Tree Climber

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Tree Climber uses climbing and rigging techniques to improve appearance, health, and value of trees. Prunes or treats trees or shrubs using chainsaws, hand pruners, and power pruners working off the ground in the tree canopy or truck-mounted lifts. The Tree Climber assists in the completion of day-to-day activities for the Tree Division. The Tree Climber is involved in all activities of the job up to and including cleanup of the job and equipment. 

RESPONSIBILITIE/DUTIES:

• Climbs to heights of at least 75 feet.
• Performs tree maintenance and removals.
• Operates a bucket truck, chipper, chipper truck, stump grinder, all types of chain saws and other tree-related equipment.
• Cleans, maintains, services equipment, and makes minor equipment repairs.
• Makes judgments related to the job and job tasks while working.
• Operates various hand tools, including but not limited to, chain saws, shovels, sledge hammers, chain saws, and rakes.
• Cuts away dead and excess branches from trees, or clear branches around power lines, using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck booms, and/or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers.
• Collects debris and refuse from tree trimming and removal operations into piles, using shovels, rakes or other tools.
• Assist in loading debris and refuse onto trucks and hauls it away for disposal.
• Trims, tops, and reshapes trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches.
• Assists others engaged in tree trimming work and trains other employees as needed.
• Inspects trees to determine if they have diseases or pest problems.
• Exhibits the ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to provided work schedule.
• Loads and unloads dirt, gravel, sand, mulch, and debris as needed.
• Responsible for ensuring that the PA DOT medical card is kept current and valid.  This includes scheduling necessary appointment with Concentra to renew the card prior to expiration.
• Responsible for cleaning out all machines and vehicles at the end of each work day.   
• Responsible for staying current with Arborist license and/or other state issued licenses including paying for and scheduling necessary training courses and/or tests.
• Submits accurate, completed, work order paperwork to the Tree Service manager at the end of each work day.
• Responsible for distributing Fairfield Landscaping advertising materials to homes in the neighborhoods where work is being conducted.
• Provides labor for snow removal including shoveling, salting and operates snow plow as required.
• Accurately records work time and follows time keeping system policy.
• Completes all other reasonable duties, as assigned.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

• Follows all personal safety precautions.
• Safely uses all hand/power tools and equipment taking responsibility for reporting any broken or unsafe equipment which require maintenance immediately to Tree Service Manager or Service Manager.
• Reports any unsafe conditions, employee injuries or damage to customer property to Tree Service Manager in a timely fashion.
• Follows all standards as defined in the Fairfield Employee Handbook including but not limited to uniforms and appearance, work place conduct, attendance, job performance, and safety policies and procedures including wearing all personal protective equipment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Must be able to identify native and introduced tree and shrub species and have a working knowledge of each species growth characteristics.
• Knowledge and ability to properly prune shade, evergreen and ornamental tree species and have a working knowledge of tree wounds and compartmentalization.
• Knowledge and ability to tie basic knots including but not limited to: bowline, Blake’s hitch, tautline hitch, and clove hitch.
• Knowledge and ability to use lowering techniques and devices as related to tree work.
• Must have sufficient physical strength and ability to independently and repeatedly lift, move and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds and to repeatedly lift, move and carry objects weighing more than 100 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to work effectively and in a positive manner in a team environment.
• Exhibits a respectful and positive attitude.
• Exhibits good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Exhibits attention to detail on all responsibilities and duties. 
• Ability to interface with all types of mechanical and construction contractors.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May be required to possess or be able to obtain a valid and appropriate state driver’s license or CDL prior to employment.

EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Previous labor experience required.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years climbing experience with a tree care/maintenance program, including but not limited to: tree climbing, tree pruning, tree removal, operation of stump grinder, chipper, chipper truck, bucket truck, and other tree related equipment.
• Willingness and ability to perform manual work following verbal and written instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMAND/REQUIREMENTS:

• Performs heavy manual labor for extended periods while frequently lifting objects weighing 50- 100 pounds.
• Performs duties while standing, walking, bending, sitting, or climbing trees and ladders.
• Excellent stamina is required.

Will be required to work outside in all kinds of weather conditions.