7N21
PAY RANGE: 13
(Inspection)
(Trimming)
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is skilled tree maintenance work within the assigned specialty. Employees in this class remove, prune, feed, spray, plant, transplant, cable and treat City trees, or perform inspection activities which involve the inspection of shade trees for proper maintenance and care, diagnosis of tree diseases, and determining the proper placement of new trees on building sites. Work is performed under the supervision of a crew chief or technical superior. Work involves physical exertion and exposure to conditions that can be partially controlled.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
INSPECTION
Receives and reviews requests for tree services; inspects trees on City streets and park grounds for diseased, infested or damaged conditions; informs property owners of their responsibility for trees; recommends the removal or pruning of existing trees; issues permits for the removal or planting of trees.
Reviews construction plans and makes recommendations to preserve existing trees; reviews plot plans to ensure that builders have scheduled tree planting in accordance with park regulations.
Answers emergency calls to remove fallen trees from roadway; utilizes power saw to remove limbs from trees; determines if maintenance crew should be called in emergency situations.
TRIMMING
Climbs a wide variety of and/or sizeable trees, employing ropes and ladders or using a motorized trim lift; uses power and pole saws, shears, axes and other cutting tools to prune trees; feeds trees with dry or liquid mix, applying the proper dosages to the base of trees; sprays trees with chemical agents employing spray guns and hoses; may remove caterpillar eggs from trees with wire brushes.
Removes fallen and standing trees from City streets or park areas; trims branches from trees in order to preserve pedestrian and motorist visibility of street signs, stop signs and traffic lights; rigs, cuts and removes dead or diseased tree members employing slings and ropes.
Cables trees with split or cracked crotches by bracing trees and inserting wood screws where necessary; treats tree cavities applying the type and quantity of solution prescribed by technical superiors; may operate a wood chipper.
Drives and operates tree maintenance truck with hydraulic lift and bucket.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the methods, practices, tool and materials used in the care and maintenance of trees.
• the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in tree maintenance work.
• common tree diseases and infestations and the proper methods of their treatment.
• the classification and structure of trees and their root systems.
• the City regulations concerning the planting of street trees for the inspection specialty.
SKILL IN:
• the use of ropes, pole shears, pruning saws, power saws, sprayers, and other standard tools and equipment used to trim trees for the trimming specialty.
• the operations of a motorized trim lift for the trimming specialty.
ABILITY TO:
• follow instructions and safety precautions when using pesticides and sprays.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors and the public for the inspection specialty.
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing for the inspection specialty.
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 8/23.)
EDUCATION:
BOTH SPECIALTIES:
Education equivalent to the completion of the tenth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
INSPECTION SPECIALTY:
Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of trees, which shall have included the recommendation of treatment of trees for diseased or damaged conditions.
TRIMMING SPECIALTY:
Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of trees, which shall have included climbing trees by means of ropes.
OR
One year as a Tree Maintenance Helper in the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department.
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.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment as a Tree Maintenance Worker.
Class Established - 9/67
Spec. Revision:
Ad. Board – 1/04
Spec. Revision:
Ad. Board – 4/17
Latest Spec. Revision:
Ad. Board – 8/23
CP