Arboriculture Technician / Arborist - R14229

Job Posting : Tree Maintenance Technician

Sarasota County Government

$16.76 - $20.44 Hourly

Location : Sarasota, FL

Job Type : Full-Time

Department : Public Works

Job Summary :

This job involves daily tree trimming and maintenance of trees throughout the County's right-of-way, parks, and facilities as required.

Job Description

Performs tree trimming work in a professional manner. This work will be done in a team environment utilizing aerial bucket trucks and urban forestry rope and saddle equipment. Work will include trimming and pruning trees to maintain a dominant leader (one main trunk) by reducing the length of tree competing leaders or removing competing leaders completely as required. Provide reduction cuts to tree branches in street tree inventory ensuring lowest branches are reduced for safety and health of the trees. Prune tree branches to prevent limbs from growing larger than half the truck diameter.

Conducts tree pruning as needed on county owned property for risk reduction and clearance. May be required to remove large trees on County properties as needed.

Performing pesticide applications to all urban street trees within County rights of ways up to (3) times a year. Performs hand spreading of fertilizes to trees that are confined in areas that are not accessible by motorized vehicles. Conducts small tree removal when necessary.

Responds to customer complaints relating to right of way line of site issues or roadway blockage concerns. Completes and submits work orders relating to work performed in a timely and professional manner. Responds to emergency situations as required. Maintains equipment and vehicles as assigned.

Work Hours : 6 : 30 a.m. to 3 : 00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

About You

Minimum Qualifications : A High School Diploma or equivalent and one-year experience in tree care maintenance, landscaping, or natural lands management. Must possess a Driver's License. Also, must obtain a passing score on "Green Industries Best Management Practices" for fertilizer application with six (6) months form date of hire.

Operating and maintaining small power and hand-held equipment

Operating bucket trucks, chippers, and other large equipment

Working at various heights and in hot humid conditions

Directing traffic on high volume roadways

Working independently and in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications : One (1) year tree pruning experience and Florida Department of Transportation "Temporary Traffic Control certification" Intermediate Level. Must also obtain a state of Florida pesticide applicator's license (Right-of Way) within one-year (1) year from date of hire.

Job Competencies

Knowledge and application of modern tree care practices.

Ability to use forestry equipment for tree access and debris removal. (Aerial Lifts, rope and saddle, chippers, stump grinder).

Ability to use and maintain various types of small two cycle equipment.

Knowledge of safe work practices and maintenance of traffic.

Ability to work independently and with a team.

Knowledge of tree identification, tree physiology and tree pests and pathogens.

Physical Demands

Employee is expected to lift logs and brush more than 75 pounds to feed brush chipper for up to six (6) hours per day.

Employee must be able to hoist / pull body weight while using rope and saddle for climbing.

Employee is expected to use various chain saws and hand tools for up to six (6) hours per day.

Employee works in high, precarious places, around fumes or air-borne particles, in outdoor weather conditions (cold / hot), with dangerous equipment.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening : This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five (5) years.

About Everything Else

Pay : $16.76 - $20.44

This Posting is currently Open Until Filled