Forestry Technician 1
Employment Type : Full-Time
POSITION: Forestry Tech I
DEPARTMENT: Forestry and Open Space
JOB TYPE: Full-Time Regular with Benefits
HOURS: Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and additional hours as necessary to meet Department needs.
ADDITIONAL HOURS: Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Required to work rotational on-call shifts (including weekends and holidays).
SUMMARY: Under the direct supervision of the Town Forester/Open Space Manager, the Forestry Tech I position is to assist in maintaining the health, safety, and aesthetics of public trees within the Town of Berthoud.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Perform technical forestry operations such as tree pruning, tree removal, and tree plantings
- Assist in surveying for the presence of non-native invasive insects and other various tree diseases and identify/recommend mitigation options of defective trees
- Update the Town’s online public tree inventory, including measuring and recording diameter at breast height (DBH), assessing overall conditions, determining management needs, and assessing risk
- Professionally communicate and conduct consultations to the public – in person, on the phone, and via email – regarding tree issues, concerns, and management needs for trees located within public rights-of-way
- Assist in monitoring and enforcing hazardous trees and/or potentially hazardous situations to ensure the safety of pedestrians and property
- Assist in performing hazardous and/or dead tree removals for Town owned and maintained trees
- Assist in reviewing and documenting forestry records including Street Tree Work Permits, Street Tree Replacement Applications, and Ash Tree Treatment Cost-Share Applications
- Operate and maintain forestry related equipment such as bucket trucks, boom lifts, brush chippers, stump grinders, chainsaws, augers, and other various machinery and tools
- Assist in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing irrigation drip line systems for Town owned and maintained trees
- Assist in maintaining a Town owned tree nursery
- Perform adequate tree watering practices and properly mulch trees
- Perform invasive species mitigation
- Assist in winterizing Town owned and maintained trees including winter tree watering
- Assist in performing street side tree chipping from storm damage
- Assist in the Town’s Christmas tree recycling program
- Assist in the Town’s yearly Arbor Day celebration, including Arbor Day tree plantings and public outreach
- May be required to attend monthly Tree Advisory Committee meetings, and assist Committee members in public outreach including hosting educational booths during Town festivals
ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
- Perform snow removal on Town owned and maintained sidewalks and trails
- Assist in open space and natural area management and maintenance
- Assist in hanging banners, American flags, and Christmas lighting/decorations throughout Town parks and along Mountain Avenue
- Assist other departments including Parks and Recreation Staff with miscellaneous projects and operations
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Must possess a 2-4 year degree (4 year preferred) in Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Biology, or closely related field and/or 1 or more years of progressive experience in urban tree care with focus on current arboricultural practices.
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Valid State of Colorado Driver’s License (required)
- ISA Certified Arborist certification or ability to obtain within 6 months
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Tree identification and nomenclature for species of the Front Range of Colorado
- Knowledge of tree biology and physiology
- Comprehensive knowledge of arboriculture practices and proper tree care management
- Experience using GIS devices and maintaining/updating tree inventories
- Previous experience safely and properly operating and maintaining chainsaws and other forestry related tools
- Knowledge of the adherence to the American National Standard Institute Z133.1-Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations and the A300 Tree, Shrub, and other Woody Plant Management-Standard Practices
- Knowledge, skill, and the ability to incorporate knots, hitches, and mechanical rope devices into technical climbing and rigging situations
- Understanding of quality tree nursery stock and transplanting procedures
- Previous experience safely driving truck and tow trailer combination
- Previous experience safely operating machinery equipment including but not limited to brush chippers, stump grinders, skid steers, front end loaders, and backhoes
- Ability to operate power tools and equipment safely and properly
- Ability to meet departmental goals, and establishes a cooperative working relationship with other employees, departments, and the general public
- Ability to soundly communicate both verbally and in writing
- Ability to resolve conflicts, utilizing various problem-solving techniques
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
- Perform all job duties in a safe manner
- Ability to stay calm under stressful situations
- Previous experience in Parks and Recreation maintenance
WORK ENVIORNMENT DEMANDS:
- Be flexible and willing to work in all weather conditions
- Be able to walk, stand, bend-over, sit for extended periods of time
- Be physically able to lift heavy weights (up to 100lbs)
- Be comfortable working at high heights (up to 65+ feet)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, vision and life insurance as well as sick and vacation leave. 401/457 after 1 year of service.