Job Category
Work Schedule
Full-time
Employer
City of Ventura
Job Open until Filled
Job Closing Date
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:  www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs
TREE MAINTENANCE WORKER I/II/ TREE MAINTENANCE LEADWORKER
Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Dept
RECRUITMENT #18-A36-001 & 18-A71-001
Salary: $40,226 - $59,098

INTRODUCTION
Do you enjoy working outdoors and take pride in beautifying parks and other public areas in the City of Ventura? The City of Ventura is accepting applications for two Tree Maintenance Worker I/II vacancies on our innovative tree maintenance team in Parks, Recreation, and Community Partnerships Department. To be considered for this rewarding opportunity, apply online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs by the 3/24/2019 filing deadline.

Are you a natural leader with strong journey-level skills in tree maintenance?  The City of Ventura is accepting applications for a Tree Maintenance Leadworker vacancy in the Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Department. To be considered for this rewarding career opportunity, apply online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs by the 3/24/2019 filing deadline!

THE POSITION
Tree Maintenance Worker I/II: Under general supervision, performs a variety of sidewalk and tree care tasks including the planting, fertilizing, watering, trimming, and removal of the public trees in the city, sidewalk repair to include cutting removing, and replacing concrete sidewalks. Work is performed on streets, in right of way areas, in City parks, and other areas. Incumbent may be required to work stand-by on a rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed within a designated time frame.  Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Division Head. This job classification is flexibly staffed and the position may be filled at either level depending on the qualifications of the incumbent and the staffing needs of the City. An eligibility list is being established to fill the current vacancies as well as future part-time or full-time related vacancies
Tree Maintenance Leadworker: Under general supervision, performs and directs the day to day activities of the work crew involved in the planting and maintenance of City owned trees; coaches, trains and leads tree crew staff and promotes work practices that build teamwork and a productive work unit; coordinates projects and communicates effectively with city staff and the public; performs other duties as assigned. Incumbent may be required to work stand-by on rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed within a designated time frame.  Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Division Head.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Maintenance Worker I:  This is the entry level class in the Tree Maintenance series and is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties as assigned to the journey level class within this series. This class is typically used as a training class in that positions may have limited experience. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.
Tree Maintenance Worker II:  This is the full journey level class of the Tree Maintenance series and is distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, under general supervision with only occasional instruction or assistance.  May lead or direct others, in the absence of a lead worker. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.
Tree Maintenance Leadworker: The Tree Maintenance Leadworker job class functions at the advanced journey level of performance exercising independent judgment in the performance of duties.  The incumbent acts in a lead capacity performing functional supervision over a tree maintenance work unit in scheduling and assigning tasks, monitoring progress and reviewing results. This position differs from the Maintenance Worker II classification in that in addition to performing tree related duties, the Leadworker assigns and monitors tasks and is responsible for the final work product of its crew.  This position is further distinguished from the Parks Supervisor position by the latter's overall responsibility for the supervision, administration, and operation of the Tree section.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Tree Maintenance Worker I/II
Takes pride in caring for trees in City parks, parkways, and other areas
Works well in highly visible areas and interacts courteously with the public
Has a "can-do" attitude with excellent customer service skills
Is a self-starter with a strong work ethic and can get the job done with minimal direct supervision
Thrives in a team environment, working collaboratively with others
Has a solid understanding of National Arborists Association and American National Standards Institute tree trimming and pruning standards
Tree Maintenance Leadworker
Has excellent leadership skills to guide staff and promote a positive work environment
Has a solid understanding of National Arborists Association and American National Standards Institute tree trimming and pruning standards
Uses positive coaching techniques to build teamwork and foster a productive work unit
Has a "can-do" attitude with excellent customer service skills
Takes pride in beautifying City parks, parkways and other public areas
Has a strong work ethic and can get the job done with little instruction
Is organized, and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Is a motivated self-starter, with the ability to make logical, sound decisions
Has the ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Tree Maintenance Worker I/II
