Rev. 7/97

City of San José

TREE MAINTENANCE LEADWORKER (3416)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under general supervision, leads and performs tree trimming and removal work of moderate difficulty. Performs related duties as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Leads and performs a variety of clearance trimming, tree removal, and related duties which include: stripping and topping trees for removal; lowering trees and limbs; utilizing rigging as needed; removing fallen trees, limbs, or traffic hazards; inspecting trees to determine need for pruning, trimming, or removal and for evidence of insects or disease.
• Operates and utilizes equipment and tools, including aerial boom trucks, chain saws, hand and pole saws, hand loppers, pruning shears, brush chippers, and other items.
• Investigates insects and diseases in street trees for possible treatment or removal.
• Handles emergency tree problems during the storm season.
• Does minor field repair and servicing of equipment.
• Works with the City Attorney's office in providing information for tree trimming/removal suits and with the City Arborist on special tree problems.
• Explains tree maintenance programs and policies to the public.
• May prune street trees for aesthetic and/or structural development.
• May shape and restake recently planted trees.
• May lead and perform landscape maintenance work.
• Assumes responsibility for safety of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in work area, safe operation of equipment utilized, security, and cleanup of work area.
• Assumes responsibility for time sheets, work orders, and reports and records of equipment and materials utilized.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   Positions in this class report to a Maintenance Supervisor and lead a crew of maintenance workers. This class differs from other classes in the maintenance series in that the work is specialized in the area of tree maintenance. The duties of the position involve prolonged periods of working in trees, doing strenuous physical labor, chain saw operation, and limb removal tasks.

 QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of methods and equipment used in tree trimming and maintenance.
• Knowledge of the kinds and characteristics of common shade and ornamental trees.
• Knowledge of the operation and adjustment of brush chippers and various hand and power tools used in tree maintenance work.
• Ability to operate aerial boom trucks and equipment.
• Ability to work at substantial heights.

Competency Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of safety rules and practices for operating tree trimming trucks and equipment.
• Ability to work safely at substantial heights and recognize hazards when working near high voltage lines.
• Ability to lead and train others in tree/landscape maintenance work and the use of related equipment.
• Ability to recognize diseases or unhealthy tree conditions and apply knowledge of trees and their growth patterns to pruning techniques.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records of work completed, time, parts, materials, and supplies used.
• Ability to deal with the public.

Education
   Graduation from high school or equivalent (G.E.D. certificate or California Proficiency Certificate).

Experience
   Three years of experience in trimming and removing large trees, operating aerial boom trucks, and using chain saws and other tree trimming equipment.

Acceptable Substitutions
   None.

Licenses/Certificates
   As a condition of employment in some designated positions, possession of a valid State of California Class A or B driver's license with applicable endorsements may be required in the performance of job duties.

(5/7/80), (Rev. 7/89), (Rev. 3/92), (Rev. 4/92), (Rev. 7/97)
3416s001.doc