TREE TRIMMER II

Note: The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill both extra help and permanently allocated positions. Individuals selected for extra help appointment may be transitioned to a permanently allocated position at a later date as authorized by the Fresno County Personnel Rules.

Positions in this classification are in Medical Group III - Heavy Physical Activity. This group includes positions which require heavy physical effort using arms, legs, back and trunk in frequent lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing (or offering resistance equivalent to) over 25 pounds. Generally, considerable bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, as well as standing and walking are involved. Physical stamina is usually required and explosive strength using bursts of energy may be required, depending upon specific position assignments.

Eligible candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The information listed below is meant to serve as samples of job duties and responsibilities for positions in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed. Consequently, this information does not reflect Essential Functions for any given position in this classification.

• Uses hand and power equipment such as power or hand saws, power or pole pruners, axes and similar tools to perform the more difficult tree trimming, shaping, thinning, and removal of excess limbs, branches, dead, diseased and damaged trees.
• Using basic/advanced tree climbing techniques such as up and down, aerial rescue, lateral/side-by-side, climbs trees using climbing aids and safety devices in the process of trimming trees.
• Inspects trees to evaluate maintenance needs and makes recommendations to supervisor and/or management.
• Instructs lower level tree crew members in the use and maintenance of hand and power equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair on tree maintenance equipment.
• Determines placement of ropes and rigging equipment in trees for easiest and safest removal of stumps, limbs and hazardous trees.
• Inspects trees for physical evidence of parasitical and fungus infestations and consults with supervisor to determine type of chemical control necessary; mixes and sprays chemicals and applies as needed for treatment.
• Operates trucks and other tree industry equipment in the course of work.
• Performs traffic control in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
• Transport and supervise alternative sentenced adult and/or juvenile work program participants.
• Gathers and disposes of brush, trimmings and stumps.

Knowledge of:

• Practices, methods and materials used in planting, pruning and removing trees;
• Equipment used in trimming and caring for trees and shrubs;
• Common names and growth characteristics of the more common types of ornamental and shade trees grown in Fresno County;
• Operations of power equipment, trucks and tractors;
• Aerial and climbing rescue practices and safety procedures;
• Safe use of hazardous chemicals, herbicides and fertilizers;
• Proper maintenance of tools and equipment;
• Traffic control including the placement of cones and warning signs;
• Advanced climbing techniques;
• Basic/Advanced tree removal techniques;
• Principles and practices of effective customer service;
• Principles and practices of on the job safety.

Skills/Abilities to:

• Operate and use tree maintenance tools and equipment, including aerial lifts, power and hand saws, trucks, chippers, hooks, loppers and other equipment used in the tree industry in a safe and efficient manner;
• Rig ropes and safely climbs trees unassisted using climbing aids;
• Tie various knots used in rigging and climbing trees;
• Train staff in the use of tree maintenance tools and equipment;
• Understand and follow oral directions;
• Read and understand job-related materials;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels as well as other agencies and the public;
• Perform heavy manual tasks;
• Work outdoors sometimes under adverse climatic and hazardous conditions;
• Display and maintain a high degree of initiative, maturity, integrity, and good judgment;
• Utilize full range of physical motion to walk, stand/sit for prolonged periods of time, climb, and repeatedly lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Experience: Two (2) years of full-time, paid experience equivalent to that gained as a Tree Trimmer with the County of Fresno.

License: Possession of a valid Class "B" driver's license, or equivalent, with air brakes and passenger endorsements.

Possession of a valid Class "A" driver's license with air brakes and passenger endorsements may be required.

Note: Candidates may be required to participate in the County's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, which includes an initial and subsequent random testing, as required by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

TO PREVENT THE DISQUALIFICATION OF YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE NOTE:

• Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for this position by the filing deadline.
• A completed Fresno County Employment Application is required (must be current, complete, and accurate; amendments will not be allowed after the deadline).
• Resumes and attachments are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.
• Please fully list your work experience including current position. Failure to list current and complete work experience within the job application (including employment with the County of Fresno) may disqualify the applicant from consideration.
• Your driver's license number must be listed on the application or it will not be accepted.