Tree Trimmer

Job Title This position is responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the City's tree program, including evaluating the health of trees; responding to questions and concerns from the public; resolving service complaints; and planting, trimming, pruning, removing, and caring for trees and shrubs along streets, in parks, and on other City rights of way. Duties and Responsibilities • Evaluates the health of trees and shrubs along streets, in parks, and on other portions of the City's rights of way • Responds to and resolves questions and concerns from the public • Performs inspections of irrigation and damaged sidewalks • Performs general tree care, including pruning, tree staking, tree well maintenance, root pruning, root barrier installation, and removal of trees that are diseased, dead, or causing damage to concrete • Prepares planting sites, plants trees, waters and fertilizes new plantings, and performs weed abatement activities, as-needed • Provides assistance to colleagues with tree care requests, including canopy and root trimming for organizational projects • Participates in community-focused organizational events and programs • Maintains the City's nursery • Establishes traffic control around work sites and performs site cleanup by disposing of debris after work is completed • Operates loaders, tractors, and trucks with a trailer • Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state and local agencies, City staff, and the public • Performs other duties as assigned Education and Experience • High School diploma or GED equivalent • One year of experience in tree care and trimming • Possession of a valid Class C California driver license and a safe driving record • Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered Knowledge and Abilities • Knowledge of the techniques used in planting, removing, watering, trimming, and caring for trees and shrubs, and the ability to perform these functions • Knowledge of and ability to perform irrigation inspections and repairs • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and make sound decisions • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize daily workload, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, be flexible to changing priorities, and meet time-sensitive deadlines • Strong communication and customer service skills, and the ability to communicate with residents in a professional, tactful, and effective manner • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the public • Knowledge of safety practices and procedures and the ability to apply these while working in the City's rights of way • Knowledge of and ability to operate equipment such as chain saws, pruners, chippers, and stump grinders • Strong work ethic and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team • Ability to lift and carry tools, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 75 pounds; the ability to sit, stand, and walk on level and slippery surfaces; the ability to bend, stoop, climb, kneel, squat, grasp, and make repetitive hand movements on a daily basis Additional Information An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance. All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted. As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need. This position is covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and Service Employees International Union, Local 721, AFL-CIO. If selected for this position, the employee will be bound by that agreement and may be responsible for paying applicable union dues. A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding will be provided upon hire. Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.