Job Abstract

The City of Salinas is seeking to fill one vacancy in the Urban Forestry Division, this vacancy may be filled either at the II or I level based on experience and certifications. This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.

All applicants must provide proof of education and Driver's license at time of application submittal. Copies of high school diploma/transcripts will be accepted. A copy of a valid California Driver's License will be accepted. Applications will be considered incomplete without the required documents.

Summary of Duties: Under limited supervision, the Urban Forestry Worker II performs a variety of skilled work involving the pruning, removal, planting, and general maintenance of trees and shrubbery within the City. Operates various light and heavy equipment and performs general landscape maintenance duties.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the journey level in the Urban Forestry class series. Positions in this class perform the full range of urban forestry work and can be distinguished from the Senior Urban Forestry position in that the position is not expected to lead a crew on a regular basis.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives supervision from the Maintenance Manager or designee. May perform as a lead as directed.

1. Performs tree trimming, maintenance, and pruning work following prescribed standards and methods
2. Provides clearance of streets, sidewalks, signs, and lights and as necessary to ensure continued health of trees; irrigates weeds, prunes and fertilizes trees; demonstrates experience to maintain trees and keep them in good condition
3. Removes fallen trees, dead limbs, stumps, and other debris as necessary; ensures the aesthetic beauty and functionality of the City and its public spaces; works on a daily basis and in emergency situations
4. Cleans, maintains, and performs regular safety inspections on climbing and trimming equipment; works as a crew leader and a crew member to perform all urban forestry task, inclusive of trimming and climbing
5. Assists in the planting, staking, and pest control of trees and shrubs; ensures the proper placement in line with plans and specifications; performs skilled work with pest control and tree care
6. Operates the chipper, aerial lift, stump grinders, chain saws, drive trucks, and other related forestry equipment
7. Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints; ensures timely work, appropriate actions are taken, and issues are resolved; general and specialized forestry and landscape as necessary
8. Performs and assist with proper International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Cal/OSHA climbing techniques
9. Promotes safety in the workplace
10. Performs other duties as assigned

Typical Decisions: The incumbent will make decisions daily regarding the maintenance, and overall care of the City’s trees and urban forestry. Demonstrates experience in maintenance and tree care work. Uses independent judgement under general direction and set standards.

Knowledge of:

• International Society of Arboriculture and Cal/OSHA climbing requirements
• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in all aspects of urban forestry operations
• Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the trimming and removal of trees
• Tree planting and maintenance methods
• Tree diseases and pests and proper methods of their eradication
• Safe work practices and service techniques within customer service needs
• Methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in general park maintenance work

• Working independently in the absence of supervision
• Providing general training for less experienced personnel
• Using hand and power tools skillfully and safely
• Safely applying pesticides and herbicides
• Competently trimming and pruning trees and shrubs
• Studying and resolving citizen inquiries and complaints
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with others

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computer, business machines, and consistently stand or walk up to four hours per day as required. Vision sufficient to read fine print and display monitors; hearing sufficient to conduct conversations occasionally over the noise from groups of people, in-person, and using the telephone; speaking ability in understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversational distance, occasionally in crowds of people and for addressing groups; physical ability to push. pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stop, and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, walk on uneven surfaces and occasionally leap, jump, run for short distances; physical strength to lift twenty pounds from the floor; physical stamina sufficient to stand, walk and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect, interpret and analyze data, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.

Perform heavy manual labor for periods up to but not limited to 8 hours per day. Stand and work alone on aerial lifts while pruning trees at elevations up to fifty (50) feet above ground or while climbing trees up to one hundred (100) feet above ground. Be available for emergency call out response for forestry activities. Work outdoors under adverse conditions such as night, in heavy traffic, in heat, wind, cold and rain. Ability to work in an environment with very loud equipment noise levels.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

Veteran’s Preference: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the City’s Veteran’s Preference Application and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Selection Process: Applicants’ qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION. Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request.

Salary Steps: The following applies for Full-Time Regular positions only. Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of the probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a probationary period.)