MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT (FORESTRY)

MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT (FORESTRY)

Salary

$32,105.00 - $40,131.50 Annually

Location

Columbia, SC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600152

Department

PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION

Division

FORESTRY & BEAUTIFICATION

Opening Date

06/03/2026

Closing Date

7/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Pay Grade

103

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position performs semi-skilled and unskilled maintenance work to support the operations of assigned division or department; and performs other technical work as required. The incumbent works according to set procedures under close supervision.

The work is considered heavy in nature and involves constantly lifting, pushing or raising objects, exerting between 50 and 75 pounds of force on a recurring basis and over 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, toxic/caustic chemicals, disease / pathogens; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Prunes or removes trees in City rights-of-way and on other properties as directed;
• Operates small and large chain saws, wood chippers, stump grinders and other tools and equipment as necessary to complete assigned duties;
• Loads / unloads materials onto vehicles;
• Cleans and removes debris from work sites;
• Inspects equipment to ensure proper and safe working condition; reports defects or required maintenance to the supervisor;
• Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of assigned tools and equipment;
• Performs semi-skilled and unskilled maintenance work to support the operations of assigned division or department;
• Performs general manual labor tasks as required;
• Assists in maintaining assigned trucks and equipment; performs cleaning, preventive maintenance and simple repair work as required;
• Drives and operates trucks and other vehicles; operates various hand and power tools as necessary to accomplish tasks;
• Installs, tests and repairs service lines;
• Performs duties in accordance with all department policies, procedures, and standards of quality and safety;
• Assists co-workers with various duties as required;
• Attends training, meetings, etc., as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Some chainsaw experience preferred;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring;
• Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard;
• Ability to follow instructions and orders of supervisor;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring little or no prior experience, such as hand tools;
• Ability to perform routine work using common sense;
• Ability to read simple sentences, instructions or work orders; writing simple sentences and completing simple job forms; speaking simple sentences using basic grammar;
• Ability to perform simple, repetitive manual, clerical or operating tasks following a few definite procedures; requires minor short-term planning; requires little attention for accurate results; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring a few decisions affecting a few co-workers; works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:

https://hr.columbiasc.gov/benefits/

01

Do you have a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• Some high school, did not graduate
• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Some college
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

03

Do you have prior experience operating chainsaws?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Columbia

Phone 803-545-3010

Website https://www.columbiasc.gov