Urban Forestry Technician

Salary : $54,767.65 - $66,570.40 Annually
Location : Davis, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00776
Department: Public Works Department
Division: Utilities & Operations
Opening Date: 02/02/2024
Closing Date: 2/18/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties related to the day to day maintenance of and care for City-owned trees; plants, prunes, removes, and waters trees; coordinates tree maintenance activities with other staff and volunteers; operates and maintains tree care equipment; responds to requests for tree services from management and the public; performs plant and pest diagnosis and implements appropriate corrective measures; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory and management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Exercises technical supervision and provides training to less experienced Urban Forestry staff and volunteers.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical tree maintenance and tree care duties in support of the Urban Forestry Program. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plants and stakes new trees, and applies mulch to the base; waters newly planted trees utilizing a portable watering tank; waters non-irrigated City-owned trees; and loads and transports trees.
• Performs tree care functions including tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, and related tasks.
• Drives, operates, inspects, and maintains tools and equipment used for tree maintenance programs including, but not limited to, chippers, stump grinders, chainsaws, hand tools, and tractors.
• Receives, processes, completes, and maintains work requests and work orders for tree related services from management.
• Performs plant and pest diagnosis and implements appropriate corrective measures; provides advice on proper care of trees and possible remedies for disease or pest problems to property owners.
• Receives work orders; prepares, maintains, and inputs detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via mobile and stationary digital devices into automated software systems.
• Responds to tree emergencies including uprooted trees and broken limbs; clears trees and limbs from avenues of transportation; notifies management accordingly regarding any damage from the tree emergency.
• Maintains contact between the City's Urban Forestry Program, park personnel, residents, and volunteers including, but not limited to, planting, education, and young tree care.
• Reviews work and safety practices for self and assigned personnel.
• Trains, directs, and assists Urban Forestry volunteers.
• Attends workshops and conferences to maintain industry certifications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Local trees and plant species.
• Insects and diseases that infect trees and plants in the region and the actions necessary to correct these issues.
• Professional standards of tree care methods.
• Safety equipment, personal protective equipment, and safe practices required for tree care.
• The operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment used in tree care.
• Practices arboricultural techniques utilized in performing tree maintenance in urban areas including streets and parks.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform skilled tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, and related tree maintenance work.
• Perform proper tree planting, staking, and watering duties.
• Recognize and identify safety hazards, observe safety rules and laws, and use equipment safely.
• Operate and maintain equipment used in tree care functions.
• Research and identify pest diseases; recommend and/or take action.
• Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/CalOSHA and provided by the City, to perform assigned duties.
• Prepare files and records on work performed.
• Coordinate work activities with other City departments and external agencies where needed.
• Direct the work of and train assigned volunteers.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in tree maintenance, trimming tasks, or a related field.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of responsible experience in tree maintenance, tree planting, and tree care.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid professional arborist certification designation by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid certification in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED to be maintained throughout employment.

Highly desirable:

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
• Wildlife Aware Arborist Certification
• Possession of a valid California State Pesticide Applicators Certificate

Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a field environment; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to detect shades of color, read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.
ENVIROMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be required to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
CITY OF DAVIS
BENEFIT SUMMARY SHEET
DCEA
Leave Time

• 3 Weeks of Vacation Per Year to start (increases with years of service)
• 2.5 Floating Holidays (added into vacation accrual)
• 13 paid Holidays
• Sick Leave: Accrual of 8 hours per month / 12 days per year.
• Parental Leave - 2 Months Paid Parental Leave Available After 1 Year of Employment.

Health Dental and Vision

• 125 Cafeteria Plan.
  • The city contributes an amount up to 100% of the CalPERS Kaiser rate by category. The 2024 CalPERS Kaiser monthly rates by category are listed below.
    • Employee Only - $1,021.41
    • Employee Plus One - $2,042.82
    • Family Rate - $2,655.67

The city contributes the premium for the family rate of the City's self-funded dental plan

• 2024 monthly premium for family is $210.00

Up to $500 Cash-in-lieu Per Month if Opting Out of Medical & Dental

Option to purchase Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

• 30k Employer Paid
• Voluntary/Supplemental Coverage Available for Purchase
  • The new hire guarantee issue amount is $120,000

Retirement

• CalPERS Pension
  • 2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS Members
  • 2% at 62 for PEPRA Members (membership date of 1/1/2013 or later)

The City participates in Medicare (1.45% employee deduction).

The City does not participate in Social Security

Survivor Benefit

• The city contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System for the 1959 Survivor Benefit Level Four (4).

Other Benefits

• Longevity Pay
  • 2.5% at 10 years of service
  • 2.5% at 20 years of service for a maximum of 5%.

Retiree Health Contribution

Medical and Dependent Care Flexible spending accounts available

City paid long term disability program

Access to purchase supplemental benefits including short term disability insurance, accident insurance, and additional life insurance products, etc.

457 Deferred Compensation Plans Available, including Roth Options

City paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Bicycle and Computer Loan Programs Available (upon successful completion of probation)

Alternative schedules available (e.g. 9/80)