Maintenance Technician – Large Tree Care - South Suburban Parks and Recreation

Maintenance Technician - Large Tree Care

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. June 27, 2024

Hiring Range is $40,352 - $45,424 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Tree Establishment & Health Care (TEHC) Supervisor and/or Lead Maintenance Specialist, this position is responsible for knowing or learning and then properly applying knowledge and skills associated with accepted arboricultural practices. This position is tasked with a variety of manual labor responsibilities within urban forestry maintenance including and not limited to tree planting, tree pruning, tree removal, etc. Additional responsibilities include inventory and assessment of District assets, disease and pest control, snow removal, vegetation storm damage response, special projects and maintaining a safe work environment. Work may occasionally require the ability to work off the ground using tree climbing gear or lifts. This position may be required to work weekends, evenings or holidays and be on snow watch, as well as work shifts deviating from the position’s normal work day and/or with other work groups.

Essential Duties:

• Primarily responsible for the establishment and care for trees and tree maintenance needs including, but not limited to, planting/transplanting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, staking, structural pruning, fruit production pruning, clearance pruning, health treatments, tree protection and tree removal. Work shall be completed using the most current; 1. Federal OSHA Standards pertaining to the Tree Care Industry and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; 2. Arboricultural Industry Standards such as ANSI Standards Z60.1, Z133 and A300; 3. International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices as well as 4. Adopted policies and procedures.
• As assign by the TEHC Supervisor, assist the other Parks and Open Space divisions with maintenance as required. This may include but not limited to irrigation installation and repairs, trash collection, mowing, weeding, invasive and nuisance weed control and tree well enlarging or minimizing.
• Assists the Supervisor and Specialist in stocking, maintaining and harvesting of the District's tree nursery. Assists with the proper fruit tree maintenance and fruit harvesting of orchard trees.
• When trails or other rights-of-ways are to be infringed on or blocked, assists the Supervisor and/or Specialist with setting up all trail detours, traffic control devices and appropriate signage to create a safe work zone following all applicable Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards as well as all applicable state, local and District rules and regulations.
• Conducts tree removals as well as noxious and nuisance weed/tree abatement projects.
• Assists with special projects and events such as but not limited to banner installation, Arbor Day, Rose Pruning Workshop and Chip and Mulch event.
• Follows routes or routines laid out by the TEHC Supervisory staff for water trucks, snow removal, other routing needs as required.
• Participates in snow removal and ice management operations and must be able to learn to use vehicle plows, ATV/UTV plows and assorted walk-behind snow blowers and spreaders. Must be able to property apply de-icing compounds and/or sand to mitigate slip hazards.
• While on duty or on snow watch, carry a charged and functional District-issued cell phone, which is expected to be answered or messages returned in a timely manner, when the work environment is safe to answer or return calls.
• Assists in cleaning and maintenance of the Willow Spring Service Center facility as needed.
• Drives a District vehicle for daily work and drives to additional district parks, facilities, open spaces and trails for meetings or work.
• May be issued a Purchase Card and may use Purchase Orders and Cards in accordance with established procedures, including the responsibility of reconciling the Purchase Card transactions in a timely manner.
• When time and opportunity allows, may provide content for social media or District publications, logs or web pages.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.
• Assists the Supervisor and Specialist to ensure the safety of District property users and property from injury or damage, due to vegetation, through proper maintenance for woody vegetation under the care of the Tree Establishment and health Care section of Forestry.
• Maintains accurate time cards and daily activity reports.
• Exercises good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times.
• May assist in directing staff and volunteers in field work when the Supervisor or Lead are not present and/or as assigned. Duties may include but are not limited to training personnel in proper arboriculture or snow removal techniques, directing field operations and documenting field performances.
• Assists the Supervisor and Specialist with the establishment of safe work zones and staff safety trainings for seasonal and part-time employees.
• Prior to undertaking pruning work establish pruning objectives and prescription levels with TEHC Supervisor or Specialist in order to protect tree health, vigor and structural development of the tree.
• Maintain accurate planting, maintenance and removal records in hardcopy documents or electronically by the use of hand held field devices, as well as provides regular status and needs reports to the Supervisor or Specialist as assigned.
• Conducts tree inventories, tree assessments, identifies tree planting locations and other inventories as needed.
• Ensures proper care of assigned tools and equipment. Performs preventive maintenance or minor repairs or notifies appropriate personnel of need for maintenance. Red tag tools and equipment deemed unsafe for use.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Must be eighteen (18) years of age with a high school degree or equivalent. Two (2) year degree or two (2) years advanced training in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or related field is preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, landscape maintenance or installation with a focus on tree planting and transplanting, tree nursery maintenance, young tree structure pruning, Emerald Ash Borer sampling/treatment, pest control strategies and tree inventorying.
• Highly desirable skills and knowledge of tree and shrub identification, proper planting techniques, preferably experience in tree climbing with saddle and ropes, pruning skills and understand the safe and effective use of pesticides.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides a thorough understanding of urban forestry or closely related vegetation/grounds maintenance profession is acceptable.
• Snow and Ice Removal and Mosquito Control experience helpful.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Must possess a Colorado licensing as a Certified Operator for pesticide application in ornamental and turf categories required or must obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist is desirable.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of methods and processes related to establishing and maintaining trees including, but not limited to, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards pertaining to the tree care industry and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; the arboricultural industry such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards Z60.1, Z133 and A300; and the International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices and District policies and procedures.
• Skills in the use of maintenance equipment and hand tools.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time with some of this labor performed off the ground, suspended by ropes or in lifts.
• Ability to operate or receive training on various types of maintenance and construction equipment.

• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.

Material and Equipment Used:

To successfully perform the required job duties, this position regularly uses: assorted power and hand tools, front-end loaders, tractors, skid steer and implements (fork lifts, grapple, and spade attachments), ropes, climbing harness, rigging apparatus, assorted knots; chain saws; brush chipper; stump grinder; truck mounted and skid steer mounted tree spades; trencher and back hoe; water tanks on trucks with associated pumps and backflow preventers; line trimmers; sod cutters and rototillers; assorted truck and trailer combinations; ATV or UTV with snow plow or herbicide sprayer; out-front mower with snow plow, self-propelled stand behind mowers, snow blowers, and snow plow truck; high-pressure sprayer, backpack sprayers, and drop spreaders; personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite 2013 or newer; hand-held data collectors and GIS/GPS tools and software; pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals; burlap and twine for B&B trees. This position may need to drive a District vehicle and/or a personal vehicle for business purposes.

Working Environment:

Regularly requires strenuous outdoor work such as climbing trees with rope and saddle and working off the ground in trees or using aerial lift devises in possibly adverse conditions, such as tight working quarters, extremes in temperature, in precipitation, with ultraviolet radiation exposure, and in unlit or low light, early morning or night-time activities.

Physical Requirements:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb with both legs and arms, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag objects weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles while exercising good hand/eye and foot/eye coordination; occasionally climb stairs and ladders; work in uncomfortable positions for short periods of time; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag objects weighing up to 75 pounds unassisted. May be required to lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag heavy amounts of weight up to 100 pounds with assistance, up or down changes in grade, into or out of vehicles or equipment, or over rough terrain or obstacles, such as downed woody debris, or up steep creek banks. Ability to tolerate exposure to dust, fumes, and odors. Verbally communicate and exchange information, or hearing and listening for receiving and interpreting information and warning signals.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

We’ve Got You Covered!

South Suburban pays:

• 90% of the employee-only medical insurance cost
• 68% of dental & vision insurance cost
• 100% short-term & long-term disability cost
• 100% life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance cost

South Suburban offers:

• FSA options for additional medical expenses

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

• South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
• Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $360 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

• 10 paid holidays per year
• 4 personal days per year
• Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We’ve Got Your Back

• Up to 8% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vests after 3 years of service
• Diverse trainings to grow your professional and personal skillset
• Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $1,800 per year

Play Where You Work

• Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
• Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

• Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
• 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
• $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.

Keyword: Maintenance Technician – Large Tree Care
Required Experience:


From: South Suburban Parks and Recreation