Job Classification: Forestry Technician II

Department/Division                    Public Works/Forestry

Employment Status:                      Full-time

Hourly Salary:                                $26.1392 - $40.3330/hr. +/- DOQ/Grade 9

FLSA:                                              Non-Exempt

Union:                                             SEIU Local 73

Employment Commission:            N/A

Deadline for Application:              Posted until filled, first review January 10, 2025

The Village of Oak Park, Illinois is accepting applications to fill one open position in the Forestry Division of the Public Works Department as either a Forestry Technician I or Forestry Technician II. Oak Park is a dynamic and historic community, located just 8 miles west of downtown Chicago. The Village of Oak Park’s Forestry Division manages the Village’s urban forest of more than 18,000 parkway trees as well as more than 100 various public landscaped areas.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is the full journey class within the Urban Forestry Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Urban Forestry Worker I by the performance of the full range of duties assigned including assessing tree risk and performing aerial work using rigging techniques to prune or remove trees. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Possession of an Illinois Class B Commercial Driver license with a Tanker Endorsement and without an Air Brake Restriction within six months and is a condition of continued employment. Possession of a Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture and is a condition of continued employment. Possession of a Certified Pesticide Operators License or higher from the Illinois Department of Agriculture within six months of employment and is a condition of continued employment. Working conditions include travel from site to site, some exposure to dust and noise, some heavy lifting, standing, climbing and work in inclement weather conditions. This position is subject to 24-hour call out in emergency situations.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Applicants can apply directly using the following link:

Forestry Technician II link: https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=688104327

For additional information on the position visit our website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Applications and resumes may also be submitted by mail to: Human Resources, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302; by email to: [email protected] ; or by fax to: 708-358-5107. The Village of Oak Park offers a highly competitive benefit package including but not limited to a retirement plan, deferred compensation program, social security, medical, dental, vision & life insurance, flexible spending accounts, vacation and sick leave.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Union: SEIU

FLSA: Non-exempt

Pay Grade: 9

Hours: 40 per week

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform skilled work in the cultivation and maintenance of trees and landscaped areas; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey level class within the Urban Forestry Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Urban Forestry Worker I by the performance of the full range of duties assigned including planting, trimming and removing trees. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Urban Forestry Superintendent; Receives general direction from the Maintenance Crew Chief (Urban Forestry)

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Trim, plant, and maintain trees and various landscaped areas.

2. Remove dead, diseased, or hazardous trees; work from and/or operate bucket truck.

3. Water, mow, weed, trim, renovate and fertilize lawn.

4. Trim and prune bushes, trees and shrubs; stake trees as necessary.

5. Rake leaves and clear debris and litter from parking lots, walks and other facilities.

6. Operate moderately heavy and light equipment including chippers, stumpers, chain saws and various other equipment.

7. Apply pesticides and chemicals for insect, disease and weedcontrol.

8. Perform preventive maintenance on equipment as required.

9. Perform heavy physical labor.

10. Ensure the adherence to safe work policies and procedures.

Other important responsibilities and duties:

1. Remove snow from parking lots, streets and alleys as required.

2. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; providing appropriate information.

3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, and equipment used in landscaping work.
• Safe work practices.
• Methods and techniques of tree trimming, removal and planting, landscape maintenance, and pesticide applications.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned.

Ability to:

• Perform skilled tree maintenance work as assigned
• Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment as required.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Use and operate hand tools, power tools, chain saws, and mechanical equipment including aerial lift truck, log loader, front-end loader, stump grinder and chipper in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform skilled tasks in a variety of landscaping activities.
• Climb trees utilizing rope and saddle.
• Operate a variety of mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner in routine situations.
• Understand and follow oral instructions.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Apply good judgment and practical knowledge to resolve unusual or irregular problems.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain interpersonal skills in the workplace to effectively communicate and interact with others.
• Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observations
• Communicating with others
• Reading and writing
• Operating assigned equipment

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in a variety of grounds maintenance activities including tree trimming and working from an aerial bucket truck. AND

Training: Demonstrated formal and/or documented informal education providing knowledge of urban forestry. Additional specialized training in horticulture or a related field is desirable. AND

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid Illinois Class B Commercial Driver license.