A Great Place to Live, Work and Play

JOB DESCRIPTION – WORKER I

Job descriptions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation – Forestry Division

REPORTS TO: City & Parks Superintendent

SALARY RANGE: AFSCME Bargaining Unit, Range 6

NATURE OF WORK

This is semi-skilled work assisting the City Forester and Forestry Worker III consisting of pruning, removing and planting . This job is a training position that will normally be under the direct guidance of the City Forester or Forestry Worker III.

The minimum training period will be one year. During this period, the employee will be instructed in the correct methods to trim and remove small and large trees using a boom truck.

After one year in this position, the employee will be evaluated to determine the employee’s ability to work independently of the City Forester or Forestry Worker III.

EQUIPMENT USED/JOB LOCATION

1. Employee will operate trucks including trucks with GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds. Employee will operate boom truck, dump truck, brush chippers, , stump cutters, power sprayers, and weighing up to 27 lbs., snow blowers, and farm . Non-power equipment that is used will include forks, , , brooms, wheelbarrows, tree carts, pruners, and tree saddles.

2. Forestry Worker I will work at all city-owned properties which include city parks, airport, city right-of- ways and other city- owned properties. Due to the nature of the work, employee will work outdoors year round in various climatic conditions that include rain, snow, extreme heat and extreme cold. Employee will work in trees and also on steep topography. Job requires considerable bending and lifting of heavy materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Sawing and pruning tree limbs and trunks using chainsaws of various sizes and/or hand pruning and loppers.

2. trees with or shovels.

3. Drives and backs dump trucks with towed chipper.

4. Operates brush chipper and feeds brush and logs into it.

5. Operates stump cutter.

6. Operates snow blower and snow throwers.

7. Operates farm tractors to tow equipment or plow snow.

8. Shovels, forks and sweeps sawdust, woodchips, snow and other materials.

9. Uses axes to chop roots or brush.

10. Applies pesticides by various methods which include hand and backpack sprayers, power sprayers, and granular applicators.

11. Reads, comprehends and follows manufacturer’s safety data sheets, other written hazardous chemical handling instructions and equipment manuals.

12. Performs daily maintenance, which includes checking fluids and lube on chipper, trucks and chainsaws.

13. Regular and punctual attendance.

14. Represents the City in a responsible, professional and trustworthy manner.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

1. Sharpens chainsaws and changes chipper blades.

2. Performs maintenance such as painting and minor repairs of parks and forestry equipment.

3. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. General knowledge safe operation of tree trimming and removal equipment.

2. General knowledge of correct pruning techniques.

3. Ability to work comfortably at heights.

4. Ability to acquire skill in the use and maintenance of forestry equipment.

5. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and prepare routine daily reports.

6. Must have the physical strength and endurance to perform manual labor for extended periods of time in adverse weather conditions.

7. Must be able to lift heavy objects, weighing up to 100 lbs.

8. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees, city officials and the general public.

TRAINING, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from a standard high school or GED equivalent.

Valid Commercial Driver’s License Class B with Air endorsement within 14 days of employment

Possession of or the ability to obtain within 120 days, an Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License in the “Turf and Ornamental” and “Right-of-Way” (30T and 6) categories.

Signature/Approval

______Employee Date

______Supervisor Date

______Department Head Date