Tree Care Specialist I

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking Tree Care Specialists to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. Ability to use and/or learn to use basic hand tools and operations of chippers, stump grinder, chainsaws, and ground operations of the aerial lift, basic knots, tree removal rigging, motorized winches, block & tackle, carabineers, and pole tools. Knowledge of ANSI-Z-133 and A- 100 standards as they pertain to daily operations. Ability to perform various assigned landscape maintenance tasks that may include mulching, planting and brush clearing. Ability to drive and back a chip truck with a chipper attached. Ability to work cooperatively with others, understand oral and written communication and instructions. (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Assists with pruning and removal of dead, decayed, and diseased trees and limbs;
• Uses multiple knots, rigging, motorized winches, and block and tackle to remove limbs or completely remove trees;
• Assists with clearing fallen trees from roads, trails and public access areas;
• Assists with equipment preparation and routine maintenance of assigned equipment;
• Assists in positioning of aerial lifts and other forestry equipment;
• Maintains safe working conditions during tree operations by manually removing cut materials from work site following all Fairfax County safety policies;
• Reports and monitors job site safety area, unsafe working conditions;
• Operates chain saw, pole saw, line-thrower, winches and assigned equipment and applicable hand tools;
• Performs various landscape maintenance tasks that may include mulching, planting and brush clearing;
• Assists with operation of brush chipper to chip and remove brush and debris;
• Loads and unloads trucks or other equipment;
• Drive assigned vehicle to job site;
• May be designated as emergency service personnel.

 (The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Working knowledge of the methods, materials and tools used in tree care operations;
• Ability to learn basic rope and tie-off techniques (knots, rigging, motorized winches, and block and tackle);
• Knowledge or ability to learn safety standards and practices for tree care operations;
• Ability to be physically active for up to 3 hours at a time;
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions;
• Ability to use all hand and power tools specific to tree work;
• Ability to walk and work on uneven terrain;
• Ability to work cooperatively with others;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:    
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to:
Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education; plus, one year of experience working in tree or ground care operations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Ability to use and/or learn to use basic hand tools and operations of chippers, stump grinder, chainsaws, and ground operations of the aerial lift, chainsaws, basic knots, tree removal rigging, motorized winches, block & tackle, carabineer, and pole tools.
• Knowledge of ANSI-Z-133 and A- 100 standards as they pertain to daily operations. 
• Ability to perform various assigned landscape maintenance tasks that may include mulching, planting and brush clearing. 
• Ability to drive and back a chip truck with a chipper attached. 
• Ability to work cooperatively with others, understand oral and written communication and instructions. 

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Driver's license (required)Ability to be physically active for three hours at a time. Ability to bend, stoop, crawl, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 75 lbs.     Ability to operate chainsaw and hand tools during the course of a typical 8-hour day. Ability to perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist, and shoulder movements. Ability to stand, stoop, bend, stretch, walk, climb, sit, kneel, crouch, reach, crawl, lift and handle materials with manual dexterity. Ability to use power tools specific to Forestry Operations. Ability to work in hot and cold temperatures. Work requires performing tasks in adverse weather conditions. Ability to walk, negotiate or traverse property sites that may be under construction or have terrain that is not level. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
 
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity. 

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. 
   
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.

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Salary : $44,368 - $73,946