TREE MAINTENANCE WORKER 1

Definition

Under direction, performs semi-skilled and manual work to assist in pruning, feeding, bracing, repairing, spraying, fertilizing, removing and transplanting trees and shrubs; learns to climb trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts, and other manual or mechanical equipment used to aid in performing tree maintenance tasks; when assigned to an electric utility unit, in accordance with state and federal regulations, learns and performs the above work primarily around power lines to minimize storm and short circuit hazards; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Learns how to climb trees using individual climbing gear; learns to remove dead or diseased limbs and to top trees; may work from vertical lift truck when conditions are unsafe to climb.
• Performs semi-skilled and manual work to assist in pruning, feeding, bracing, repairing, spraying, fertilizing, removing and transplanting trees and shrubs.
• Uses pole shears, saws, axes and other cutting tools to prune trees or remove dead limbs; operates, and feeds branches, into chipper.
• Cares for trees damaged by storm or disease by trimming, topping and/or removing damaged or hazardous limbs, following established industry guidelines.
• Scrapes decayed matter from cavities in trees using shovels or picks and fills holes with cement to promote healing and prevent further deterioration.
• Cuts down trees and cuts limbs to size using chain, or hand saws and other tools.
• Assists in installing guying and bracing to prevent wind damage and encourage correct growth.
• Uses ropes and rigging systems to safely remove tree branches.
• Bags and transplants trees and shrubs using burlap and shovel.
• May mix premeasured chemicals according to specific directions and spray and dust pesticides on shrubs and trees to control pests and diseases;
• Fertilizes trees to promote growth using appropriate method and equipment.
• Plants trees and shrubs by digging holes, setting, back-filling, watering and bracing.
• Operates chainsaws, motorized winches, stump grinders, chippers and various types of hand tools.
• Performs minor maintenance on equipment or tools used.
• May operate motor vehicles and light construction equipment on a limited basis.
• May mix premeasured chemicals according to specific directions and spray trees, shrubs, and plants, to control pests and disease.
• When assigned to an electric utility unit, learns to fell trees interfering with power service, using chainsaws.
• When assigned to an electric utility unit, learns to climb, trim, spray, top and cut down trees and limbs primarily around electric power lines.
• When assigned to an electric utility unit, learns to operate aerial truck, pole saw, chain saw, chippers, winches, stump grinders or other mechanized equipment as necessary for maintenance of utility properties and rights-of-way.
• When assigned to an electric utility unit, learns to use insulated stick or other approved personal protective equipment to remove limbs from power lines or energized equipment.
• When assigned to an electric utility unit, may apply herbicides to deter unwanted tree or vegetation growth, or weed killer to control vines, weeds or poison growth near electric power lines, poles or other infrastructure.
• Performs a variety of tasks such as planting grass seed, placing sod on areas, cutting brush, mowing grass, and loading and unloading refuse, removing snow, and so forth.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Appointees may be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of established industry standards for forestry methods and tree care, after a period of training.
• Knowledge of current NJDOT guidelines for traffic control when working in public rights-of-way, after a period of training.
• Knowledge of precautions and safe working practices involved in climbing, topping, and sawing limbs off trees, felling trees, lowering limbs and operating motorized hand equipment, after a period of training.
• Knowledge of the safety precautions used when working around high and low energized electric power lines when assigned to an electric utility unit, after a period of training.
• Ability to climb trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts, or other equipment.
• Ability learn and practice precautions used when climbing and working around high and low energized electric power lines when assigned to an electric utility unit.
• Ability to learn to use or operate a chain saw, stump grinders, chippers, handsaws, axes, wedges and other power and/or hand tools used to perform tree maintenance tasks.
• Ability to learn to tie various knots used in tree maintenance work.
• Ability to perform mechanical and manual operations.
• Ability to learn to set up routine rigging, hoists, blocks and tackle.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy objects for short distances.
• Ability to observe safety precautions in climbing trees.
• Ability to work from heights in excess of 30 feet, suspended from climbing gear or in a lift truck.
• Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral direction.
• Ability to learn quickly from oral instruction and from demonstrations.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

When assigned to an electric utility unit, incumbents must complete Appointing Authority administered training to learn to perform the functions of a Tree Climber, Electric Utility.

The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.

Appointees may be required to obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certification issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.