Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Town Forester & Open Space Manager, the Forestry Technician I position is to assist in maintaining the health, safety, and aesthetics of public trees within the Town of Berthoud.
Benefits: At our core, we believe that supporting our community begins with supporting our employees. We offer 4-day Work Week, Competitive pay + Health with fully funded HSA, Dental, Vision, Life, 401/457, Vacation & Sick Leave, 13 Paid Holidays, Longevity pay and Recreation Center Membership.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform technical forestry operations such as tree pruning, tree removal, and tree plantings
Assist in surveying for the presence of non-native invasive insects and other various tree diseases and identify/recommend mitigation options of defective trees
Professionally communicate and conduct consultations to the public – in person, on the phone, and via email – regarding tree issues, concerns, and management needs for trees located within public rights-of-way
Assist in monitoring and enforcing hazardous trees and/or potentially hazardous situations to ensure the safety of pedestrians and property
Assist in performing hazardous and/or dead tree removals for Town owned and maintained trees
Operate and maintain forestry related equipment such as Town vehicles, truck and trailer, bucket trucks, boom lifts, brush chippers, stump grinders, chainsaws, augers, and other various machinery and tools
Safely and properly operate machinery equipment including but not limited to skid steers, front end loaders, backhoes, etc.
Assist in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing irrigation drip line systems for Town owned and maintained trees
Assist in maintaining a Town owned tree nursery
Perform adequate tree watering practices and properly mulch trees
Perform invasive species mitigation
Assist in winterizing Town owned and maintained trees including winter tree watering
Assist in performing street side tree chipping from storm damage
Assist in the Town’s Christmas tree recycling program
Assist in the Town’s yearly Arbor Day celebration, including Arbor Day tree plantings and public outreach
Perform snow removal on Town owned and maintained sidewalks and trails
Assist in hanging banners, American flags, and Christmas lighting/decorations throughout Town parks and along Mountain Avenue
Assist other departments including but not limited to Parks, Open Space, and Recreation Staff with miscellaneous projects and operations
Perform all other duties as may be assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Tree identification and nomenclature for species of the Front Range of Colorado
Knowledge of tree biology and physiology
Comprehensive knowledge of arboriculture practices and proper tree care management
Experience using GIS devices and maintaining/updating tree inventories
Knowledge of the adherence to the American National Standard Institute Z133.1-Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations and the A300 Tree, Shrub, and other Woody Plant Management-Standard Practices
Knowledge, skill, and the ability to incorporate knots, hitches, and mechanical rope devices into technical climbing and rigging situations
Understanding of quality tree nursery stock and transplanting procedures
Ability to meet departmental goals, and establishes a cooperative working relationship with other employees, departments, and the general public
Ability to soundly communicate both verbally and in writing
Ability to resolve conflicts, utilizing various problem-solving techniques
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Perform all job duties in a safe manner
Ability to stay calm under stressful situations
Previous experience in Parks and Recreation maintenance
Education/Experience and Licenses:
Must possess 1 or more years of progressive experience in urban tree care with focus on current arboricultural practices.
Must possess a 2-4 year degree (4 preferred) in Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Biology, or closely related field
Valid Colorado Drivers license
Certificates and Licenses:
ISA Certified Arborist certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year
CPR/First Aid Certification within 6 months Required
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working outdoors with occasional extreme cold/heat. Frequently wet and noisy.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Frequently reading, carrying up to 100 lbs., climbing stairs, crouching, grasping, pulling, pushing reaching, sitting, standing, walking and stooping.
Apply online at berthoud.org