Job Description

The Presidio Trust is seeking Tree Worker/Arborist who will support the Forestry Department. Once an Army Base, the Presidio of San Francisco is now a new kind of national park. The 1,500-acre Presidio is richly layered in history, is a natural oasis for wildlife, plants, and people, and offers iconic views known around the world. In its third decade as a park, public awareness and enjoyment of this exceptional place continues to grow.

This is the journey level Tree Worker/Arborist position. Tree Worker/Arborists performs routine and skilled duties involved in the maintenance, planting, pruning and removal of trees and other vegetation under the technical guidance and supervision of the Tree Worker III in Charge and Forester Supervisor.

This is a full-time position with benefits and starting at $54.83 per hour. This position is included in a bargaining unit, specifically The Laborer’s International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by March 13, 2024, will receive first consideration.

Responsibilities

• Fells trees, clears land and prepares soil, plants, stakes and mulches with preparation, installation and maintenance for the establishment of new trees in reforestation sites

• Prunes or removes trees and stumps using chain saws, handsaws, pole saws, pole pruners, stump grinders, wheel loaders, track loaders and various other tools and equipment

• Climbs trees with ropes and harness both with and without the use of climbing gaffs and or works from an aerial lift to remove dead, dying, diseased, damaged and hazardous limbs or trees

• Cuts, stacks, hauls, loads and chips brush, logs, stumps and other debris utilizing chipper, front end loader, trucks, trailers and other tools and equipment

• Drives vehicles requiring a Class B driver's license hauling forestry equipment materials and supplies

• Safely and proficiently applies the proper use of rigging for the removal of limbs and heavy wood utilizing slings, ropes, blocks, knots, lowering devices and other hardware and equipment

• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on tools and equipment and maintain the shop and work areas in a clean, orderly, and safe condition

• Monitors self and crew and public safety; verifies proper use of traffic control devices, sets out cones, barriers and warning signs and utilizes safe work practices for tree work as set out in both ANSI and OSHA standards

• Responds to tree related emergency calls occasionally after hours and or weekends

• Works with Volunteers on Forestry sponsored events

• Cuts grass and tall weeds by use of string trimmers, brush cutters and high weed mowers

• Responds as appropriate to questions from public, residents, tenants and Presidio staff using principles of good customer service; reports any problems or issues to the Forester

• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED)

• At least 5 years verifiable tree climbing experience as a qualified arborist as defined by ANSI Z133 (2107)

• Valid State of California Driver's License Class B or higher (Class A within 6 months)

• Ability to operate a variety of tree maintenance equipment and tools such as chain saws, block and tackle, chippers, stump grinders, aerial lifts

• Knowledge of ropes, knots, rigging and hitches and climbing trees to a height of 100 feet or more

• Knowledge of the qualities and characteristics of most trees found in the Presidio

• Advanced knowledge of tree pruning and removal in accordance with ISA pruning standards and BMP's

• Ability to work safely in compliance with ANSI and OSHA standards and established safety practices including aerial rescue

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and other Trust employees

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Tree Worker Certification or Qualified Arborist as defined in ANSI Z133 (2017)

• Qualified Incidental Line Clearance Certification or possession of comparable education, training, and on-the-job-experience as defined in ASNI Z133 (2017) Section 4.2.4

• Proficient operation of heavy equipment including front end loader, skid steer, stump grinder, aerial lifts, and others as directed

Desired Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist

• Verifiable Aerial Lift Certification

• Verifiable experience working with and around cranes for tree removal

• Utility Arborist Certification

• Municipal Arborist Certification

• Board Certified Master Arborist Certification

• TRAQ Certified

Skill & Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of tree anatomy and biology to identify and treat tree diseases

• Advanced knowledge of soil and the relationship between tree root systems and soils they grow in, to manage tree health and performance; water requirements of trees, irrigation methods, water conservation practices, and drainage tree nutrition and fertilization essential for tree growth and development; insects, diseases, biotic and abiotic disorders associated with trees; tree identification to properly diagnosis tree related problems (e.g. diseases, pests, etc.) and make treatment recommendations;

• Advanced knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, care, use, inspection, and replacement

• Advanced knowledge of construction preservation of trees including site protection, pre-construction/post-construction mitigation, etc.

• Advanced knowledge of arborist equipment including ropes and their tensile strengths, attachment hardware and their working load limits, etc.

• Advanced knowledge of climbing and rigging knots and their applications; rigging (i.e. vectors, force), equipment (i.e. ropes, slings, blocks), methods (i.e. establish rigging point, control friction) and techniques (i.e. rigging point above)

• Advanced knowledge of proper planting techniques and establishment procedures; tree climbing skills using a rope and work positioning saddle, climbing gaffs (spikes), etc.

• Advanced knowledge of chainsaw safety, maintenance, and operation; rigging techniques and methods

• Advanced knowledge of proper pruning techniques; tree support system components, design, and function; lightning protection system components, design, and function.

• Advanced knowledge and ability to teach and instruct others about tree components and their functions

• Advanced ability to ensure team compliance with OSHA 1910, General Industry Regulations and ANSI Z133.1 Safety Standards for Arboricultural Operations; perform compound rigging techniques to execute advanced limb removal, heavy wood removal, and top removal to dismantle trees; perform and review condition assessment of trees.

• Equipment operation skills including aerial lift, bucket truck, woodchipper, stump grinder, skid steer, etc., as identified under optional functions.

Physical Effort

• Ability to work at heights up to more than 100 feet.

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to more than 75 pounds.

• Long periods of physical exertion.

• Prolonged exposure to repetitive motion.

• When motor vehicle or tractor operator duties are performed, moderate effort is exerted to manipulate equipment controls.

Working Conditions

• This type of work is inherently dangerous and may result in serious injury from slips, trips, or falls and could, in the unlikely event; result in death when performed incorrectly.

• This work is performed outside and is subject to weather conditions ranging from high heat and humidity to sub-zero temperatures.

• Possible exposure to a variety of site hazards including extreme environmental conditions; poisonous plants, insects, and/or reptiles; electrical conductors; uneven terrain; pedestrian/vehicular traffic, etc.

• Possible prolonged exposure to noise more than 85 decibels (db) when working with or near chainsaws, woodchippers, etc. Will be required to wear protective clothing; as well as normal safety items such as boots, glasses, etc. When vehicles are operated there is additional exposure to risk due to traffic accidents, overturning or boom accidents aloft.

Background Investigation and Review

The Presidio Trust has identified this position as subject to an employment background investigation which shall consist of a review of applicable county, state and Federal criminal and civil records, state bankruptcy indexes, driver’s license. An individual’s granting of a background investigation and resulting report is voluntary. However, employment in this sensitive position is contingent upon the successful completion of an employment background investigation. The Presidio Trust may refuse to hire an individual, may rescind an offer of employment to an individual, or may review and terminate the employment of a current employee not successfully completing the background investigation.

The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. To apply, download the employment application from our website at and submit your application to our email address listed on our website.

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