GR4 Arborist
Department of Public Works
Starting Hourly:  $24.69 With Excellent Benefits

The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form must be received in the Town’s Human Resource Department.  This position is open until filled.

SUMMARY

Performs skilled and semi-skilled tasks in care and maintenance of trees and shrubbery; assists other departments as needed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

• Plant, transplant and remove trees and shrubbery; prepare grounds for planting; perform stump grinding; cutting, trimming, repairing and shaping trees.
• Fertilize, treat, spray and water trees; conduct follow-up maintenance on grounds and areas around trees; apply pesticides and participate in activities to control weeds, poison ivy and other vegetation, as well as insects and parasites.
• Climb trees using appropriate equipment and apparatus; operate bucket truck and other related equipment to trim and remove trees; follow appropriate safety guidelines to conduct aerial work and work around power lines.
• Inspect and maintain vehicles and equipment; repair equipment or notify Road Machinery division of repairs required on vehicles and equipment used.
• Operates, repairs and sharpens clippers, saws and axes.
• Operate various types riding mowers and tractors with mowing attachments; assist with maintenance of grounds and right of ways; assist with maintenance of parklands, walking and biking paths, and athletic fields; assist with maintenance of town pool facilities.
• Participate in snow removal operations during inclement weather.
• Install and remove Holiday lights and decorations; assist in Christmas tree recycling program; haul trees to dump site; operate tree chipper.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of maintenance, repair, and care of trees and shrubbery, including use of climbing and aerial lift equipment.
• Departmental safety procedures and practices.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Operate assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Meet tree climbing policies and guidelines.

EXPERIENCE and TRAINING GUIDELINES-

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education and/or Experience:

Equivalent to high school diploma.  Two or more years’ experience in tree care.  Knowledge of tree climbing techniques including use of rigging, harnesses, ladders and other related tools.  Landscaping or arborist related activities. 

License or Certification:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class B CDL with Air Brakes Endorsement.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Massachusetts Class 2A Hoisting License.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general supervision from the Public Grounds Superintendent or Crew Chief.
• May occasionally provide technical guidance to assigned staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Indoor and outdoor environments with wide range of weather conditions; exposure to vibrations and noise; work on slippery or uneven surfaces, work with electrical energy; work with and around heavy machinery; work in or near vehicle traffic; exposure to dust and fumes from motorized equipment; possible exposure to toxic chemicals; irregular working hours for inclement weather situations and other circumstances.

Physical Conditions:

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time; moderate to heavy lifting and carrying which includes the ability to lift up to one hundred pounds; pulling, reaching, bending, climbing, and kneeling; use of fingers, both hands and legs required; must be able to distinguish colors and operate assigned vehicles.

*DEFINITION of HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Heavy equipment is distinguished from light equipment based on weight/capacity of the equipment and/or nature of the work performed.  The following equipment is classed as heavy equipment: Class 8 Dump Truck, Loader Backhoe, and Excavator & Front End Loader (greater than 3 CY).

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants are required to complete a Town application form, available from the Internet at www.lexingtonma.gov, emailing [email protected], calling (781) 698-4590 or by visiting the Human Resources Department.    Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form. 

Pre-employment physical including drug screening is a condition of employment.

Application and cover letter must be received in the Town’s Human Resource Department.  This position is open until filled.

The Town reserves the right to modify the application deadline, and/or accept applications after the deadline, to best serve the interest of the community.

After the deadline all applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews.  All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application.

Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contact the Human Resources Department.

Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the:

Human Resources Department
Town of Lexington
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02420
(781) 698-4590