Tree Trimmer

Tree Trimmer

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.

Under the Department of Natural Resources Unit in the Citywide Services Division, the Urban Forestry program oversees the stewardship of tree preservation, protection and enhancement of tree canopy development in nature and developed parks' property. The bodies of work in Urban Forestry unit comprises of tree maintenance operations with priorities for public safety and accountability, tree inspection program, permit and capital project development works, inter-agency work relating to trees, tree planting, tree watering and young tree care establishment maintenance. SPR Urban Forestry works and collaborates closely with city-wide agencies to maintain, develop and grow the city's urban forest to provide the benefits of greenery equitably to communities and mitigate climate change.

SPR Urban Forestry is seeking well-qualified candidates to fill one full-time Tree Trimmer position. SPR manages a 6,414-acre park system of over 485 developed parks and natural areas. The Tree Trimmer plays a key role in participating in the SPR tree crew to respond to tree emergencies such as storm response, work requests in pruning or any other hazard tree mitigation work within parks' managed properties such as developed parks, natural areas, parks boulevards and areas of Right-of-way (ROW) that are under the maintenance responsibilities of SPR.

To be successful in this position, 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, hazard tree felling and performing tree climbing and aerial tree work operations. Candidates must have knowledge of the methods and equipment used in pruning and removing trees and knowledge of and adherence to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards and applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for tree care is required.

Job Responsibilities

• Participates in the work of a tree crew.
• Prunes, and removes green belt, arterial, park, and street trees to provide public safety and maintain healthy trees.
• Climbs trees of varying heights using rope, saddles, spurs, ladders, or aerial hydraulic lift truck in order to safely prune or remove trees.
• Fells trees and salvages fallen timber, removes trees and stumps.
• Responds to emergency calls to remove damaged sections or entire trees.
• Maintains, inspects, and operates a variety of equipment such as hydraulic aerial lift trucks, hand and power saws, compressors, woodchippers, winches, blowers, and stump cutters.
• Weeds tree pits; fertilizes, waters, and prunes young trees; sprays or injects trees for insects, diseases, or weed control.
• Evaluates tree health for potential hazard to property and public safety.
• Performs 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).

Required Qualifications (or to be obtained within 6 months of hire):

• 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

Additional Information

Desired Qualifications:

• ISA Certified Arborist.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualified.
• WSDA Certified Public Operator
• Additional training and Washington Pesticide Operator's License
• Familiarity with State, Federal and industry standards and regulations on arboriculture work operations

Special Working Conditions:

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Required to stand, walk, climb trees, or bend for extended periods. Frequently required to lift objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds. May require handling or working with toxic/hazardous substances. Required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Required to be on-call at all times in case of emergencies. Required to work at varying heights and within legal/safe distances to electrical hazards and with the possible dangers of falling. Required to operate machinery and equipment with extreme caution and safety, including hydraulic aerial lift trucks, wood chippers, stump cutters, winches, chainsaws, and handsaws.

The full salary range for this position is $39.31 to $42.50 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, LGBTQIA+, 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 (Download PDF reader). 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 holidays, 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: Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov