Farm Crew

About Casey Trees

In pursuit of its mission to restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital, Casey Trees (CT) delivers a broad base of programs and services to the DC Metro area. The organization plants more than 7,000 trees each year grown at our own nursery; cares and maintains those trees; conserves greenspace; conducts school and community-based youth STEM programming; and advocates for stronger policies and laws to preserve trees across the area. Casey Trees emphasizes innovative solutions and working with diverse partners to advance and promote tree canopy solutions that meet the needs of the communities that we serve.      

Summary 

The Farm Crew member performs a wide range of hands-on tasks, including but not limited to tree production, grounds and facilities maintenance, equipment maintenance/repair, etc. This incumbent is expected to learn and apply tree nursery production techniques and other tasks, enjoy working out-of-doors in all seasons, be punctual, and ready and willing to conduct all assigned tasks.

Essential Functions:

The following functions are representative for the Farm Crew in its entirety – including but not limited to:

• Tree planting, pruning, suckering, tying, staking, inventory, weeding, spot-spraying/pesticide application, mulching, calipering, digging, balling, burlapping, root bagging, etc.
• Operates power and non-powered equipment/tools, including but limited to: tractors, track loaders, mowers, augers, tree spades, chippers, sprayers, tillage implements, seed drills, wood splitters, stump grinders, pumps, shovels, chainsaws, line trimmers, blowers, drills, saws, etc.
• Routine equipment and small engine maintenance such as: oil and air filter changes, lubrication, blade sharpening, etc.
• Miscellaneous tasks: painting, fence repairs, cleaning, event set-up, minor carpentry, etc.
• Promotes a safety culture by reducing hazardous conditions resulting from human error, equipment and machine operations that may lead to human injury and/or property damage
• Connects people to trees
• Other duties as assigned

Competencies

• Teamwork
• Time Management
• Safety Orientation
• Working Outside

Supervisory Responsibilities 

The incumbent has no direct reports.

Working Conditions

The incumbent works outside, year-round in heat, cold and inclement weather. Must be able to use equipment such as (not an exclusive list): automobile; pickup truck with trailer; small motorized equipment; various hand tools such as shovels, sprayers, rakes, saws, ladders, and pruning shears, etc.

Physical Demands:  

• Use of equipment and lifting to plant and maintain trees
• Working outside year-round in the heat, cold and inclement weather
• While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The incumbent is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The incumbent is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The incumbent is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 60 pounds frequently and seldom up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, nonexempt position averaging 40 hours per week year-round. The incumbent must be able and willing to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when needed. There are no opportunities for telework for role.

Travel

Local travel for various purposes may be required during the business day. Travel is primarily local to the greater Washington, DC metro area including daily and overnight travel to CT’s headquarters in Washington, DC. Occasional travel out of the area for training/seminars/events, etc., requiring overnight stay may be expected.  

Required Qualifications

• One year of work experience in farming, landscaping, tree/plant production or similar field
• Ability to arrive to work on time and ready to work
• Good communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of work experience in farming, landscaping, tree/plant production or similar field
• Driver’s license
• Pesticide license w/in two years of hire

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Casey Trees is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.