Crew Leader - Plant Health Care

Position Type: Public Works/ Forestry Crew Leader Date Posted: 10/30/2026 Location: Various Locations Salary: $39.523- $46.739/hourly* *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

NATURE OF WORK

This is a skilled, senior-level lead forestry worker position responsible for performing, assigning, and monitoring duties in the maintenance of City trees and grounds, with a primary emphasis on Plant Health Care. Responsibilities include leading and directing field staff in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tree and landscape health issues through the application of integrated arboricultural practices, including fertilization, pesticide applications, soil management, and other plant health treatments. Work also includes climbing, pruning, and removing hazardous, dead, or diseased trees; stump grinding; tree planting and establishment; and other forestry maintenance activities. Employees will be assigned tasks of similar or higher-level classifications to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. This position may also serve in place of a first-line supervisor during periods of absence. Safety equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, reflective vests, gloves, earplugs, and protective clothing is worn. This position requires both scheduled and unscheduled overtime for emergencies and special projects, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Manages maintenance activities and leads crews in various duties, including planting, trimming, plant health care, and tree removal activities. Manages and leads Dutch elm disease inoculations and laboratory testing. Manages and leads pest and disease programs. Manages and leads root invigoration program. Creates and manages the tree watering schedule. Creates and manages inspections and evaluations of susceptible trees. Climbs and descends trees safely, determining tree limb strength. Uses power and manual saws to remove low limbs and deadwood, conforming to proper pruning procedures and standards while avoiding power lines. Ascends to the top of trees using an aerial tower. Plants, transplants, cultivates, fertilizes, waters,prunes shrubs, and trees; prunes shrubs using hand or electric pruners; prunes trees using hand pruner, hand saw, chain saw, or pole saw; prepares soil by operating power or hand tools and equipment such as aerator, roller, rototiller, shovel, hoe, or rake; delivers soil, compost, mulch, and other materials to work site and shovels, rakes and levels materials; rakes and mulches leaves. Performs tree risk assessments to recommend remediation, removal, and/ or mitigation. Responds to internal and external requests/complaints by performing field inspections and responding through 311 software and other lines of communication. Assists with tree planting inspections, tree selections, site preparation, and general oversight of tree planting operations. Performs tree planting, digs holes, removes grass, properly plants trees per industry standards, replaces dirt at stump site, plants grass seed and removes chips, and loads dump trucks with wood. Determines appropriate chemicals and amounts required to operate power sprayers to apply fertilizers or pesticides. Participates and leads crews in trimming and removing trees, stumps, and diseased and damaged limbs. Supervises seasonal employees performing their assigned duties and performing other landscape maintenance duties; ensures that proper safety precautions and procedures are followed. Responsible for the operation of snow and ice control equipment forsnow removal from streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and downtown areas that include scheduled and unscheduled overtime, including weekends, evenings, and holidays. Drives trucks or other City vehicles to and from worksites; loads and unloads equipment on trucks and trailers. May be called to work in response to public works-related emergencies outside of their regular schedule. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

Must possess a high school diploma or GED.College coursework in forestry or horticulture is preferred. Must possess five (5) or more years of relatable forestry or horticultural work experience. Must possess a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement, a safe driving record, and must be willing to maintain it as a condition of employment. Must possess a Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture or the ability to obtain it within one year, and must be willing to maintain it as a condition of employment. Must possess an International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or the ability to obtain it within one year, and must be willing to maintain it as a condition of employment. Must possess an Illinois Pesticide Operator's License or the ability to obtain it within one year of employment and be willing to maintain it as a condition of employment. Must possess or be willing and able to obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, and IS 700, 800 Certification within 6 months of employment. Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas: Considerable knowledge of the materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in the care of trees. Considerable knowledge of the hazards and precautions of the equipment and chemicals used in tree care operations. Considerable knowledge of safety standards and precautions about the use of tools and equipment related to tree trimming, planting, and removals. Considerable knowledge of tree and shrub identification, diseases and their proper treatments, insect infestations, and the proper use of pesticides. Ability to lead other workers on parks and tree maintenance projects. Ability to properly identify common tree species found in Illinois. Ability to operate hand and power tools, other tree trimming and removal equipment, and trucks in a safe and effective manner. Ability to read, understand, and apply instructions for the safe application of chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public. Ability to greet the public in a courteous and pleasant manner and with a customer-service orientation. Ability to utilize various computer software and electronic devices to manage work assignments and records. Ability to identify high-risk trees and the proper means of mitigating these risks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; ability to move heavy objects (100 pounds or more) short distances. Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures, humidity, and other uncomfortable conditions. Ability to use all equipment and power tools required to perform assigned tasks efficiently. Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize the depth of objects, lift, bend, kneel, sit, or stand for long periods of time, work in confined spaces, and work outdoors at night with limited lighting. Ability to walk or navigate over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces. Ability to work around chemicals, asphalt products, concrete, vehicle or equipment fumes, gases, dust, and dirt while following safety guidelines. Ability to work on job sites with elevated noise levels and vibrations.

SUPERVISION

Work is generally performed under the direction of the Forestry Supervisor or other Public Service Bureau supervisor. Assignments may vary from season to season. Instructions can be either verbal or written, and the employee must make decisions regarding the safe cutting and dropping of trees in residential areas or proper safety techniques for the safe application of chemicals. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communication, meetings, and feedback from supervisors and other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules, and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standards.

PUBLIC CONTACT

The employee has contact with the general public in residential areas and with the public using parks and recreational areas to respond to questions and complaints and provide general direction; the employee has regular contact with other City employees in order to share information and complete work tasks.

SELECTION METHOD

Structured Oral Interview Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check. The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io (voice) or View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY). #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Evanston,-I