Lead Tree Trimmer (8084C), Facilities Services
University of California
- Berkeley, CA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Oversees the work of the Tree Trimmer.
- Follows ISA standards, proper safety procedures using appropriate PPE, Facilities Services Code of Cond Code of and Grounds Services operating procedures, Conduct, and Grounds Services operating procedures.
- Inspects, climbs, cables, braces, prunes, and removes trees and shrubs.
- Performs all clean-up activities associated with tree work.
- Operates trucks and other tree industry equipment in the course of work.
- Uses basic/advanced tree climbing techniques such as up and down, foot locking, aerial rescue, lateral/side-by-side; climbs trees using climbing aids and safety devices in the process of trimming trees.
- Works primarily with hand saw, pruning shears, chain saw wood chipper, Bobcat® with grapple and stump grinder attachments, aerial lift, Hobs lowering device, and climbing and rigging ropes.
- Maintains power tools, hand tools, ropes, rigging devices, and saddles.
- Cleans and sharpens tools and power saws.
- Cleans and systemizes trucks.
- Inspects and diagnoses trees for various plant pathologies including bacterial and fungal diseases, insect problems, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Also inspects for construction damage and hazardous trees.
- Takes corrective action as required, and/or as assigned.
- Ensures proper pedestrian or vehicular traffic controls are in place when appropriate and that all safety measures and practices are in place and followed at all times.
- Works cooperatively with other Facilities Services units, Capital Project staff, and other campus customers, and outside agencies such as PG&E and the City of Berkeley.
- Diagnoses and treats damage to trees resulting from the action of common diseases and pests.
- Prepares, uses and supervises others in the preparation and use of spray pesticides.
- Keeps up-to-date knowledge on spray pesticides and state and federal regulations governing their uses.
- Maintains expertise in the use of all tools and safety procedures required to perform activities such as pruning and tree topping at heights of about 75 feet.
- Exercises considerable discretion to choose appropriate work methods, personnel, tools, and safety precautions for different jobs.
- Gives daily work assignments to the crew.
- Gives daily feedback to crew regarding ways to do jobs.
- Prepares written estimates for customers.
- Provides safety training on a daily basis as needed with crew.
- Keeps up-to-date record of trees on UC-Berkeley campus; plans tree planting; recommends replacement for trees lost by natural causes and construction.
- Updates Arbor Pro inventory.
- Teaches courses for grounds personnel and students in areas such as ornamental horticulture.
- Initiates events such as tree walks and ecology projects for students.
- Annually recommends equipment and supplies required by the tree crew.
- Attends ISA or WCISA sponsored events or reads articles/study guides to accumulate the appropriate amount of CEUs to maintain ISA Arborist certification.
- Conducts and maintains inventory for equipment and tools.
- Fills out their time cards each day and prior to scheduled time off.
- Adheres to all university and departmental safety guidelines.
- Attends job-related and safety training as required.
- Uses required or appropriate PPE.
- Follows appropriate safety procedures, and the proper use and care of equipment such as the chainsaw, wood chipper, and aerial lift.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Must be a Certified Arborist.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, and the general public.
- Must be able to work cooperatively in a group setting.
- Must know and follow the ANSI A300-Tree, Shrub, and other Woody Maintenance Standard and Pruning Practices, Part 1-Pruning and Part 3-Support Systems.
- Must know the state and proper use of a hand saw, pruning shear, chain saw wood chipper, Bobcat® with grapple and stump grinder attachments, aerial lift, Hobs lowering device, and climbing and rigging ropes.
- Must be able to drive one-ton trucks the Hi-Ranger aerial lift, and proficiently position the wood chipper while driving in reverse.
- Knowledge and ability to properly operate, and provide daily/weekly basic maintenance of landscape maintenance equipment such as: chain saw, and wood chipper.
- Must have 2 years of experience in climbing trees, performing crown restoration, removing hazardous branches or trees, using rigging and related knots, and using tree trimming tools and equipment.
- Ability to use computer programs, email, and update databases.
- Must have the ability to work with CMMS system organization, management, and maintenance; general work order/ work flow management and asset maintenance (using CMMS software) Maximo Work Order System.
- Must be proficient in tree climbing using climbing saddle and ropes, and also proficient in rigging.
- Experience assigning tasks and leading crew.
- Must possess the ability and knowledge to necessary to safely and expeditiously perform tree specialist duties.
- Sufficient knowledge of the structure, function, and generic names for trees to allow easy communication with horticulturists or arborists when necessary.
- Ability to effectively communicate information to grounds personnel, students and community people.
- Extensive knowledge of and/or ability to learn University trees and ecology.
- Must be available to respond to emergencies, work on-call, rotating swing shift and holidays.
- Must adhere to Facilities Services' work rules and Code of Conduct.
- Ability to follow health and safety guidelines/instructions.
- This is a 100% full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
- This position is non-exempt and paid bi-weekly.