Certified Arborist (Preferred)
• CDL B (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $26