Park Worker 3 (Allegany State Park - Tree Crew

Park Worker 3

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) in the Allegany Region is seeking a Park Worker 3 to manage the Allegany Region Tree Crew. This position will coordinate hazardous tree mitigation with each facility, determine tree planting needs, schedule and track budgets for seasonal staff, train and evaluate sawyers on the tree crew as well as at each facility.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Under the direction of the Natural Resources Operations Manager, SG-18, the incumbent will be responsible for Tree Crew operations and safety, including training of subordinate staff in the identification of native and ornamental trees and the operation of typical equipment/tools used to remove trees and brush.
• Confers with the Park Managers to identify potentially hazardous trees that will be removed, or branches to be pruned. Will assist park managers in hazardous tree assessments throughout the Region.
• Oversees and performs proper tree care operations including tree removal and pruning from aerial lifts and the ground. Will also supervise planting, stump grinding, brush chipping, and integrative pest and vegetation management.
• Ensures and demonstrates work being performed is done to current arboricultural best practices and safety standards.
• Operates and maintains various equipment including chainsaws, bucket truck, aerial lift, dump truck, chipper, stump grinder, skid steer, and other heavy equipment and hand tools used in tree care and park operations.
• Properly identifies native and ornamental park trees and applies knowledge of tree growth and physiological characteristics.
• May interact with park patrons to resolve concerns, answer questions, and give general directions.
• May perform various grounds maintenance duties such as collecting refuse/litter, cleaning restrooms, clearing and maintaining roads and trails including winter snow removal.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

• One year of experience in the operation and/or maintenance of a park, historic site, golf course, or recreational facility; OR
• One year of experience in any of the following fields: law enforcement or security, firefighting, emergency medical services, environmental education or stewardship, natural resources management (e.g., forest management, wildlife management/preservation), historic preservation or interpretation, landscaping or grounds maintenance; OR
• One year of military service in any branch of the United States Armed Forces; OR
• Thirty (30) semester credit hours of college-level coursework from an accredited college or university; OR
• Completion of a two-year technical/trades school program; OR
• Two years of experience as a trade assistant working under the direct supervision of a skilled tradesperson.

Additional comments:

OPERATING NEEDS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license that allows the candidate to legally operate a vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Must be available to work a variable schedule that includes weekends, holidays and/or evening shifts.
• Must have the ability to operate a chainsaw and must complete OPRHP sawyer training or equivalent within the probationary period and maintain it as a term and condition of employment. This training will be provided by OPRHP.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR training within the probationary period and maintain it as a term and condition of employment.
• Must be physically able to perform medium to heavy manual labor and be able to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Must have the ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on a variety of power-driven mechanical equipment, including trucks, chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders and skid steers.
• Must be willing to work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.

BENEFITS:

Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:

• Paid Time Off: CSEA: 44 days – 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 5 personal leave days, 13 holidays
• Health Care Benefits:
  Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• Additional Benefits:
  New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Membership, NYS Deferred Compensation, Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Paid Parental Leave