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performs a variety of tree and sidewalk maintenance related tasks; plants, transplants, prunes, stakes and waters trees using reclaimed water; inspects and evaluates sidewalk disruptions caused by trees and other factors, inspects and evaluates trees for insects, diseases and other abnormalities that impact tree health and safety; assists in the removal of trees; picks up limbs and branches and feeds them into a chipper; uses aerial lifts, works from the ground; investigates problems concerning trees, particularly as to clearance of sidewalks, streets, traffic signals, and utility lines; removes broken and dead limbs; operates a variety of tree trimming equipment, truck mounted aerial lifts, chippers, chipper trucks, stump grinders, saws, ladders, special equipment and vehicles, and assists in their maintenance; may lead or direct others, in the absence of a lead worker; performs other related duties as required.
Tree Maintenance Leadworker
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Serves as a "working" leader performing and directing the work of tree crews involved in trimming, planting and general maintenance of City trees; prioritizes activities, schedules and assigns tasks, monitors progress and reviews results.
Trains and instructs tree crews in proper tree care methods and in the use of equipment; ensures use of safe work practices and site safety.
Performs some tasks utilizing an aerial-lift in trimming trees and directs the care and cleaning of equipment used by the work unit; reports tree damage or disease or hazardous trees that may require attention.
Works closely with the Parks Supervisor in monitoring tree maintenance operations and defined section goals; develops and makes recommendations relative to work procedures and demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations and streamline work processes.
Acts in a lead supervisory capacity providing clear and concise direction to crew; coaches, trains, motivates and guides crew to accomplish work in a safe and productive manner; leads by example to promote team building and facilitate a positive and productive work environment.
Assists supervisor in evaluating tree crew; monitors assignments and progress; prepares annual evaluations.
Coordinates activity with other Leadworkers and City staff to facilitate the timely completion of projects; works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service
Acts as liaison between tree crew and the public; interacts in a professional and courteous manner; represents the City and promotes positive customer relations.
Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports manually and using a computer; creates work orders and job maps on computer; inputs completed work orders; utilizes digital cameras and online forms for record keeping and reporting.
Performs other related work as required or assigned.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATES
Tree Maintenance Worker I/II
License: (Both Classes)  Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.
Within six months of employment, incumbent is required to obtain and, thereafter, maintain the following licenses: 1) California Class B driver's license with the allowable Auto Transmission restriction. 2) According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), drug testing is required.
Certificates:  Certified Tree Worker designations from the International Society of Arboriculture is highly desirable.
Tree Maintenance Leadworker
License:  Possession of a valid California  Class C driver's license.  Within six months of employment, incumbent is required to obtain and, thereafter, maintain the following licenses:
1) Valid California State Class B license with the allowable auto transmission restriction.
2) According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), drug testing is required.
Certificates:  Within one year of appointment to position, obtain and thereafter maintain, an Arborist certification issued from the International Society of Arboriculture.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Tree Maintenance Worker I: A combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from the twelfth grade and one year of full-time experience in tree maintenance and trimming or related groundskeeping.
Tree Maintenance Worker II: A combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from the twelfth grade and 2 1/2 years full time tree maintenance and trimming experience, or 18 months experience as a Tree Maintenance Worker I with the City of Ventura.
Tree Maintenance Leadworker: Combination of education, training and experience equivalent to high school graduation and two years of journey level tree maintenance experience. Lead or supervisory experience, coursework, or training is highly desirable. Computer courses and technical training in arboriculture, grounds maintenance, insect/pest control, botany, etc. is highly desirable.

SELECTION PLAN
Submit a City application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. The preferred method of application is online and you are highly encouraged to apply at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. If you are unable to apply electronically, you may request paper application materials by calling (805) 654-7853 during regular business hours. Paper applications can be FAXed to (805) 648-4467, or mailed, or hand delivered to City Hall at: 501 Poli Street, Room 210; Ventura, CA 93002. If you FAX, it is highly recommended that you also send the original documents. The Eligibility List established may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.
Once your application has been submitted, all future correspondence from the City will be via e-mail. Please keep your contact information up-to-date and ensure that your email spam filter allows you to receive messages from [email protected]. You may also view notices send to you by the City in the "My Applications" tab at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs.
Department Selection Interview
A select number of candidates will be invited to a department selection interview being in April 2019, date to be determined.