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Arborist Apprentice

Category: Classified
Pay Grade: C15
Job Code: 13532

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.  Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY

The Arborist Apprentice is an entry-level role in the Urban Forestry operational team. This role involves both ground and aerial operations in various environments, such as county parks/preserves, rights-of-way, and other grounds. The Apprentice will engage in various tasks, including pruning, cutting, and removing trees, branches, and stumps. Under the guidance of the Arborist 1 and 2, the Apprentice is expected to learn and develop effective strategies to address tree-related issues while performing duties involving the hazards of climbing trees, using aerial lifts, and operating near utility power lines. The Arborist Apprentice reports to an Arborist 2 or designee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)

• Assists in both ground and aerial operations, including climbing trees and using aerial lifts, employing powered cutting tools to remove branches that are broken, dead, or present a hazard;
• Supports in the development and implementation of tree care plans, including pruning and removal, especially in tight spaces, along busy roadways, and near power lines;
• Contributes to the health and safety of the urban forest by trimming trees obstructing visibility or presenting danger and clearing brush from designated areas;
• Assists in operating a variety of heavy machinery, such as boom and bucket trucks, tractors, mechanical chippers, and stumpers, under supervision;
• Performs routine servicing and preventative maintenance work on power tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Performs general maintenance and landscaping work as required, contributing to the overall aesthetics and safety of public spaces;
• Assists in the identification of a wide range of tree-related issues and helps develop effective plans to solve them;
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of experience in arboriculture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, or directly related occupation; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment):

• A Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules, including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Candidate may be required to obtain and maintain certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as a Certified Arborist.
• Candidate to demonstrate proficiency, competency, and satisfactory completion of regularly assigned work in an independent manner. Appointing Authority retains the discretion to employ an incumbent at this level or advance the incumbent non-competitively or competitively after a candidate meets the minimum qualifications to an in-line career ladder position within the same organization or department.
• Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials relevant to a position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic Knowledge of standard methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in arboriculture operations, including the use of saws and other tools.
• Introductory understanding of tree biology, soils, fungi, pest identification, wood anatomy, wood decay, species identification, species profiles, and green log weights.
• Ability to work under the supervision and learn from the Arborist 1 and 2.
• Ability to assist in developing and implementing work plans for tree care, including pruning and removal.
• Ability to communicate effectively with citizens, explaining work objectives in a courteous, confident, and tactful manner.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

This work requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
• Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
• Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbent works in an environment with heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others.