Crew Leader - Forestry

Title: Crew Leader - Forestry

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Onsite, full-time

JOB PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to maintain the urban forestry in the City through tree trimming, tree removal, planting, equipment maintenance, responding to emergency storm damage at all hours, training new coworkers, and educating the public. This skilled work is often hazardous and requires considerable strength and agility. Assignments are received from a superior and include specific details on each job to be performed and safety precautions. The position works under the direction of the Forestry Supervisor. Responsibilities may include Tree Trimmers, Laborer-Light Equipment Operators, Part-Time Laborers, contractors and volunteers.

ENJOY THE BENEFITS:

• Start your career with immediate access to comprehensive health coverage and one of the lowest annual deductibles in the region.
• Begin building valuable paid leave benefits from day one including: 15 paid vacation days, 12 paid sick days, and 10 paid holidays per year
• Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Pension and retirement options after just five years of employment
• Tuition reimbursement to support employee growth and development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) free to employees for confidential counseling and support

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Evaluates the potential hazards pruning a tree could cause the public by assessing branch structure, tree health, and location in relation to electrical wires, traffic, and other obstacles
• Climbs trees using ropes and spikes
• Lowers cut branches to the ground with ropes
• Uses crane and additional equipment to prune or fell dead or dangerous trees
• Uses aerial lift and chipper, climbing skills, safety equipment, ropes, rigging gear, and chainsaws to remove dead, broken, misshapen, and undesired branches and tops of trees
• Conducts cleanup efforts after each tree pruning
• Obtains trees from nurseries and prepares them for planting
• Selects optimal planting locations and digs holes
• Lifts and sets trees into prepared holes, removes excess casing, and fills remaining space with mulch
• Responds to emergency storm damage at all hours
• Clears roads for emergency vehicles as needed
• Evaluates the actual skills of new hires and part time help and administers additional training as needed
• Educates the public about ongoing projects and safety concerns
• Maintains equipment by regularly cleaning, sharpening, or repairing chainsaws, chipper, aerial lift, and other equipment
• Orders new equipment and parts as needed
• Keeps trucks and workshop clean, organized, and stocked with bar oil, fuel mix, and safety supplies
• Performs other duties as required and/or

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of urban forestry, horticulture, conservation, environmental management practices, and parks and recreation, including relevant professional standards, governing principles, technical concepts, and legislative requirements.
• Tools, materials, methods, and practices used in the maintenance, repair, construction, and

improvement of the city's urban forest.

• Safety principles and
• Skill in safe and efficient operation of a wide variety of tools and equipment under hazardous and emergency situations.
• Apply industry and developmental learning concepts to the design and implementation of programs and projects.
• Communicate orally in an effective
• Follow oral and written
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Lead and participate in a variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, repair, and improvement assignments.
• Perform manual labor for extended periods of time under adverse environmental
• Instruct and train other employees in proper methods, practices, and uses of materials, tools, and equipment in a variety of maintenance and construction activities.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in working with a diverse

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An Associate's Degree in Arboriculture, Horticulture or Natural Resource Management preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent certification required

• Five years of experience in urban forestry
• Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture
• Valid State of Missouri Commercial Driver's License (Class A).
• Some management experience, public relations/human resources experience preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills