Job Specification

TREE MAINTENANCE WORKER 1

DEFINITION:

Under direction, performs semi-skilled and manual work to assist

in pruning, feeding, bracing, repairing, spraying, fertilizing, removing

and transplanting trees and shrubs; learns to climb trees using a

ladder, climbing hooks and belts, and other manual or mechanical

equipment used to aid in performing tree maintenance tasks; when

assigned to an electric utility unit, in accordance with state and federal

regulations, learns and performs the above work primarily around power

lines to minimize storm and short circuit hazards;  does related work as

required.

NOTE:  The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes

only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties

listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the

job may not be listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Learns how to climb trees using individual climbing gear; learns to remove

dead or diseased limbs and to top trees; may work from vertical lift truck

when conditions are unsafe to climb.

Performs semi-skilled and manual work to assist

in pruning, feeding, bracing, repairing, spraying, fertilizing, removing

and transplanting trees and shrubs.

Uses pole shears, saws, axes and other cutting tools to prune trees

or remove dead limbs; operates, and feeds branches, into chipper.

Cares for trees damaged by storm or disease by trimming, topping

and/or removing damaged or hazardous limbs, following established

industry guidelines.

Scrapes decayed matter from cavities in trees using shovels or

picks and fills holes with cement to promote healing and prevent

further deterioration.

Cuts down trees and cuts limbs to size using chain, or hand saws

and other tools.

Assists in installing guying and bracing to prevent wind damage

and encourage correct growth. 

Uses ropes and rigging systems to safely remove tree branches.  

Bags and transplants trees and shrubs using burlap and shovel.

May mix premeasured chemicals according to specific directions

and spray and dust pesticides on shrubs and trees to control pests

and diseases;

Fertilizes trees to promote growth using appropriate method and

equipment.

Plants trees and shrubs by digging holes, setting, back-filling,

watering and bracing.

Operates chainsaws, motorized winches, stump grinders, chippers

and various types of hand tools. 

Performs minor maintenance on equipment or tools used.

May operate motor vehicles and light construction equipment

on a limited basis.

May mix premeasured chemicals according to specific directions

and spray trees, shrubs, and plants, to control pests and disease.

When assigned to an electric utility unit, learns to fell trees

interfering with power service, using chainsaws.

When assigned to an electric utility unit, learns to climb, trim, spray,

top and cut down trees and limbs primarily around electric power lines.

When assigned to an electric utility unit, learns to operate aerial truck,

pole saw, chain saw, chippers, winches, stump grinders or other

mechanized equipment as necessary for maintenance of utility

properties and rights-of-way.

When assigned to an electric utility unit, learns to use insulated stick

or other approved personal protective equipment to remove limbs from

power lines or energized equipment.

When assigned to an electric utility unit, may apply herbicides to deter

unwanted tree or vegetation growth, or weed killer to control vines, weeds

or poison growth near electric power lines, poles or other infrastructure. 

Performs a variety of tasks such as planting grass seed, placing sod on

areas, cutting brush, mowing grass, and loading and unloading refuse,

removing snow, and so forth.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or

manual recording and computerized information systems used by

the agency, office, or related units.

REQUIREMENTS:

NOTE: When assigned to an electric utility unit, incumbents must

complete Appointing Authority administered training to learn to perform

the functions of a Tree Climber, Electric Utility.

LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in

New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than

employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties

of the position.

Appointees may be required to possess a valid Commercial

Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the

class and type of vehicle being operated.

NOTE: The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess

the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class

and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.

NOTE: Appointees may be required to obtain a Pesticide

Applicator Certification issued by the New Jersey Department

of Environmental Protection.       

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of established industry standards for forestry methods

and tree care, after a period of training.

Knowledge of current NJDOT guidelines for traffic control when

working in public rights-of-way, after a period of training.

Knowledge of precautions and safe working practices involved in

climbing, topping, and sawing limbs off trees, felling trees, lowering

limbs and operating motorized hand equipment, after a period of

training.

Knowledge of the safety precautions used when working around high

and low energized electric power lines when assigned to an electric

utility unit, after a period of training.

Ability to climb trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts,

or other equipment.

Ability learn and practice precautions used when climbing and working

around high and low energized electric power lines when assigned to

an electric utility unit.

Ability to learn to use or operate a chain saw, stump grinders, chippers,

handsaws, axes, wedges and other power and/or hand tools used to

perform tree maintenance tasks.  

Ability to learn to tie various knots used in tree maintenance work.

Ability to perform mechanical and manual operations.

Ability to learn to set up routine rigging, hoists, blocks and tackle. 

Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy objects for short distances. 

Ability to observe safety precautions in climbing trees. 

Ability to work from heights in excess of 30 feet, suspended from

climbing gear or in a lift truck.

Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral direction.

Ability to learn quickly from oral instruction and from demonstrations.

Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or

manual recording and information systems used by the agency,

office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in English

sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign

Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable

forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long

as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without

reasonable accommodation.  If the accommodation cannot be

made because it would cause the employer undue hardship,

such persons may not be eligible.

This job specification is applicable to the following title code: