Senior Arborist - City Of Birmingham

TARGET CLOSE DATE
12/31/2024
Note: This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System.
Grade 18
The pay range for the listed pay grade varies depending on the employing agency. Click HERE and then select the desired agency to view the pay range for that employer.
Senior Arborists working in the Merit System supervise and oversee crews of one to four employees involved in tree care operations such as planting, trimming, insect and disease control, and removal of tree limbs and debris. Work also involves ensuring the safety of the crew, equipment, public and private property. An employee in this classification plans and carries out successive steps and resolves problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, and accepted practice. Work is assigned verbally and by standard work orders. An employee in this classification also receives assignments from the supervisor, who defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists the employee with unusual situations that do not have clear precedents. Work is reviewed for technical conformance and consistency with practice and policy. Work is also reviewed through reports and on site inspections by the supervisor.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

• Plants trees using various hand tools and provides education to local schools by preparing information about planting trees and the importance of trees.
• Leads a crew of workers by making recommendations for how to approach each job and overseeing work in order to ensure safety regulations are followed.
• Examines and maintains all equipment by visually inspecting saws, ropes, climbing gear, and trucks for damage and performing general maintenance such as cleaning, sharpening, and checking fluid levels.
• Cuts, trims, and removes hazardous or dead trees on city/county property using a bucket truck, climbing gear, and various saws in order to clear roads and sidewalks that may be blocked by fallen trees, or to prevent hazardous or dead trees from falling and damaging property.
• Determines the work to be done for the day by examining and prioritizing work orders, planning the route to be taken, and driving to each job site.
• Ensures worksite is clean before leaving by removing debris from work site or piling debris to be removed from the work site using hand tools and knuckle boom loader in order to clear roadways and sidewalks and eliminate danger to the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Work experience using chainsaws to trim/remove trees.
• Work experience operating an aerial lift (bucket truck) in order to cut/trim trees.
• Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License.
• Willingness to obtain an Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture within 90 days of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completed coursework in Horticulture or Urban Forestry.
• Experience supervising tree crews, debris removal crews, stump grinding crews, etc.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability & Flexibility.
• Cognition, Learning & Memory.
• Creativity & Innovation.
• Customer Service.
• Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use.
• Leadership & Management.
• Mathematical & Statistical Skills.
• Oral Communication & Comprehension.
• Physical Abilities.
• Planning & Organizing.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making.
• Professionalism & Integrity.
• Psychomotor Abilities.
• Researching & Referencing.
• Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing.
• Self Management & Initiative.
• Sensory Abilities.
• Small Tool & Equipment Use.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal.
• Technical & Job-Specific Knowledge.
• Written Communication & Comprehension.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGES:

• Knowledge of proper planting techniques (e.g., spacing, depth).
• Knowledge of safety precautions applicable to tree climbing, including safely using and maintaining climbing gear (e.g., American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards applicable to climbing).
• Knowledge of safety standards applicable to tree pruning/trimming and tree removal, including knowledge of proper cutting techniques (e.g., American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards applicable to tree trimming and tree removal).
• Knowledge of tree and plant sanitation practices, such as removal of diseased or insect filled limbs, to prevent plant disease and lessen the chance of insect problems.
• Knowledge of tree biology including growth patterns, diseases, and properties of wood (e.g., soft woods vs. hard woods, weight/density of limbs, compression/tension, etc).
• Knowledge of tree removal equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily outdoors in all types of weather. Work involves operating heavy equipment used in the removal of trees. Work is conducted at heights up to 75 Feet.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Job involves significant and concerted physical exertion required for regular prolonged periods of carrying, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or walking. Involves lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Persons requiring special conditions to accommodate a disability when completing the application should contact the Personnel Board at 205-279-3500, Option 1, prior to the target close date.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) provides a public personnel system based on merit principles. The Personnel Board strives for the constant improvement of the public service by employing and developing the best-qualified persons available. The Personnel Board provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetics.
Employment decisions are made by the Merit System agency where the position exists. Each Merit System agency administers its own equal employment opportunity programs in compliance with applicable state and/or federal laws and regulations.
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