Urban Forestry Maintenance Operator - Limited Duration

Job Summary

The City of Salem Parks Operations Urban Forestry Division is looking for a tree crew support worker to support all tree related activities. This position is funded through an IRA USFS Workforce Development Grant and would allow the qualified candidate to work and train alongside current City of Salem Urban Forestry staff in learning all job duties of professional tree care.

Job shadowing and trainings would include tree identification, GIS tree inventory collection, asset management software, tree planting techniques, structural pruning practices, trailer training, wood chipper safety, stump grinding operation, tree rescue training, bucket truck operation, introduction to tree climbing, IPM tree injections, leading volunteer events, community outreach, Traffic control training and certification, heavy equipment training, First Aid & CPR training and certification and learning ISA, TCIA and ANSI professional standards in tree care.

The position will operate a full array of landscape tools including hand tools, chainsaws, blowers, power pruners, brush chippers and stump grinders. This position will also operate mini skid steers, full size skid steers, heavy equipment related to tree removals and tree plantings, as well as be expected to drive larger vehicles.

There is expectation that the successful candidate will be available for after hours emergency tree work at night and will be placed on standby for certain events and seasonally. In addition, the employee will be expected to be comfortable and knowledgeable in speaking with the public about the work being done by the Urban Forestry Division.

Employees work under general supervision of the Urban Forester and are lead in daily tasks by Project Coordinators and Tree Crew members. Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of this classification. Employees in this classification may act in a lead role directing the job site tasks of seasonal employees, volunteers or corrections personnel.

• Occupational hazards and the safety precautions necessary in area of work assignment.
• Positive and effective customer service principles.
• Safe work practices.
• Basic mathematical concepts.
• Modern technology includes computers, handheld devices and relevant software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public. Communicate information so others will understand both orally and in writing.

• Heavy work; exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Visual acuity necessary to perform an activity such as: reading blueprints or drawings, operating a motor vehicle; viewing a computer terminal; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.
• Perform tasks that may require the incumbent to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand for prolonged periods of 2 hours or more, walk, lift, use manual dexterity, repetitive motions, and grasp with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Receive detailed information through oral communication.
• Work is primarily performed in the outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Must have an Oregon Driver license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen depending on area assignment.
• Two years of experience in parks maintenance, repair, construction, or landscaping, horticulture, turf, or sports field maintenance or experience tree trimming, or acting as a ground hand.
• Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Oregon Pesticide…