CITY OF MUNCIE

 

Position No.:

Position Title: Assistant Urban Forester

Department(s): Parks Department

Reports to (Title): Urban Forester/Superintendent of Parks

Pay Rate $21.28

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Under administrative direction of the Urban Forester, to help participate and supervise in the City-wide program of care and maintenance of trees on public properties, parks, greenways and forested areas of the City. To assist with the implementing of the City’s urban forestry plans.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a single position class reporting to the Urban Forester. This class provides support and technical assistance for the City's Tree and Median Landscape Maintenance Programs. This class coordinates activities in the planning, implementing and monitoring of landscape maintenance and urban forestry projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Schedule and participate in the inspections, planting, removal, pruning and maintenance of trees on City property.

2. Provides technical assistance to individuals of tree and plant diseases and their eradication and control and Inspect trees for pests and disease on public property.

3. Use safe working methods in operation of tree maintenance tools and equipment

4. Provide instructions on methods and use of power equipment in the care of trees

and other vegetation to public employees.

5. Promote trees and plant health and growth.

6. Maintenance of forestry management plan, to include tree pruning and care, site improvement, tree plantings  and removals.

7. May act for the Urban Forester in their absence; under the direction of the Park

Superintendent.

8. Support the relationship between the City of Muncie and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City staff.

9. Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.

10. Work frequently in precarious places being exposed to wet conditions, fumes, airborne particles and vibration. Could be exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

11. Work closely with other city departments especially during storms helping to

clear the roads; pruning around stop signs and signals when needed.

12. Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as

assigned.

13. Must be able to safely operate a bucket truck and grapple truck.

14. Performs related duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUAL1F1CAT1ONS/REOU1REMENTS:

Experience: Four (4) years’ experience in tree and grounds care and maintenance.

Possess a valid Driver’s License and Commercial Driver's License.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Knowledge of plant and tree diseases and pests, and their eradication and control. Ability to eliminate hazards and preserve the beauty of trees in the parks, on the streets and on other public properties.

2. Knowledge of operation and maintenance of power equipment and tools used in tree work. Ability to remove dead or dangerous trees and remove overhanging limbs broken by storms. Ability to properly plant and water trees, grind stumps and keep tools such as saws in good repair.

3. Skilled in instructing others in the safe use of tree and plant maintenance tools and

equipment (i.e. Parks employees)

4. Ability to present information verbally and in writing.

5. Ability to maintain records of activities.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.

7. Ability to implement and enforce the City’s Chapter 97 Tree Ordinance.

8. Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances ( 1 or more miles).

9. Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds; use proper lifting techniques including

bending at the knees and be able to reach, push, pull, stoop, bend, and squat.

10. The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of

physical and mental coordination, such as using hand and power tools.

11. Acuity for driving long periods; reading literature for long periods; industry

warning signs and instruments; reading maps and diagrams, computer screen.

12. Ability to communicate in person and over the telephone.

13. Ability to operate a motor vehicle, bucket truck and grapple truck.

14. Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations.

15. Operate in protective equipment as assigned, when working in hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, including but not limited to head protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, hand protection and full body protection (PPE).

16. Ability to use computer to determine right-of-ways and property owner information, write ordinance violations and help with enforcing tree licensing.

17. Good physical health possessing the strength and agility sufficient to prune trees, lift and maneuver heavy objects. Ability to climb into and operate large equipment.

Work is performed outdoors with exposure to inclement weather; exposure to noise, dust, grease, fumes, gases and potentially hazardous chemicals. Work is in and around moving vehicles and machinery. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and

private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and

procedures. This position requires the ability to work on an emergency basis.

The above description covers the most significant duties performed but may exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Incumbent performs duties according to standardized practices and procedures of the Muncie

Police Department, using judgement and taking personal action in determination of the best methods to achieve desired results. Errors in decision or accuracy of word are readily detected through procedural safeguards or supervisory review of work. Undetected errors could lead to loss of time and inconvenience to department employees, other agencies, and members if the general public.

Incumbent receives general instructions and performs majority of tasks according to standard practice and procedures, with work reviewed during critical phases and upon completion for

accuracy and conformance with directions.

This description covers the most significant duties performed but may exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned.

 

Interested applicants can apply online at:

City of Muncie Employment Application

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer