Job Detail

Urban Forestry Technician I

Location: Oak Park, IL
Salary: $17.84-$24.83 DOQ

The Village of Oak Park, Illinois is accepting applications to fill an Urban Forestry Technician I position in the Forestry Division of our Public Works Department. Oak Park is a dynamic and historic community, located just 8 miles west of downtown Chicago. The Village of Oak Park’s Forestry Division manages the Village’s urban forest of more than 18,000 parkway trees as well as more than 100 various public landscaped areas.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is the entry-level class within the Urban Forestry Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Urban Forestry Worker II by the performance of more routine tasks including basic tree and shrub pruning and removal, setting up and maintaining a safe work zone, and basic forestry ground work including bucking logs and chipping brush. Employees at this level receive instruction or assistance from the Maintenance Crew Chief as new or unusual situations arise.

Possession of an Illinois Class B Commercial Driver license with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement within six (6) months and is a condition of continued employment. Certified Pesticide Operators License or higher from the Illinois Department of Agriculture within six month of employment and is a condition of continued employment. Working conditions include travel from site to site, some exposure to dust and noise, some heavy lifting, standing, climbing and work in inclement weather conditions. This position is subject to 24 hour call out in emergency situations. Additional details can be found in the position description.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Applicants can visit our website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Submit applications and resumes by mail to: Human Resources, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302; by email to: [email protected]; or by fax to: 708-358-5107. The Village of Oak Park offers a highly competitive benefit package that includes a retirement plan, deferred compensation program, social security, health & life insurance, vacation, sick leave & other benefits.

THE POSITION DESCRIPTION IS BELOW

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employeesin the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform unskilled and semi-skilled work in the cultivation and maintenance of trees and landscaped areas; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class within the Urban Forestry Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Urban Forestry Worker II by the performance of more routine tasks including basic tree and shrub pruning and removal, setting up and maintaining a safe work zone, and basic forestry ground work including bucking logs and chipping brush. Employees at this level receive instruction or assistance from the Maintenance Crew Chief as new or unusual situations arise.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Urban Forestry Superintendent; Receives general direction from the Maintenance Crew Chief (Urban Forestry)

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Prune, plant, and maintain trees and shrubs.
2. Remove dead, diseased, or hazardous trees.
3. Maintain various landscaped areas, rake leaves and clear debris and litter from parking lots, walks and other facilities.
4. With training, competently and safely operate moderately heavy and light equipment including front end loaders, log loaders, chippers, stumpers, chain saws and other forestry and landscape related equipment.
5. Apply pesticides and chemicals for insect, disease and weedcontrol.
6. Perform preventive maintenance on equipment asrequired.
7. Perform heavy physical labor.
8. Ensure the adherence to safe work policies andprocedures.
9. Work overtime as required. This position is subject to 24 hour call out in emergency situations.

Other important responsibilities and duties:

1. Participate as a plow driver as part of the Snow and Ice Control Program.
2. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; providing appropriate information.
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities asrequired.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Safe work practices.

Modern methods and techniques of tree pruning, removal and planting.

Modern methods and techniques of landscape maintenance, and pesticide applications.

Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned.

Ability to:

Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs, and culture.

Perform skilled tree maintenance or landscaping work as assigned

Learn to operate bucket trucks according to ANSI standards Z133.

Learn to climb in safe practice according to ANSI standards Z133.

Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot issues with mechanical equipment as required.

Work independently in the absence of supervision for short periods of time.

Learn to use and operate hand tools, power tools, chain saws, and mechanical equipment including aerial lift truck, log loader, front-end loader, stump grinder and chipper in a safe and efficient manner.

Operate a variety of mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner in routine situations.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Perform a variety of manualtasks, sometimes at height, for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and inwriting.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• Walking or standing for extended periods oftime
• Working from extended positions in an aerial bucket
• Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observations
• Communicating with others
• Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: One year of professional experience in urban forestry / arboriculture.

AND

Training: Demonstrated formal and/or documented informal education providing knowledge of urban forestry. Additional specialized training in horticulture or a related field is desirable.

License or Certificate

Possession of an Illinois Class B Commercial Driver license with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement within six (6) months and is a condition of continued employment.

Possession of a Certified Pesticide Operators License or higher from the Illinois Department of Agriculture within six (6) months of hire and is a condition of continued employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Travel from site to site; some exposure to dust and noise; some heavy lifting, standing, climbing; may work at heights; work in inclement weather conditions.

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