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Job Description

URBAN FORESTRY TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE 40030

Effective Date:	Rev. 11/07A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform tasks that involve the care and maintenance of hardwood and palm trees located throughout the urban forest of the city of Phoenix. This work involves the pruning, removal of trees and their general maintenance. The Urban Forestry Technician is responsible for leading and providing instruction to Urban Forestry Technician Trainees in the pruning or removal of trees, daily work production and the care and use of all tools and equipment used on the job. Other duties may include assisting foremen with inspecting and determining the extent of pruning, surgery, removal, elevating or other corrective action required for trees and shrubs located on public property. This classification performs tasks that vary in complexity requiring incumbents to exercise independent judgment in accomplishing work assignments. Work is performed under the supervision of a Parks Foreman I, Parks Foreman II, or the Forestry Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs the work of other employees;
• Operates aerial bucket truck to perform tree maintenance activities;
• Climbs trees, using safety equipment and tools, and prunes trees to eliminate hazards and preserve tree health;
• Fells dead or dangerous trees using chain saws, ropes and aerial bucket truck;
• Sharpens chain saw chains with a hand file and performs minor field repairs;
• Conducts visual inspections of trees along right of way, parks, alleys, and other public properties to determine corrective action necessary to alleviate any problems;
• Assists in investigating work requests and makes recommendations regarding the type of work to be performed;
• Operates and feeds the chipper and enforces safety rules;
• Operates power driven machinery such as a chain saw, hydraulic pruning equipment, gasoline powered hedge trimmer, stump grinder or other similarly sized equipment;
• Cleans equipment using appropriate materials;
• Cleans debris from tree trimming 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:

• Communicate orally in the English language with customers, clients or the public in a face to face, one to one setting.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material. Work in small, cramped areas.
• Climb trees and work in precarious positions at considerable heights generally ranging from 30 to 70 feet.
• Operate an aerial bucket truck.
• Set up and remove barricades, traffic codes, or similar objects.
• Travel over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) short distances (20 feet or less).
• Move objects (20-50 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place mainly in an on the job training setting.
• Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time.
• Work cooperatively with the public and other employees.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.

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 assignment, location, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Successful completion of the City of Phoenix Urban Forestry Trainee Program and the ability to perform a wide variety of tree pruning and removal work. Certification as a Tree Worker/Climber from the International Society of Arboriculture is desirable. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.