Forestry Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Position Description This is skilled work involving operating medium and heavy-sized construction vehicles and forestry equipment and performing semi-skilled and laborer work. NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK Employees in this class are expected to be fully proficient in the operation and preventive maintenance of a bucket truck (aerial lift truck) and related equipment, as well as in laborer duties in such areas as street tree care, vegetation control, hazardous tree removal, and proper road maintenance to prevent erosion and storm damage. Contacts are generally limited to the crew to which the position is assigned and to the public for receiving instructions, providing information, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations are followed.

This class is distinguished from Equipment Operator II by the equipment operated and the semi-skilled work related to tree maintenance, trimming, and removal. The work requires the use of independent judgment in carrying out assignments, less supervision, and the work performed is expected to be completed in accordance with operating practices and procedures. The construction vehicles and equipment that employees in this class operate would include the County's forestry bucket truck and related tree maintenance equipment.

In addition, employees may serve as a working leader of the tree maintenance crew, coordinating workflow and ensuring that projects are completed correctly. Because of the nature of this work, the employee is expected to be available to work hours outside of the normal workweek and respond to work emergencies when required. Work assignments are received from a supervisor or team leader, and the instructions provided are general guidelines for completing instructions provided are general guidelines to follow to complete the assignment.

There is considerable physical effort required in lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment, and standing or walking for considerable periods of time, and repeated bending, crawling, or stretching. The hazards of the job require wearing hard hats, safety shoes, face shields, chaps, fall protection, and safety glasses when working with dangerous machinery, tools, or equipment in confined spaces. Work is frequently performed in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time.

There are positions in this class that require considerable contact with the public, which require courtesy and patience while providing information on county practices and policies. Work performance is reviewed and evaluated by a supervisor. Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class.

They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.) Drives and operates a bucket truck (aerial lift truck), single axle dump truck, stump grinder, front-end loader, backhoe, chainsaw, pole saw, wood chipper, and other construction equipment in performing a variety of roadside tree maintenance tasks. Tows trailers and equipment. Performs tree work from an elevated bucket with the use of ropes and safety belts/straps

Oversees and performs such tasks as planting, cutting, pruning, and trimming trees; removes limbs and trees; removes and disposes of brush, foliage, stumps, and trees. Checks, maintains, and inspects tools and equipment; diagnoses problems and determines correct procedures. Performs preventative maintenance and repairs to equipment or tools used; assists mechanics in performing equipment repairs.

May be assigned as a working leader in coordinating the workflow and performance of a tree crew or maintenance crew at a job site, including inmates and contractual labor. May instruct less skilled employees in the legal, effective, and safe operation of vehicles and equipment. Operates for training purposes and during temporary staffing shortfalls, vehicles and equipment normally operated by Equipment Operator I and Equipment Operator II.

Loads and unloads materials, equipment, and tools by hand or using a forklift or front-end loader. Controls traffic flow on roads as a flag person or using traffic control devices. Files and maintains various reports and inspection sheets, such as daily driver operation logs.

Performs work in all types of weather conditions and at any time during the day or week. Drives a dump truck and operates other support equipment during snow removal operations. Provides support during emergency operations, including inclement weather situations.

Responds to work emergencies and call-outs after normal work hours. Performs related duties as required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics and preventive maintenance requirements of medium to heavy construction and forestry-related vehicles, equipment, and power tools.

Considerable knowledge of tree care practices in maintaining roadside trees, roadside vegetation, and flood plains, as well as safe and effective tree felling, limbing, and bucking techniques needed for hazard tree removal, including leaners, dead snags, split trunks, and heavy or diseased branches. Considerable knowledge of the work hazards and applicable safety precautions required to be applied in operating automotive and forestry equipment, power tools, and/or working at elevated heights. Considerable knowledge of how to effectively and safely rig vehicles, loads, and products for towing.

Considerable knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to operating equipment or transporting loads. Considerable knowledge of the primary and secondary road systems in Anne Arundel County. Ability to read and follow street map directions.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to stand or walk over rough terrain for long periods of time. Ability to work in close areas requiring considerable bending, crouching, stretching, or crawling.

Ability to climb ladders or scaffolding. Ability to lift heavy objects and bulky items. Ability to work in dirty, noisy, dusty conditions.

Ability to safely operate hand and power tools. Ability to work hours beyond the standard workweek and schedule as required. Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees.

Minimum Qualifications Education: Sufficient education to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Experience: Two (2) or more years experience in the operation of a bucket truck and related forestry equipment. Other Requirements: 1.

As determined by area of assignment, a valid commercial Class A or Class B motor vehicle operator's license. 2. A valid roadside tree care expert (RSTCE) certification or ability to obtain the certification within six months of hire NOTE: The most highly qualified candidates will be invited by the department to an equipment operation skills test as part of the selection process.

NOTE: This is a safety-sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and alcohol testing. NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service. Supplemental Qualifications Preference will be given to applicants with the following: 1) Proficiency in the operation of medium-duty equipment as follows: backhoe, gradall, grader, and dump truck.

2) Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake endorsement.