About this Opportunity!

Lead Maintenance Specialist - Forestry

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

$43,032 - $49,385 per year

Position Summary:

Under supervision of the Large Tree Care Supervisor, this position assists in the scheduling, coordinating, directing, assigning and evaluating of annual, monthly and day to day work plans and personnel associated with the District's large tree care program, which includes, but is not limited to, tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, tree support systems, and participating in forestry-related special events. Assist Supervisor and other Forestry, Parks and Open Space team members with mapping District assets, personnel training, snow removal, storm damage response, mosquito control, special projects and maintaining a safe work environment. May be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and be on snow watch, as well as work shifts deviating from this position’s normal work days and/or with other work groups.

Essential Duties:

• Supervise the daily activities of other full-time, part-time, or seasonal personnel. Duties may include, but are not limited to: leading the crew in the absence of the supervisor, training personnel in proper arboricultural or snow removal techniques, directing work, documenting field performance, counseling and commending personnel on performance, and completing assigned performance reviews.
• Responsible for the proper maintenance of trees, greater than 12 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), for maintenance or care such as, but not limited to, pruning to: provide clearance, maintain health, develop structure, reduce hazard and restore structure to damaged, vandalized or improperly cared for trees; applying supplemental support with cables and braces; and removal of invasive and nuisance species. Work shall be completed using the most current and applicable: a) Federal OSHA Standards pertaining to the Tree Care Industry and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); b) Arboricultural Industry Standards such as ANSI Z60.1, Z133 and A300; c) the International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices and d) adopted policies and procedures.
• Ensure the safety of District property users by keeping District vegetation liability risks at a minimum through properly maintaining woody vegetation under the responsibility of the Large Tree Care section. Assist the Large Tree Care Supervisor with tree risk assessments, staff safety trainings and establishment of safe work zones.
• Assist with the prioritizing, scheduling, assigning, supervising and evaluating of tree pruning and removal activities including annual, monthly and weekly work plans, schedules and calendars as well as dispatching full-time, part-time and seasonal crews and equipment to project locations on a daily basis. May also need to coordinate, schedule and assign volunteers, Scouts and Community Services Workers. Work closely with other Park and Open Space team members to properly schedule and coordinate activities in parks, facilities and along trails.
• Conduct tree assessments observing for condition, defects, maintenance needs and pests such as Japanese beetle or Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), etc. Conduct assessments, tree appraisals and tree benefit calculations as needed or assigned.
• Maintain accurate tree inventory data, maintenance and removal records.
• Prior to beginning pruning work, establish pruning objectives with the LTC Supervisor including pruning prescriptions to protect the health, vigor and structural development of trees. Prune certain species to avoid the spread of disease, excessive sap bleeding or to enhance flowering.
• When trails or other right-of-ways are to be obstructed or blocked, follow all applicable MUTCD, state, local and District rules and regulations. Set up trail detours and use traffic control devices, as well as appropriate signage, to create safe detours and work zones.
• Assist in hiring, training, supervising and evaluating staff. Document job performance and advise the LTC Supervisor on personnel actions regarding performance of, disciplinary needs, and termination of staff. Provide coaching, guidance and field supervision to these positions.
• Assist the Supervisor in training Forestry personnel in pre-climb tree safety assessment, tree climbing, aerial lift devices, rigging operations, tree felling, cable and bracing, tree identification, cultural requirements, safety procedures, and proper operation and maintenance of tools and equipment. Provide preventive maintenance and simple repairs to vehicles and equipment. Assist the Supervisor with coordinating vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair with the garage and shop personnel.
• Assist in coordinating and carrying out Storm Damage Responses for the Department and Division.
• As delegated or assigned by the Supervisor, prepare material and supply orders for Large Tree Care activities.
• Perform snow and ice removal using plow trucks, blowers, shovels, ice scrappers, de-icing salts, etc.
• Assist with District related special events, such as the War Memorial Rose Garden Pruning Workshop, Arbor Day, Adopt-A-Park projects or holiday programs.
• Maintain accurate time cards and daily activity reports for self. Assist others in your work group with filling out time cards, activity sheets and other electronic or hardcopy paperwork.
• While on duty or on snow watch, carry a charged and functional District-issued cell phone, which is expected to be answered or messages returned in a timely manner, when it is safe to return calls.
• Use Purchase Cards and Purchase Orders in accordance with established procedures. Reconcile Purchase Cards in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties and special assignments as required by manager/supervisor, including assignments that may be outside the primary area of responsibility or that may be assigned by the Department Director or the District’s Executive Director. Assist in the Department’s STAR PR program and shop cleaning of the Forestry and Horticulture facility.
• Exercise good judgement and practice proper safety precautions at all times.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Must be eighteen (18) years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent. A Technical School certification, Associates Degree in Science, or a Bachelor Degree in Science in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related science degree, is highly desirable.
• Three (3) years of experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, forestry, or utility tree trimming with a focus on tree climbing, rope use, knots, rigging, felling, bucking and climbing, tree pruning and tree removal, chainsaw use and maintenance, EAB sampling/treatment and tree inventorying.
• Snow and ice removal and mosquito control experience is helpful.
• A combination of experience and education may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist certification or have the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Colorado Pesticide Applicator’s License as a Certified Operator in the Turf and Ornamental categories or have the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Tree Climber or Aerial Lift Operator is highly desirable.
• A current, valid Colorado Driver’s License Class B with the air brake endorsement, or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire. Maintenance of a good driving record is required. Must be able to pass a CDL drug screening and health assessment prior to using CDL equipment.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of modern arboricultural principles, standards, and best management practices, operations and activities of a municipal urban forestry program, tree identification, tree biometrics, CODIT, arboricultural knots and rigging systems, work-place and arboriculture safety practices, laws, regulations, and methods of pesticide applications. Knowledge in tree identification.
• The ability to use field data collection devices to maintain maintenance records, and the use of developing technology to inspect and maintain trees.
• Skills in the proper use of care and maintenance of Forestry Division assets such as hand, power and motorized tools including chainsaws, tree climbing gear, rigging equipment, aerial lift units, chippers, stump grinders, and snow and ice management equipment, the safe and lawful operation of motor vehicles, snow plows and snow blowers, reading and understanding general and scientific tree reference materials, safely felling trees and in the proper use of pesticides and associated personal protective gear.
• The ability to learn, understand and follow policies, procedures, and master plan objectives for the District, understand and follow the District’s personnel policies and procedures, the District’s purchasing policies and procedures, the District’s organization and operation structure, as necessary, to carry out assigned responsibilities,
• The ability to successfully and productively work without supervision within established policies and procedures and regularly exercise independent judgement for daily operation.
• Ability to train and supervise employees, community service workers, and volunteers, adhere to safe work practices and procedures, tie and use arboricultural knots and rigging systems.
• Ability to read and interpret sketches, diagrams, plans, and maps.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, weather events, and special work requests.
• Ability to interact tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately with the public, District administration, co-workers, and other agencies or contractors.
• Ability to read, listen and follow directions/instructions from supervisory staff.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.

