Senior Forestry Technician

Description The City of Wentzville is seeking candidates interested in joining our Parks and Recreation team. Wentzville is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. Come grow with us A Senior Forestry Technician is a skilled and experienced position working under general direction and performs and leads a work crew performing a full range of urban forestry duties, including overseeing the installation, preventative maintenance, and general care of public trees located within City Parks, rights of ways, and/or green spaces. The Senior Forestry Technician will also perform, track, and train crew members and lead more complex or specialized work tasks in various routine skilled horticulture/maintenance duties related to planting and caring for trees. They will also conduct tree inspections to assess the state of the urban forest, monitor trees, heath prescribe treatments when needed, and participate in community outreach/education programs as directed. The City of Wentzville is committed to being an employer of choice, offering prosperous and meaningful career opportunities and flexibility. The City offers excellent benefits, including health, vision, dental, employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability,a retirement pension, 13 paid holidays, 2 personal days, vacation time, sick time, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, a discounted recreation center membership and much more. This job posting will remain open until filled. Qualifications Job Qualifications - Education, experience, and training that are required or desirable in order to effectively perform the job at the time of hire. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Additional requirements and/or substitutions may be requested and require the approval of HR. Certification from a vocational or technical training program in one or more trades is required. Minimum of 5 years of successful experience in a professional tree care role is required. Prior experience with tree climbing and bucket truck operation is preferred. Must possess or be able to obtain a First-Aid/CPR certification within 1 year of hire date. A valid drivers license is required upon hire. Class A CDL with airbrake endorsement within 180 days of employment required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with this position. Thorough knowledge of the ANSI A300 Standards and Best Management Practices for Pruning, Fertilization, Support Systems, and Tree Risk Assessment. Thorough knowledge of the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations and the implementation of these standards as a part of the work zone. Thorough knowledge and experience working with cranes as a component of tree removal and pruning operations; including correct hand signals, pruning cuts required, and safety procedures. Working knowledge of ANSI A300 Standards and Best Management Standards for Lightning Protection Systems, Construction Management, and Transplanting. Ability to work at heights that require physical strength and agility sufficient to permit working from an aerial lift truck during all weather conditions. Ability to work during adverse weather conditions and storms. Ability to operate a truck mounted crane, aerial lift trucks, loaders, saws, loader trucks, back hoes and perform routine maintenance on this equipment. Ability to identify numerous commonly occurring tree species and the pest and disease symptoms most often identified with those tree species. Ability to instruct others in the use of tools and equipment and the occupational hazards of the work. Ability to efficiently organize and prioritize tasks, both routine and complex, to meet deadlines, and when necessary, delegate work effectively to optimize p oductivity. Ability to accept constructive criticism, supervision, and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in new situations. Ability to work collaboratively in a team atmosphere, as necessary, promoting positive and effective working relationships with staff and external customers. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and customers through telephone, written correspondence, and in-person interactions, as well as give, receive, read and follow oral and written instructions, including working diagrams, GIS data, sketches, blueprints, schematic drawings, and other construction documents. Ability to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work for self and others, as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work under established processes and solve problems within defined parameters. Ability to work independently under moderate supervision and make responsible decisions. Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and maintain composure in challenging or high-pressure situations, exercising rational thinking and self-control. Ability to proficiently operate computers and the related software programs and applications necessary for successful job performance. Regular attendance is a necessary and an essential job duty. Job requires being reliable, responsible and dependable.