Tree Trimmer

Position Description

About Seattle Parks and Recreation:

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity & Inclusion:

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities. #OneSeattle

About the Parks and Environment Division:

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is seeking a Tree Trimmer to join our Urban Forestry Unit. SPR manages a 6,414-acre park system of over 480 developed parks and extensive natural areas. Tree trimmers play a key role in the preservation, enhancement, and equitable management of natural and developed parkland in the city.

To be successful in this position, experienced candidates must have at minimum, be able to obtain an ISA Certified Arborist credential within one year of employment. The candidate must have excellent customer service skills, value diversity equity and inclusion, have a passion for preserving and caring for trees, and be a good team-player to support crew members and interdepartmental needs. Other preferred skills are to have basic knowledge of tree risk assessment techniques, have experience working with storm-damaged trees and hazard tree felling. This position will report to the Arboriculturist.

Job Responsibilities

• Support and participate in the work of a tree crew. Carry out work assignments and assigned tasks in the most efficient and effective manner.
• Prune, remove and carry out any required tree maintenance work on trees in the green belts, arterial, park and boulevard trees under Parks' management jurisdiction to enhance public safety and maintain healthy trees.
• Assist in the training of new hires, temporary or seasonal ground support on tree work practices including work safety, equipment use and industry standards and best practices.

• Climb trees of varying heights using rope, saddles, spurs, ladders, or aerial hydraulic lifts to safely prune, remove trees, install tree support systems, or maintain trees for wildlife habitats.
• Fell trees and salvage fallen timber.
• Respond to any tree or departmental emergencies, not limited to tree failures, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Maintain, inspect, and operate a variety of equipment such as hydraulic aerial lift, trucks, hand and power saws, compressors, woodchippers, winches, blowers, stump cutters and other field equipment.
• May be called upon to spray or inject trees with pesticides.

• Assist in stump grinding and removal work, including any necessary preparation work like locating utilities.
• Assess tree health and risk with the goal of protecting property and public safety.
• Use ArcGIS Applications and any other applicable internal software and database for tree inventory data collection, labor time entries and accurately maintains work records.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
One year experience in urban forestry, landscape maintenance, tree farming, or tree trimming which involves the use of safety harnesses, climbing equipment, aerial hydraulic lift trucks, rigging, and chain saws and includes the application of arboricultural practices, proper pruning methods, and related safety practices (combinations of education, training, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Current Washington State Driver's License, Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake restriction removed and valid medical certificate*
• Current First Aid/CPR certification*
• Washington State Flagging/Traffic Control certification*
• WSDA Certified Public Operator may be required by some positions,
• ISA Arborist Certification to be obtained within 1 year of employment,
• Familiarity with State and Federal regulations regarding tree trimming is required.

*These licenses and/or certifications may be obtained within 6 months of hire for some positions.

You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• One year of experience in the arboriculture industry as a tree climber, tree trimmer or utility tree worker.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office tools, ArcGIS, online timecard entry systems and phone applications.
• Experience working with storm-damaged trees.

Additional Information

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice .

The full salary range for this position is $ 33.25 to $ 35.95 per hour .

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply : This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ IA+ , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process , including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance , SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 . A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020 . Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time , 12 paid holida ys , and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans .

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation ? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR's Core Competencies are:
Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.

Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.

Communication : Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City .

Teamwork : Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 11/21/2023 4:00 PM Pacific