Tree Maintenance Worker Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established February 8, 1989

Scope

The classes in this series are used to perform a wide variety of tree maintenance functions necessary to maintain trees along transportation facility right of ways, in State facilities, in parks or other natural areas, and to do other related work.

Entry Level

Entry into this series can be made at the Tree Maintenance Worker level.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

1. Degree of supervision exercised and received.

2. Variety and complexity of assignments.

3. Scope and complexity of responsibility.

4. Independence of action and level of decision-making authority.

Definition of Levels

Both Levels:

May be required to work rotating or irregular shifts including weekends.

Tree Maintenance Worker

This is the entry and journey level in the Tree Maintenance series. Under supervision, incumbents trim, shape, cultivate, remove, and plant trees along transportation facility right of ways, in State facilities, in parks, or other natural areas; and do other related work.

Tree Maintenance Leadworker

Under direction, incumbents work in a lead capacity with a crew engaged in trimming, shaping, cultivating, removing, and planting trees along transportation facility right of ways, in State facilities, in parks, or other natural areas; and do other related work.

Typical Tasks

Tree Maintenance Worker

Climbs trees by means of ropes or spurs; uses safety belt and other required rigging; trims or removes limbs and branches; uses both power and hand saws and similar equipment; treats cut surfaces to protect from fungi and insects; lowers cut limbs and branches by lines; occasionally fells and removes entire tree; plants, cultivates, and irrigates trees; cuts brush and weeds along the transportation facility right of way, and in State facilities; maintains and cares for tree climbing and trimming equipment; acts as a flagger for traffic control; uses aerial equipment and pneumatic tools; and applies chemicals for insect, disease, and weed control.

Tree Maintenance Leadworker

Works with and assists in the supervision of a crew engaged in removing, planting, cultivating, irrigating, and trimming trees; inspects trees for diseases, pests, or other damages; uses and assigns the use of vehicles and equipment including aerial equipment and pneumatic tools; maintains safe operations and controls traffic; and keeps simple records and prepares reports.

Minimum Qualifications

Both Levels:

Possession of a valid Class 3 driver license. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Tree Maintenance Worker

Either I

Nine months of experience in the California state service assigned to a tree maintenance crew, performing duties comparable in level to those of a Service Assistant (Maintenance) including tree trimming and climbing work on trees of more than 40 feet in height.

Or II

One year of experience in tree trimming, including climbing work, on trees of more than 40 feet in height.

Tree Maintenance Leadworker

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Tree Maintenance Worker.

Or II

Three years of tree maintenance work including climbing work in trees at heights of more than 40 feet and the operation of heavy equipment.

Knowledge and Abilities

Both Levels:

Knowledge of: Various ropes, knots, and splices used in tree trimming work; different cuts used for felling and limb removal; safety regulations and practices; appropriate rigging procedures; different types of climbing methods; pruning techniques; rope strengths in conjunction with wood weights; basic mathematics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; operation and service requirements of various types of specialized equipment; and different types of wood in terms of ease or resistance to cuts.

Ability to: Climb trees in excess of 40 feet in height by means of belts, spurs, and ropes; perform tree trimming tasks at considerable heights above the ground; coordinate body movements with tasks to be performed; select and apply knowledge appropriate to job tasks; communicate in a clear and concise manner; do the necessary rigging and tying various knots used in tree trimming work; follow oral and written instructions and location directions; learn new methods and techniques; make independent decisions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; and read and write English at a level required for successful job performance.

Tree Maintenance Leadworker

Knowledge of: The minimum levels of tree maintenance as prescribed by department policy and the department maintenance manual and proper signing, flagging, and lane closure procedures; safety regulations and practices including protective equipment for the use of chemicals; training techniques; seasonal pruning requirements; basic first aid and CPR; common diseases and pests that attack trees and procedures for their control; common names and growth patterns of trees; and pesticides in terms of rates of mixture and application.

Ability to: Recognize potential hazards; operate heavy equipment; plan and direct the work of others; and evaluate the daily work performance of others.

Special Personal Characteristics

Both Levels:

Physical strength and agility.

Class History