The City of Richmond Department of Public Works is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the position of Maintenance Specialist, Senior - Tree Maintenance Specialist in the Division of Urban Forestry. The incumbent is responsible for performing maintenance within the City's forestry system. The successful candidate will work a schedule from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm and will be required to work beyond scheduled hours as needed, during inclement weather, during declared emergencies, and on a rotating on-call basis.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Supervising assigned work crew in daily work tasks and overseeing daily operations
Demonstrating and explaining proper tree handling and pruning to volunteers and other city staff as needed
Receiving written and verbal instructions to complete ground-based and aerial tree maintenance applications
Operating appropriate equipment such as a chainsaw, cherry picker, bucket truck, chipper truck, tandem dump truck, front-end loader, backhoe, stump grinder, or other related equipment to perform maintenance
Operating power and hand tools and equipment including power saws, blowers, and gardening tools
Demonstrating and explaining safe use and operation of hand and power tools, hazard identification evaluation and assessment, Personal Protective Equipment, and work zone protocol to emergency response backup personnel
Performing and participating in tree removal activities using aerial lift truck, articulated (knuckle-boom) loader, and stump grinder. Removal activities include emergency dispatch, site preparation, hazard identification and assessment, work-zone and traffic control set-up, tree identification, removal of tree, removal of stump, debris staging, loading, chipping, and transportation
Performing maintenance activities such as tree identification, crown cleaning, crown restoration, crown reduction, crown elevation, sanitation pruning, and initial form establishment pruning. All tree pruning conforms to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Zl33.1 and (ANZI) A300 Standards
Safely maintaining tools, vehicle, and equipment
Carrying and responding to emergency after-hours cell phone. Emergency response related activities include responding and recording relevant information from emergency dispatcher, locating tree problem to be addressed, identifying hazards, locating and mobilizing additional personnel as needed, setting up work zone, clearing right-of-way, and staging debris
Assisting in the training of new employees
Performing other related duties as assigned

City of Richmond Public Works employees who work in this class are considered essential personnel and will be required to work during declared emergencies and major weather events.

Qualifications, Special Certifications, and Licenses:

Carpentry such as bridges, boardwalks, fences, etc.
Chemicals and chemical reactions.
Commercial mowing equipment.
Comprehensive knowledge of park lands and the recreational opportunities provided within each parcel.
Electronic databases and related software applications such Trafx Datanet.
GIS and Wayfinding.
High tension rigging systems and hoisting mechanisms, including winches and grip hoists, as well as their various safe applications.
Infrastructures.
Local environmental science knowledge such as trees, biology, hydrology, geology, etc.
Small engine repair.
Small equipment such as blowers, weed eaters, mowers, etc.
Storm water maintenance.
Trail construction, design, and maintenance.
Usage of various tools.
Closing work orders.
Communicating knowledge of park lands and recreational opportunities to public effectively.
Communicating with various internal and external departments.
Completing administrative supervisory duties and various paperwork.
Conducting inventory checks.
Determining when to involve local law enforcement or EMS personnel based on user behavior.
Ensuring vehicles are in good working order.
Excavating underground structures and pipelines.
Helping employees in skilled trades.
Maintaining a safe and clean environment for play.
Maintaining equipment and machinery.
Managing effectively a variety of volunteer groups ranging in size from 5-150.
Managing limited time effectively for the greatest task completion rate.
Possessing carpentry skills for building and repairing a variety of park structures.
Pulling and parking trailers.
Removing snow when necessary.
Responding to emergency events.
Setting up job site with cones/signs.
Stocking vehicle with necessary supplies.
Understanding a variety of user groups and their patterns including their likely use, location, and times of use.
Using and operating various equipment safety and correctly such as tractor with batwing, constructions vehicles, vacuum, pressure sprayers, paving equipment, hand grinders, back hoes, chain saws, woodshop tools, etc.
Using a radio and phone.
Using chemicals properly.
Working with vendors.
Physical dexterity.
Problem-solving.
Self-motivated.
Strong communication.
Time management.

Training and Experience:

High school diploma or GED
Three (3) years of experience, based on assignment
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification
A current and valid state-issued Commercial Driver License (Class A or B)

Preferred Qualifications:

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist (ISA Certification)
Certified Tree Safety Professional, Tree Care Industry Association

Licensing Qualifications:

Some assignments may require a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Commercial Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
If assigned to tree maintenance, may require an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification
If assigned to road maintenance, may require Hazmat and Tanker license