Junior Tree Surgeon

Title:  Junior Tree Surgeon                                                

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, performs landscape construction and tree and shrubbery care activities for the Park District. May perform arboricultural work at Park District nurseries.  Performs related duties as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Uses a variety of techniques, including climbing with a rope and saddle, to perform tree care, maintenance, removal and other arboricultural activities. 
• Performs planting, pruning, trimming, watering, fertilizing and other related tree and shrubbery maintenance and construction activities. 
• Assists in performing routine tree surgery on damaged plant life including cabling, rodding and cavity work. 
• Treats trees and shrubbery for disease or infestation. 
• Operates landscape construction and tree and shrubbery maintenance equipment and machinery including, but not limited to: backhoes, front end loaders, lopping shears, power saws, aerial towers (with bucket), log booms, brush clippers and stump removers. 
• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on equipment and machinery.
• Observes and reports cases of damaged plants or dangerous conditions.     
• Performs work to alleviate hazardous conditions. 
• Applies fertilizers and other growth enhancement agents to the soil.   
• May perform tree and shrubbery maintenance and construction activities at Park District nurseries, including propagation, planting, tilling and watering. 
• Assists in landscape construction projects, including but not limited to removing sod, resodding, grading and athletic field construction.

DESIRABLE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

Graduation from High School or the equivalent is recommended and if supplemented by a minimum of one year of paid experience performing tree care and maintenance activities, including climbing with rope and saddle, is fully qualifying for this position. Equivalent combination of education and experience may also qualify for this position.  CDL class B with air brakes preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of soils, fertilizers and the propagation of plant life. 
• Knowledge of common trees and shrubs and their growth characteristics. 
• Knowledge of diseases and pests associated with trees and shrubs.     
• Skill in the use of landscape construction tools, equipment and machinery. 
• Skill in the use of rope and saddle to climb and perform maintenance on trees. 
• Effective oral communication skills

BENEFITS:

As a full-time Chicago Park District employee in a position covered by the District’s Agreement with Local 703, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.  
• 13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days for first year of employment). 
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year. 
• 4 paid personal days per year. 
• 13 paid holidays per year. 
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility) 
• Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act. 
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.  
• Optional pre-tax programs – Transit  
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.  
• Free Admission to most Chicago museums. 

Pay Rate:  $81,696.39 Annual Salary

Union: 703     Career Service          EEO: Service/Maintenance             FLSA: Non-Exempt

Approved: August 13, 1991             Revised May, 2018