Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is currently seeking a Lead Tree Trimmer to join our Natural Resources Unit. SPR manages a 6,414-acre park system of over 485 parks and extensive natural areas. Our Lead Tree Trimmers play a key role in the preservation, enhancement and equitable management of this forested parkland. SPR is committed to providing welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate and build community, and promotes responsible stewardship of the land. We promote healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities.

To be successful in this position, experienced candidates will; be an ISA Certified Arborist, have excellent customer service skills, value diversity, have a passion for preserving and caring for trees, knowledge of tree risk assessment techniques, have experience working with storm damaged trees and hazard tree felling, experience supervising and leading crews, have a desire to learn and support their team.

Knowledge of the methods and equipment used in pruning and removing trees is required.   Knowledge of and adherence to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards and applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for tree care is required.

• Leads, directs, supports and participates in the work of a tree crew.  Prioritizes work assignments and caries out tasks in the most efficient and effective manner.
• Prunes, and removes green belt, arterial, park, and street trees to enhance public safety and maintains healthy trees.
• Trains new hires or seasonal ground support on safe work practices, equipment use, and ANSI standards.
• Climbs trees of varying heights using rope, saddles, spurs, ladders, or aerial hydraulic lifts to safely prune or remove trees.
• Fells trees and salvages fallen timber.
• Responds to emergency calls to remove damaged sections or entire trees.
• Maintains, inspects, and operates a variety of equipment such as hydraulic aerial lift trucks, hand and power saws, compressors, woodchippers, winches, blowers, stump cutters and other field equipment.
• Plants, waters and prunes young trees.
• Sprays or injects trees with pesticides.
• Assesses tree health and risk with the goal of protecting property and public safety.
• Uses ArcGIS Applications for tree inventory data collection and accurately maintains work records.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Two-year’s experience in urban forestry, landscape maintenance, tree farming, or tree trimming which involves the use of safety harnesses, climbing equipment, aerial hydraulic lift trucks, rigging, and chain saws and includes the application of arboricultural practices, proper pruning methods, and related safety practices.  One year of experience directing and leading the work of others.  (combinations of education, training, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Required to stand, walk, climb trees, or bend for extended periods.  Frequently required to lift objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds. May require handling or working with toxic/hazardous substances. Required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Required to be on-call at all times in case of emergencies. Required to work at varying heights and within legal/safe distances to electrical hazards and with the possible dangers of falling. Required to operate machinery and equipment with extreme caution, including hydraulic aerial lift trucks, woodchippers, stump cutters, winches, chainsaws, and handsaws.
 
LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 
Current Washington State Driver’s License. Current First Aid/CPR card. Flagging/Traffic Control card, Pesticide Operator’s License and Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL and Flagging) required within 6 months of employment. Familiarity with State and Federal regulations regarding tree trimming is required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Three years’ experience working as in the arboriculture industry as a Tree Trimmer.
• ISA Certified Arborist
• Ability to use Microsoft Office tools, ArcGIS Applications, online timecard entry systems, AMWO or other web based automated work order system and ability to navigate iPhone.
• Experience working with storm damaged trees.
• FEMA 100, 200 & 700 Certified.
• CDL Class A or B with airbrake restrictions removed.