Forestry Technician ClassificationCopyrighted
October 16, 2017
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 8.
ITEM TITLE: Forestry Technician Classification
SUMMARY: City Manager requesting that the vacant Maintenance
Worker position in the Forestry activity of the Leisure
Services Department be reclassified as a Forestry
Technician to better meet the needs of the department.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Forestry Technician -MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
Job Description Supporting Documentation
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Forestry Technician
DATE: September 25, 2017
Dubuque
bell
All -America City
'1Il1'
2007 • 2012 • 2013 • 2017
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware requests that the vacant Maintenance Worker
position in the Forestry activity be reclassified as a Forestry Technician to better meet
their needs. This position would be compensated at the same rate of pay as
Maintenance Worker.
Personnel Manager Randy Peck recommends City Council approval to eliminate one
Maintenance Worker position and create one Forestry Technician position in the Leisure
Services Department.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Randy Peck, Personnel Manager
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All -America City
11111
r
2007 • 2012 • 2013 • 2017
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Randy Peck, Personnel Manager
SUBJECT: Forestry Technician
DATE: September 19, 2017
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware is requesting that the vacant Maintenance
Worker position in the Forestry activity be reclassified as a Forestry Technician to better
meet their needs. This position would be covered by the Teamsters bargaining unit and
would be compensated at the same rate of pay as Maintenance Worker. This would be
a separate Civil Service classification. The requested action is for the City Council to
approve a motion eliminating one Maintenance Worker position and creating one
Forestry Technician position in the Leisure Services Department.
RP:alk
FORESTRY TECHNICIAN
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the supervision of the Urban Forester
performs and supervises arboricultural tasks related to the daily operation of the urban
forestry area of the Park Division. The work is performed according to general or specific
instructions of the Urban Forester but often works independently and with minimal
supervision. Performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The Forestry Technician is
responsible for adopting a leadership role including the supervision and direction of
others in the operation of the urban forestry area. The Technician will perform a
variety of skilled tasks in managing the Urban Forestry Program and supervising and
coordinating the activities of full-time, part-time and seasonal employees and
volunteers. The Technician will perform a variety of semi -skilled and skilled tasks
related to arboriculture especially in an urban environment. Assignments are
received in the form of oral or written work orders or in the form of general directions
from a supervisor. The employee in this class must exercise discretion and
independent judgment in directing and prioritizing the activities of employees. Work
is performed according to.general or specific instructions of a supervisor who
inspects work while in progress and upon completion.
EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):
ESSENTIAL: Supervises, as a lead person, and performs the work of a variety of
skilled and semi -skilled tasks including the planting, maintenance and removal of
trees, brush and shrubbery on both developed and undeveloped city property/city
right-of-way and parks; assists with emergency removal and clean-up of storm
damaged trees; operates medium to heavy duty trucks and equipment; responds to
citizens' complaints, questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
works closely with other City departments, utility companies and private businesses
on tree issues; maintains effective working relationships with industry professionals,
state agencies, the general public and employees; purchases equipment and
supplies; maintains time and other records; assist in maintaining a computerized
service request system; assist in maintaining a street and park tree inventory;
performs and oversees the maintenance to equipment, trucks and buildings; assists
with snow removal operations and other park division duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
ESSENTIAL: Knowledge of arboricultural principles and practices using best
management practices; knowledge of OSHA and ANSI laws, occupational hazards
and necessary safety precautions applicable to the tree care industry; knowledge of
native and ornamental trees and shrubs; knowledge of tree anatomy and physiology;
knowledge of insect, disease and problems common to trees and shrubs; knowledge
of the use of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers; knowledge of the
methods, equipment and materials used in landscape construction, grounds
maintenance and arboricultural activities; knowledge of sustainability practices;
knowledge and understanding of integrated pest management and plant health care
programs; knowledge of standard tree trimming and removal practices as a team;
knowledge of safe work procedures including traffic safety and control principles and
practices; knowledge of the mechanical operation and maintenance of diesel and gas
powered equipment; ability to cut and remove roadside ditch trees and brush; ability
to work inside and outside during inclement weather; physical ability to handle
medium to heavy work with some heavy lifting; ability to safely operate vehicles and
specialized equipment including, aerial tower, log loader, stump grinder, dump trucks,
brush chippers and skid steer loaders; ability to understand and follow oral and
written instructions and directions; ability to investigate tree complaints; ability to
operate a computer and tablet using standard and customized software applications
to establish data sets, document work and other related tasks; ability to
communicate and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other City
employees and the general public; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in
writing, including public speaking; demonstrated ability to follow a management
philosophy that is input oriented and values problem solving and the development of
partnerships; demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team and
build a team within those supervised; desire to be part of an organization that values
service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Experience in the planting,
maintenance and removal of trees, brush and shrubbery; Associates degree from an
accredited college or university with major coursework in forestry or related field; or
any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential
knowledge, skills and abilities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of or the ability to obtain, within six months
of hire, and maintain the following:
• a valid commercial driver's license with air brake and combination
endorsements
• State of Iowa pesticide applicator certification in categories 3.0 (ornamentals)
and 6 (right of way)
9/14/17