Arborist Technician

Job Description

Under general supervision, the 3434 Arborist Technician performs duties involving the maintenance and removal of trees and other vegetation and performs related duties as required. The essential functions of this class include climbing up trees and/or using aerial lift equipment to reach dead, damaged or unwanted limbs or tree tops for removal and pruning, or for purposes of complete tree removal; performing various types of rigging with cranes, skitters, tractors and other heavy equipment; preparing brush for disposal, operating chipper and driving aerial lift equipment vehicles, heavy loader trucks or other required vehicles. Incumbents must have good knowledge of rigging principles for the safe and efficient removal of trees and limbs in an urban environment. Must follow all safety practices while working in an urban environment to protect co-workers and the public. Must be able to drive an Ariel Lift Truck and a Chipper Truck with a trailer. Must maintain Arborist equipment on the vehicles at all times.

Essential Functions:

1. Assesses and evaluates condition of trees and other vegetation; maintains tree inventories.

2. Climbs trees and removes dead, diseased or otherwise damaged or unwanted limbs or tree tops; prunes, fells and cuts up trees; piles trimmings for pick up and disposal.

3. Performs various types of rigging in connection with this work; operates chain and hand saws, aerial ladder truck, chipper, and other equipment.

4. Drives heavy equipment.

5. Performs related duties as assigned.

Nature of the work:

This work involves exposure to a high risk of physical injury to the employee and constant vigilance to public safety. Positions in this job code require considerable physical demands, manual dexterity with frequent exposure to arduous and disagreeable working conditions, including inclement weather.