Job Description

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting applications for a Tree Trimmer I in the Public Works department. The employee performs intermediate skilled work related to tree removal, pruning and planting; does related work as required. This is skilled work in the operation of forestry related equipment requiring knowledge and experience that entails moderate difficulty in operation. The work involves responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of specialized equipment. Work may be performed with considerable independence; but supervision is received from a superior who assigns and inspects work in process and upon completion for quality, quantity, safety of operation and care of equipment.

Essential Functions of Position:

• operates equipment such as bucket trucks, chainsaws, brush loaders, wood chippers, stump grinders, boom mowers, backhoes, front end loaders, dump trucks;
• fells or uses an aerial lift to remove dead and hazardous trees;
• uses rigging techniques to lower limbs or trunk sections safely;
• prunes trees for improved structure, infrastructure clearance and traffic sight distance;
• responds to emergency calls regarding fallen trees or limbs;
• performs traffic control to ensure safety of cars, pedestrians and tree crew in traffic areas;
• repairs and services equipment;
• performs general skilled and semiskilled laboring tasks when not operating equipment;
• performs related tasks as required;
• assists with snow removal, vegetation management and landscaping activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: General knowledge of tree pruning and removal techniques; general knowledge and identification of tree species common to the area; general knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances and rules involved in equipment operation; general knowledge of the functions; operating methods and care required of a wide variety of equipment; general knowledge of the methods, tools and equipment used in servicing and repairing equipment; general knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary for the proper operation of equipment; general knowledge of the geography of the City, including the location and layout of streets and alleys; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and to work independently in the performance of regular working duties; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Acceptable Experience and Training: Completion of high school or GED and some experience in the operation of chainsaws, bucket trucks and related equipment; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Possession of a valid commercial driver's license issued by the State of Tennessee.Pre-employment physical, drug screening and background check required.

EEO/AA

This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to pre-employment, random and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing as allowed by law.