7N20

                                                                                                                                PAY RANGE:  9

TREE MAINTENANCE HELPER

GENERAL DEFINITION

            This is semi-skilled and manual work assisting in pruning, feeding, spraying, planting, transplanting, and removing city trees.  Employees initially work on the ground operating a woodchipper and working with small hand and power tools, and as experience is gained employees are expected to develop the knowledges and skills necessary to climb trees, employ ropes and ladders to assist in the above tree maintenance tasks. 

            Work is performed under the continuous supervision of a crew chief or skilled tree maintenance worker.  Work is performed under conditions which can be only partially controlled and requires the exercise of strenuous physical exertion. 

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

            Uses pole shears, pruning saws, axes and other cutting tools to prune trees and branches; feeds trees with dry or liquid mix, applies the proper dosages to the base of the trees; operates and feeds branches into chipper.

            Operates power augers and sprayers to fertilize and spray trees; removes insects and fungus from trees using wire brushes.

            Uses ropes to remove tree branches.

            Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles and practices of grounds and tree maintenance.

• the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the care and maintenance of trees and of park grounds.

• the common characteristics of trees, plants, and vegetation.

SKILL IN:

• the operation of power and hand tools.

ABILITY TO:

• learn the methods, practices and tools used in tree maintenance work.

• perform a variety of manual tasks.

• perform heavy manual labor for an extended period, often under adverse climatic conditions.

· follow instructions and safety precautions when using pesticides and sprays.

· learn to identify and distinguish trees

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 3/21.)

EDUCATION:

            Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

AND

EXPERIENCE:

OPTION 1:

            Successful completion of the City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation Community Apprentice Program performing grounds maintenance caring for trees or landscaped areas.

OR

OPTION 2:

            Successful completion of an accredited career technical education program in horticulture or closely related field.

OR

            Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources. 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

            Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

                                                                                                               Class Established 11/88

                                                                                                                   Class Abolished 10/86

Spec. Revision 11/88

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 4/19

Ad. Board – 5/19

            Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 02/21

Ad. Board – 3/21

KH