Equipment Operator I- Ground Arborist

Job Advertisement\n \nPay rate is $24.43 - $26.93 an hour per the 1386A Working Agreement. Detailed information about the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement including salary schedule and benefits can be found here: https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/hr/employment-contracts The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement paid time off including vacation holidays medical & dental insurance flexible spending account professional development career growth longevity incentives and more! Please visit Work with us | City of Portsmouth for more information. We welcome diverse and non-traditional backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don't satisfy every single bullet on this list. The purpose of this position is to perform tasks related to the maintenance of the City's urban tree canopy. Duties include planting pruning and removing trees and branches using industry standard practices and equipment with an emphasis on ground-based tasks. This is labor-intensive work and requires strong communication skills to safely work with all crew members at the various job sites through the City of Portsmouth. \n \nEssential Duties and Responsibilities\n \nThe essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar; related; or a logical assignment to; or extension of; the position.\n\n Skilled in the use of ground-based arboriculture specialty equipment to include grapple truck; chipper; stump grinder; spray/watering truck; chain saw; and air spade. Rigging equipment to include arborist block; pulley; slings; cariners; friction brake; GRCS; and mechanical advantage system; proficient with a variety of industry standard knots.\n \n\n Must perform all duties of ground-based tree care operations that include establishing rigging equipment; felling trees; establishing safety for self; coworkers; public; and property; worksite clearing and processing of material.\n \n\n May direct permanent; seasonal; and intern staff while in the field; possesses the ability to understand tasks; devise and implement a work plan with guidance from the Tree Supervisor/Arborist and Arborist Technician.\n \n\n Possess a thorough understanding of tree physiology and the proper techniques to maintain tree health through pruning; fertilizing; and establishment.\n \n\n Understanding of work safety practices identified in ANSI Z.133 Safety Standard; and the ability to identify and correct unsafe work practices performed by self or others; demonstrate a commitment to safety in all work operations; proper use of worksite personal protective equipment (PPE).\n \n\n Use of tree preservation tools such as air spade; porous pave; compost tea brewing and application for trees afflicted by natural disaster and with biotic or abiotic stressors.\n \n\n Maintains all PPE; hand and power tools; vehicles; and equipment used in daily operations.\n \n\n Must respond to emergencies after normal business hours; including all winter snow operations; severe weather events; and City events.\n \n\n* Performs related duties as required. \n \nMINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS\n \nApplicants for this position must have graduated from high school or have earned a graduate equivalent diploma (GED). Minimum two (2) years of experience in urban forestry is required. The successful candidate shall possess; or have the ability to acquire in 12 months; the International Society of Arboriculture's (ISA) Certified Arborist Certification. An incumbent must possess; or obtain in 12 months; a valid Commercial Driver's License; Class B and have no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability by any insurance carrier providing coverage to the City. \n \nFull Job Description\n \nEquipment Operator I- Ground Arborist 2023.pdf\n \nDisclaimer\n \nThe essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex disability age sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran status or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment its services programs and activities. To request reasonable accommodations contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.\n \nApplication Special Instructions\n \nFinalist must complete pre-employment screening drug testing & background check. \n\n