Forestry, Senior Technician

Summary of Duties: Under the immediate supervision of a Streetscapes Supervisor or a Foreman perform skilled and semi-skilled work related to maintenance and renovation of community grounds or streetscapes, parks and recreation facilities, pathways, landscape, open space reserves, cul-de-sac’s, lakes, and ponds.

Essential Employee Responsibilities: During emergency conditions, subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acts as Crew leader of work teams assigned to various streetscape areas/parks/facilities/grounds maintenance and operational activities. Direct supervision of laborers, providing guidance, mentoring, and assistance in daily work activities.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, brush/tree trimmers and chippers, air compressors, backhoes, farm tractors, forklifts, skid steer, and other various hand and job-related power tools.
• Provide assistance with reforestation and vine maintenance projects.
• Inspection and assessment of hazard trees.
• Communicate with and audit the work of contractors.
• Ability to drive trailers, haul and operate equipment.
• Perform weekly preventative maintenance and repairs on all required equipment and facilities.
• Perform duties in support of development and maintenance of enhanced landscape areas and right of ways e.g., fertilizing, pruning trees and shrubs, clearing right-of-way areas with appropriate equipment.
• Enforcement of safety rules, assisting in quality assurance of work activities, and assisting in maintaining effective and efficient work production.
• Gather and dispose of debris, wood, trash, limbs, weeds, grass, trees, shrubs, plants, and dead animals.
• Participate in emergency response teams.
• May be required to work special events on nights, weekends or holidays.
• Assist with other streetscapes responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety-Sensitive: This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Coordinates crew members (approximately 3 or more employees). Carry out crew leader responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include the occasional direction of helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees.   Work performed by those being supervised is semi-complex. 

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme heat, and vibration.

Disagreeable: Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. The majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk and frequent physical effort is required.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 

Minimum Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).  ISA certification or ability to obtain certification a plus.

Experience: One (1) year of related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Licenses and Certifications: Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and meet the driver safety policy requirements.

Computer Skills: Familiarity with the Smart Phone Technology and work order processes.