Tree Specialist

Tree Care Specialist

The Tree Care Specialist performs a variety of responsible work assisting with the care of trees and other arboricultural work as required for the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Duties include watering and caring for newly planted trees, and assisting with various arboricultural field tasks. This work is performed under intermediate supervision the incumbent performs a variety of routine work within established procedures and receives detailed instructions on new projects and assignments; work is reviewed periodically. Work is reviewed through reports, observation of results achieved, and adherence to established policies and procedures.

Essential functions include operating a truck and trailer with water tank, watering, weeding, mulching, and pruning young trees, and monitoring and maintaining supplemental tree watering systems, water basins, staking and strapping on young trees. The incumbent also uses GIS-based work order and inventory programs to document and track assigned work. Interaction with the general public and other city employees is required, as well as responding to callbacks for emergency work as needed. Proficiency in the City of Winter Park Core Competencies is demonstrated.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include working knowledge of tree planting and tree care, safe operation of a truck and trailer, hand tools, chainsaws, and other equipment used in division activities, occupational hazards, safety rules, and practices, traffic direction, record-keeping, meeting schedules, adaptability to emergency situations, estimating weights and distances, local and occasional out-of-area travel, and establishing and maintaining effective relationships with employees, supervisors, city officials, and the public. Communication skills in both person and in writing are also required. Proficiency in the City of Winter Park Core Competencies is demonstrated.

The position requires physical exertion, including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping, with the ability to ascend / descend stairs, scaffolds, and ladders. It also requires frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions including inclement weather, sun, extreme temperatures, odors, dirt and dust, loud noises, and hazardous chemicals. The job requires manipulation of objects, demonstration of small, precise movements, and the ability to detect and distinguish various features of one's surroundings, as well as effective communication and exchange of information with others.