Assistant Forester

COUNTY OF BUCKS

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs general grounds maintenance and minor repairs to equipment in parks and other County properties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in the special care of trees to include tree removal, storm clean-up and preventative work such as fertilization, bracing, cabling and cavity repair, ornamental pruning, spraying or treatment of isolated diseases or insect infestations, repairing mechanical damage and nursery work.
• Climbs trees utilizing ropes and saddles; lowers limbs and upper portions of trees using ropes; removes dead, diseased, broken and undesirable parts of trees using power saws and hand tools.
• Diagnoses insect and disease infestations of individual or small groups of trees and shrubs and consults with supervisors for developing and implementing control program. Answers questions to the general public concerning trees on public property.
• Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance on the forestry truck, chippers, sprayers, stump grinder and other equipment related to the operation.
• Assists in planning and installation of new tree plantings including species recommendations.
• Participates in special projects assigned by supervisors.
• Assists the Maintenance Superintendent and County Forester with estimating the cost of the jobs and materials.
• Assists in repairs, alterations and additions involving landscape, building or construction trades.
• Assists with the budget of the forestry operation including preparation of purchase requests.
• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain, within a year, a PA Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License in at least one of the following categories: 6, 7, 13 or 23.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ tree maintenance experience. Possession and maintenance of valid Class B Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement.

Job Details