Tree Worker/Climber

Tree Worker/Climber
Organization Montgomery Parks
Location Wheaton, Maryland
Job Type Full Time
Application Deadline Dec 3, 2024

Description

  • Do you enjoy working outside?
  • Do you love climbing trees?
  • Do you thrive as a leader in a team setting?

If this sounds like you, Montgomery Parks Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division, located in Gaithersburg, Maryland is the place you want to be!   We are currently seeking a Tree Worker/Climber to be a part of our tree crew performing tree maintenance work on parkland across Montgomery County.  This position provides opportunities to be a part of an innovative team of tree climbers and arborists and advance a career in the field of urban forestry through education, training and on the job experience. For more information on our unit, check out our website at https://montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/arboriculture/

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner.  Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks and over 37,000 acres of parkland that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area. Go to our website to learn more:  https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Examples of Important Duties

Performs Tree Care Operations Utilizing Specialty Equipment and Practices

  • Performs work using aerial lift truck and climbs trees to prune and remove trees in accordance with ANSI standards
  • Safely climbs trees in accordance with ANSI standards using saddle, ropes, climbing hooks, safety lanyards and other specialized safety equipment
  • Removes or lowers trees and limbs utilizing ropes, pulleys, lowering devices, and other specialized equipment
  • Operates chain saw and other specialized equipment to fell and prune unwanted, diseased, hazardous or dead trees
  • Maintains safety compliance and is responsible for inspecting equipment before each climb
  • Inspects trees before work is started for hazards and safety concerns in accordance with industry standards
  • May occasionally respond to emergency tree work in evenings or on weekends

Maintains and Operates Tools/Equipment

  • Routinely inspects, operates and maintains chainsaws, chippers, and equipment used in tree care operations
  • Conducts routine preventative maintenance on assigned equipment (e.g., chain saws, brush chipper, etc.)
  • Drives trucks, often with trailer, to carry crew and equipment to work sites
  • Provides routine maintenance and reports major maintenance and repairs as needed to fleet services
  • Operates bucket trucks, log trucks, aerial lifts, trailers, pickup trucks and equipment needed to perform work

Important Skills and Characteristics 

  • Considerable skill in operation of vehicles requiring a CDL license, aerial lift trucks, chainsaws, chippers, hand tools and other specialized tree care equipment
  • Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to lead a crew to accomplish work objectives, problem solve and interact effectively with others

Minimum Qualifications

  1. High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
  2. One (1) year of tree maintenance experience including six months of tree climbing experience.
  3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 1 year.
  4. Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
  5. Depending on area of assignment, a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, and must be in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.
  6. Pass Commission medical examination.
Application Link