7N25
TREE MAINTENANCE CREW CHIEF

This is tree maintenance work supervising a small crew engaged in pruning, feeding, spraying, planting, transplanting, cabling and treating trees. An employee in this class is responsible for directing the removal of dead and dangerous trees from City streets, and parks, or supervising a nursery operation. Work includes participating in the more difficult maintenance tasks. Work is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior.

• The employee must supervise employees in the planting, transplanting, care and removal of trees on city parks and streets or at the Park's horticultural center.
• The position must be located in Fairmount Park.

• Receives work requests for the spraying, transplanting, trimming, fertilizing or removing of trees; assigns specific tree care tasks to members of crews; directs a crew in the removal and trimming of trees and in the use, properties and safety precautions associated with the use of chemicals in spraying trees; explains and instructs crew members in the proper methods of tree care and in the care of ropes and ladders to perform pruning work; instructs subordinates in the operation of a motorized trim lift; maintains necessary safety precautions.
• Supervises the planting and maintenance of saplings, shrubs, and plants located in a nursery; clears brush and undergrowth and cultivates nursery soil using the appropriate equipment; monitors the nursery greenhouse to ensure the maintenance of the proper environmental balance; maintains cold frames; removes items from the nursery to be added to display items; plants all donated arboreal materials.
• Reviews complaints concerning diseased, infested or damaged trees; inspects problem cases; explains to property owners and contractors proper methods and treatment of trees; recommends contractors' permits for the removal or pruning of trees; makes emergency inspections of trees damaged by storms or vehicles; authorizes removals. Performs related work as required.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the methods, practices, tools and materials used in the care and maintenance of trees.
• the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• common tree diseases and infestations and of the proper methods for their treatment.
• classification and structure of trees and their root systems.
• the operation of woodchippers.
• the properties of various chemicals used in spraying.
SKILL IN:
• the use of ropes, pole shears, power saws, sprayers, pruning saws, and other standard tools and equipment used in the work.
ABILITY TO:
• diagnose conditions harmful to the trees and to recommend proper treatment.
• supervise the work of a moderate sized crew of tree trimmers.
• perform minor maintenance on woodchippers.
• learn the City regulations concerning the planting and maintenance of trees.
• learn state and federal regulations concerning the use of pesticides.
• operate motorized trim lifts.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors and the public.

EDUCATION
• Education equivalent to the completion of the tenth school grade.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• Four years of experience in the care, maintenance, and inspection of trees.

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department which has included completion of the tenth school grade as an educational minimum and the specific experience described above.

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

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during tenure of employment as a Tree Maintenance Crew Chief.