Job Description

URBAN FORESTRY TECHNICIAN TRAINEE

(Non-classified)

JOB CODE 40020

Effective Date:	Rev. 11/07A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to learn the tasks involved in the care and maintenance of hardwood trees and palms. The Urban Forestry Technician Trainee learns to perform routine work in pruning, removal and general maintenance of hardwood trees and palm trees located throughout the urban forest of the City of Phoenix. Each task is performed under close supervision, the degree of which varies as the Trainee acquires proficiency. The work is performed under the direct instruction of an Urban Forestry Technician or a Forestry Section Parks Foreman I, who inspects the work in progress and upon completion. Successful completion of the Urban Forestry Technician training program results in appointment to the Urban Forestry Technician classification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operates an aerial bucket truck to prune hardwood trees and palms;
• Removes dead or hazardous hardwood trees and palms;
• Removes hazardous and/or broken branches;
• Prunes palms to remove dead fronds and seed stalks;
• Maintains, cleans, and makes minor repairs to tools and equipment such as chainsaws, handsaws, axes, shovels, and loppers;
• Operates equipment and vehicles that relate to tree pruning and removal including a brush chipper, chainsaw, hydraulic pruning saw, gasoline powered hedge trimmer, stump grinder and other related equipment;
• Cleans debris from hardwood tree and palm pruning or removal operations using a shovel, rake or other tools;
• Loads trucks;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to:

• Learn the operation of an aerial bucket truck.
• Learn the hazards and safety precautions of the profession.
• Acquire, through training, skill in the use and maintenance of climbing equipment, ropes, knots and tools used in tree care operations.
• Climb trees and to work in precarious positions at considerable heights of generally 30-70 feet above the ground.
• Read and understand oral instructions.
• Work cooperatively with the general public and other City employees.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Learn modern tree care and maintenance methods primarily through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.

Additional Requirements:

• This classification requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. In addition, individuals are required to pass an Arizona Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license.
• Pre-employment drug testing is required, and employees will be subject to unannounced alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Demonstrated ability to perform tree maintenance work as shown by prior experience and training or through examination. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.