City of Tampa

This is semi-skilled work involving care and maintenance of municipal trees.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing skilled tasks of a hazardous nature involving Arboriculture including the installation, care, maintenance, and removal of municipal trees and stumps. Under general supervision, employee performs assignments, which are of moderate difficulty requiring arboricultural knowledge, exercise of initiative, and independent judgment. Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained. 

Works on a team responsible for installation, care, maintenance, and removal of municipal trees; climbs trees using rope and saddle; removes dead, broken and undesired branches or trees; prunes trees for needed clearance; operates and maintains automotive equipment such as trash crane, dump truck, stump grinder, and aerial lifts; uses hand tools, pruning shears, chainsaws, and similar equipment in pruning and removal operations.

Responds to after-hours and weekend tree emergencies on rotation. Member of Emergency Response Center #2 Operations team.

Loads and unloads heavy items, including supplies, equipment, and materials manually in order to complete assigned duties; performs Maintenance of Traffic to provide a safe route for traffic and work zone for the City crew.

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: the practice of Arboriculture including tree pruning methods and techniques; municipal street locations; the use, care and maintenance of tools and equipment utilized in tree maintenance; occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.

Ability to: understand and follow oral and written instructions; climb and work at heights; perform work requiring physical strength and endurance; operate a motor vehicle and arboriculture equipment listed above; demonstrate knots used in arboriculture and explain their use.

Skill in: use and care of tools and equipment used in Arboriculture operations.

Special consideration for backhoe and forklift operation in addition to equipment listed above.

Ability to lift 40-60 lbs., mostly standing and outdoors. Requires some use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Completion of High School and one (1) year of experience in general or skilled labor including six (6) months in Arboriculture (tree pruning and removal experience); or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 

Valid Florida Commercial driver’s license, Class "B" with Air Brakes.

Special consideration for ISA Certifications including, but not limited to: ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist, and/or ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.