Tree Crew Mosquito & Herbicide Control Team Leader

Job Summary

Works under the supervision and direction of the Maintenance Supervisor leading a team of tree trimmers and support personnel. Responsible for maintaining trees, shrubs and brush along right-of-ways, alleys and other city-owned properties. Supervises mosquito program and herbicide program and attends applicator certification training and classes. Fills in on mosquito route and herbicide route and responds to complaints in absence of regular employee. Ensures proper safety, usage and record keeping for chemicals used and stored. Requires working knowledge to handle various pesticides and insecticides and herbicides, and helps assess problems within city owned properties or rights-of-way. Requires working knowledge of spraying equipment and chemicals. Will spray right of ways and other city property as required on routine basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities and Supervision Required

• Leads a team of tree trimmers and support personnel maintaining trees, shrubbery and brush at ground level or at various heights on right-of-ways, alleys or city-owned properties
• Climbs to heights (sometimes exceeding sixty feet) to perform duties
• Operates various equipment: chain saws, hydraulic circle saw, pruners, rope and saddle, safety belts, power trimmers and chipper attachment
• Loads, transports, and unloads limbs, debris to designated unloading site
• Operates trucks: bucket, flat bed, loader and other vehicles assigned to department
• Responsible for the protection of personal property while removing trees, limbs, brush, and debris
• Oversees the mosquito program and herbicide program and ensures compliance with State and Federal requirements
• Reviews reporting requirements for both programs.
• Ensures proper storage, usage, and application of various chemicals used in pesticide management programs and herbicide programs.
• Insures that department, city, state, and federal safety rules and regulations are followed
• Performs daily preventive maintenance on assigned vehicles and equipment
• Reports problems or unusual situations to supervisor
• Assists in solving customer complaints in a friendly, tactful, and courteous manner
• Attends seminars and tree maintenance courses as required by department
• This department may require employee to perform a variety of other assigned duties. Shifts may vary according to needs of city
• Supervises mosquito program including fogging activities, water treatment, and other applications as necessary
• Fills in for Mosquito Control-Herbicide Applicator when absent
• Responds to citizens about vector issues in person and by telephone
• Must monitor the herbicide and mosquito program to minimize costs but maintain effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications, Experience, Training, & License

• Individual must have three to six years' experience in the maintenance of trees, shrubbery, and brush with the city of Florence or related experience in field.
• Certification from tree maintenance seminars/courses is preferred.
• Must have or obtain a commercial applicator certification for pesticides and herbicides within six-month period
• Must have or obtain a Class B commercial driver's license w/air brake endorsement within six months of hire date.
• Must complete requirements to obtain applicator license from Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
• Must maintain certification by completing continuing education classes and training.
• High school education, GED certificate, or equivalent experience.

Required Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Ability to lead a small team of tree maintenance personnel
• Strong knowledge of various pruning and trimming techniques
• Must realize the limits of our equipment and employees, and recognize other hazards that could interfere with this work such as power lines or traffic.
• Strong knowledge in the use of bucket trucks, ropes, saddles, spurs and other tools and equipment pertaining to tree climbing and maintenance
• Strong knowledge in the operation of chain saws and other hand-held equipment used in tree maintenance and removal
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to implement and follow safety procedures and regulations and effectively utilize safety equipment
• Ability to work in and around moving vehicles and equipment
• Ability to implement and conduct a mosquito control program and herbicide program
• Must recognize the effectiveness of the spraying programs and understand the limits and benefits of conducting it.
• Ability to operate fogging equipment for mosquito control and spraying equipment for herbicide application.
• Ability to understand safety and hazard information related to chemicals used for mosquito control and herbicides.
• Ability to read, write and understand material related to position
• Knowledge of city of Florence streets and subdivisions
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers and the general public

Supervision: Individual will lead a small team of tree trimmers and support personnel, working independently without direct supervision. Individual must decide which trees we are capable of removing without endangering employees or property. Supervises mosquito control and herbicide program and employees. Decides which areas are treated, how they are treated, and gives guidance on safety, cost, and effectiveness of various methods that could be used. Supervisor must ensure that employees, the public, and property is protected during tree removal and during application of herbicides and pesticides. They must also ensure this is done within limits of all applicable State and Federal regulations.

Physical Demands (with or without accommodations): Ability to work at extreme heights Ability to perform duties in all weather conditions Ability to climb, walk, stoop and bend for a full shift Ability to lift 50 pounds (more on occasion) Exposure and breathing of fumes from spraying and fogging Ability to work in and around moving equipment and vehicles Subject to be called out after normal working hours

Equipment/Tools Used Bucket truck and 60' or more aerial bucket Chain saw, hydraulic circle saw Power trimmer, pruners, blades Ropes, saddle, spurs Chipper attachments Tractor with bush hog, cutters and attachments Various trucks (1/2 ton up to 2 ton, tandem axle, flatbed, dump, pick-up, etc.) Mosquito fogging equipment Herbicide spraying equipment