State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Transportation Vegetation Management Specialist 2 (40 Hour) (5289FE)

$39.98-$57.64 Hourly / $3,197.86-$4,610.81 BiWeekly /
$83,464.00-$120,342.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Transportation this class is accountable for acting as an arborist to independently perform a full range of tasks in the inspection and implementation of vegetation management activities and objectives within a maintenance district.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Transportation Vegetation Management Supervisor or other employee of higher grade in the Central Maintenance Unit.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead Transportation Vegetation Management Specialist 1’s and other staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Independently performs vegetation-related complaint investigations;
  • Performs general survey work to determine ownership of vegetation;
  • Performs technical tree evaluations to determine appropriate course of action;
  • Prepares work orders, work commitment lists, and maintains accurate records of completed and planned work;
  • Provides staff training and assistance in a maintenance district; 
  • Determines priorities; 
  • Plans and oversees vegetation management safety improvement projects within the district;
  • Consults with other Department personnel (such as landscape architects, landscape designers and transportation engineers) during construction project design and performance in determining appropriate vegetation management measures and replacement plantings in relation to Office of Maintenance operational needs;
  • Conducts and/or oversees vegetation management in designated conservation areas. This may include management of invasive species and seeding operations;
  • Oversees the herbicide spraying program on divided highways and secondary roads within the district area;
  • Inspects work performed by utility contractors, billboard contractors, and state approved contractors working within the state right-of-way;
  • May serve as subject matter expert in tree failure cases and legislative testimonies, upon request; 
  • May act as team lead in administering Tree Climber practicums;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations pertaining to highway safety and vegetation management; 
    • the principles and practices of arboriculture, roadside vegetation management, conservation area establishment, and the environment;  
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Considerable ability to plan, organize, and execute projects and studies, and other programs related to planning processes and safety/vegetation management programs;
  • Ability to
    • utilize computer software;
    • read maps and project plans; 
  • Supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in arboriculture, roadside vegetation management, horticulture, plant science, or forestry. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been performing a range of assigned tasks in the inspection and implementation of vegetation management activities and objectives.  Incumbents must also possess and maintain all required certifications. 

NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Transportation Vegetation Management Specialist 1.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in arboriculture, horticulture, plant science, or forestry may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years of a Bachelor’s degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued Arborist License (class 3d), Governmental Supervisory Pesticide License (Category 6), and current Connecticut Tree Warden Certification.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

COMPENSATION GUIDELINES

  • The classification of Transportation Vegetation Management Specialist 2 is assigned to Salary Group FS 24a.
  • Employees shall proceed through that salary group and then shall proceed to the maximum salary of Salary Group FS 25.
  • The Job Code is identified as Salary Plan FE in CORE-CT.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Examined

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(14)-Inspection-Investigation

BARGAINING UNIT

(15)-ENG, SCIEN, TECH P-4

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

FE 24

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

New Class. Item No. 24-093

EFFECTIVE DATE

06/28/2024
CLASS: 5289FE; EST: 6/28/2024; REV: 7/3/2024;