Job Description

Forestry Technician

This is a skilled position that performs a variety of forestry duties on all trees located on city properties including boulevards, parkways and parks. Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm, occasional nights and weekends required Starting hourly rate: $24.5799 ($51,126.12 annually) Initial interviews: TBD Start date: TBD

Essential Job Functions

• Performs all aspects of tree maintenance, including planting, pruning, inspecting, treating, fertilizing, caring for and removal as necessary.
• Diagnoses tree issues (disease, infestation, environmental) and assists in identifying trees in need of treatment, removal and/or replacement.
• Assists in the selection of trees for planting and the lay-out of new tree plantings.
• Communicates with vendors in ordering products related to forestry.
• Communicates with citizens about tree-related issues.
• Expected to be available some nights and/or weekends for emergency tree response, which may include coordinating and participating in cleanup and hazard removal.
• Expected to be available some nights and/or weekends for snow events; assists with snow and ice removal.
• Trains new full-time and seasonal employees in tree-related procedures and use of equipment.
• Completes tree surveys, inventories and tree conditions assessments as directed.
• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on tools, equipment and machinery.
• Assists with special events set up and clean up.

Graduation from a 2-year college or technical school with an Associate's Degree, with coursework emphasis in forestry, landscaping, or a related field and at least 1 year of experience performing forestry maintenance work (BS Degree in Forestry or Horticulture will count for 2 years of experience); or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability and skills:

• Knowledge of the materials, methods, practices, techniques and equipment used in park and urban forestry operations.
• Tree biology and types of insects and diseases that affect tree health, and the use of pesticides: insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers to prevent and treat.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions and practices to avoid or minimize risks.
• Applicable rules, regulations, codes, ordinances and safety standards that govern the performance of the duties being performed.
• The use of general office equipment including computers and related software.

Ability to:

• Pass a written exam assessing knowledge.
• Perform light to heavy physical tasks under varying weather conditions.
• Perform aerial operations; climb and work in trees using ladders, ropes and/or other equipment.
• Understand and carry out instructions.
• Work independently, with little supervision.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers and the general public.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records.
• Work weekends and overtime when necessary.

Skill in:

• The operation of heavy trucks, vehicles, equipment, machinery and hand and power tools used in forestry operations, as well as snow removal equipment.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Commercial Driver's License (Class A) required within one year of hire.
• Secure and maintain a Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Category 3, Ornamentals and Turf) within one year of hire.
• Ability to pass a written exam assessing knowledge.
• Ability to pass drug and alcohol tests pre-and post-hire.
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification within one year of hire.*
• Forklift Certification within one year of hire.*

*City provides for all required training (CDL, pesticide, etc.). *Actual completion is dependent on the timing of the annual group staff training cycles.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed mostly outdoors; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various types of power tools, equipment and machinery.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, prolonged visual concentration and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee is frequently exposed to adverse weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wetness and humidity; and to other unpleasant conditions such as dim lighting, dust, odors, noise, vibration, toxic agents, electrical currents, heavy machinery, smoke and disease.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally in excess of 50 pounds.

The City of Waukesha is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is not typical for someone to be hired at or near the top of the salary range. The specific compensation offered to a candidate is reviewed and based off a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, certifications, and internal equity. Internal City applicants: please review HR Policy F2 Salary Plan and Administration regarding promotions/transfers.

Insurance: Health, Dental, Life, Vision, Pension, Flexible Benefit Plan, AFLAC, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Deferred Compensation - 457(b) Plan, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - City of Waukesha employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

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