Material and Equipment Used :

This position regularly uses aerial lifts. chip trucks, pick-ups or stake-bed trucks with manual or automatic transmissions, snow plow trucks, ATV’s, Utility vehicles, or Outfront mowers with snow plows, trailers for towing equipment or materials, tractors and Skid Steers with various implements, hand tools such as various pruning saws, rakes, brooms, saw sharpeners, screw drivers, hammers, etc., electrical power tools such as drills, circular saws, jig saws, saw sharpeners, parts cleaners, etc., motorized tools such as chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, backpack blowers, snow blowers, etc., pesticide application equipment including high or low pressure sprayers and backpack sprayers, pesticides and De-Icing salts, ropes, pulleys and rigging systems, personal computers, smart or flip cell phones, hand-held data collection devices, and GPS tools and software. This position will drive a District vehicle and/or a personal vehicle for business purposes.

Working Environment :

Regularly requires strenuous outdoor work such as climbing trees with rope and saddle and working off the ground in trees or using aerial lift devises in possibly adverse conditions, such as tight working quarters, extremes in temperature, in precipitation, with ultraviolet radiation exposure, and in unlit or low light, early morning or night-time activities.

Physical Requirements :

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb with both legs and arms, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag objects weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles while exercising good hand/eye and foot/eye coordination; occasionally climb stairs and ladders; work in uncomfortable positions for short periods of time; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag objects weighing up to 75 pounds unassisted. May be required to Lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag heavy amounts of weight up to 100 pounds with assistance, up or down changes in grade, into or out of vehicles or equipment, or over rough terrain or obstacles, such as downed woody debris, or up steep creek banks. Ability to tolerate exposure to dust, fumes, and odors. Verbally communicate and exchange information, or hearing and listening for receiving and interpreting information and warning signals.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

We’ve Got You Covered!

South Suburban pays:

• 90% of the employee-only medical insurance cost
• 68% of dental & vision insurance cost
• 100% short-term & long-term disability cost
• 100% life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance cost

South Suburban offers:

• FSA options for additional medical expenses

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

• South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
• Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $360 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

• 10 paid holidays per year
• 4 personal days per year
• Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We’ve Got Your Back

• Up to 8% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vests after 3 years of service
• Diverse trainings to grow your professional and personal skillset
• Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $1,800 per year

Play Where You Work

• Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
• Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

• Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
• 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
• $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

To view a complete listing of the District’s most current benefit package, please visit http://careers.ssprd.org

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.