Forestry Technician 1

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.