TREE MAINTENANCE WORKER 3

Definition

Under direction, performs skilled tree maintenance work such as pruning, feeding, bracing, repairing, spraying, fertilizing, removing and transplanting trees and shrubs; climbs trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts, and other manual or mechanical equipment used to aid in performing tree maintenance tasks; takes the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff; may function as an assistant supervisor; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Provides assignments, instruction and guidance to skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff.
• Takes the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff, and performs the more complex and difficult tasks.
• May function in an assistant supervisor capacity depending on the organizational structure of the hiring agency.
• Uses pole shears, saws, axes and other cutting tools to prune trees or remove dead limbs; operates and feeds branches into chipper.
• 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 using chain or hand saws.
• Installs guying and bracing to prevent wind damage and encourage correct growth.
• Uses ropes and pulleys to remove tree branches.
• Bags and transplants trees and shrubs using burlap and shovel.
• Sprays and dusts pesticides on shrubs and trees to control pests and diseases.
• Fertilizes trees to promote growth using appropriate method and equipment.
• Applies herbicides to kill brush and weeds.
• Plants trees and shrubs by digging holes, setting, back-filling, watering and bracing.
• Visually inspects trees and shrubs to diagnose diseased, infested, damaged or unsafe conditions.
• Performs minor maintenance to equipment or tools used.
• Ensures safety procedures, rules and regulations are followed, and deadlines are met.
• May operate motor vehicles and light construction equipment on a limited basis.
• Oversees and may perform 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.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs, which shall have included the use and/or operation of manual or mechanical equipment used to climb trees.

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 the methods, practices, tools and materials used in the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in tree maintenance work.
• Knowledge of the common varieties of trees and their structure.
• Knowledge of knots, hitches and rigging used to lower limbs and tree tops.
• Ability to climb trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts, or other equipment.
• Ability 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 provide assignment, instruction and guidance to skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff.
• Ability to take the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff.
• Ability to tie knots such as square bowline.
• Ability to perform mechanical and manual operations.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy objects for short distances.
• 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.

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.