Forestry & Trails Maintenance Specialist

The Forestry & Trails Maintenance Specialist will support the Montgomery County Landscaping Division through the daily maintenance, management and development of the Parks and Recreation trees and trails. Responsibilities include the development, implementation and oversite of trees and trails programs, including trail management, forest health management, erosion control, tree maintenance and removal, fuels reduction, vegetation removal, needs assessments, and the coordination of programs, initiatives and restoration projects to enhance County parks.

Minimum Experience: Two (2) or more years of urban forestry, commercial or residential tree care, and/or trail maintenance. Must complete the TCIA - Tree Care Academy and American Trails - Foundations of Sustainable Trails Program, within 12 months of hire date or possess a degree or certification detailing knowledge and proficiency of tree care and trail maintenance skills and abilities necessary to perform the position duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Certifications, Licenses:

• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• A pre-employment criminal background check is required.
• Must complete the TCIA - Tree Care Academy and American Trails - Foundations of Sustainable Trails Program, within 12 months of hire date or possess a degree or certification detailing knowledge and proficiency of tree care and trail maintenance skills and abilities necessary to perform the position duties and responsibilities.

GENERAL POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Leads the planting, trimming, spraying, watering, fertilization, mulching, removal and overall maintenance of tree work from the ground and elevated heights.
• Responds to fallen trees, dead limbs and other debris resulting from storm damage and general conditions throughout park properties.
• Operates various equipment and tools which are used for daily tree work, trail maintenance and landscaping assignments.
• Conducts monthly audits and safety assessments of trail systems and tree conditions including; the trail corridor, erosion, hazards, overgrowth, invasive species and overall maintenance needs.
• Repairs and restores natural trail surfaces from the impact of trail tread deterioration, encroachments, invasive vegetation, tripping hazards, erosion and the upkeep of signage/way finding.
• Develops seasonal and annual maintenance programs and projects to establish preventative and ongoing care of trees and trail-related infrastructure including the coordination and leadership of volunteer opportunities and group projects.
• Develops good forest and wildlife habitat conservation methods.
• Conducts spray applications of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.
• Prepares reports, project plans, and related documents as needed.
• Assists with the grounds keeping needs of landscaping assignments across park properties such as mowing, edging, gardening, and mulch applications.
• Assists with the establishment of park beautification standards and annual practices including seasonal pruning and clean-outs of park properties, irrigation, agronomy schedules and soil management.
• Position requires working some weekends/special events.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no fiscal responsibilities.

COUNTY ORGANIZATION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents the Department and County to other County staff and members of the public.
• Provides quality customer service to individuals needing directions or assistance.
• Demonstrates the organization’s Core Values and adherence to the Ethics policy.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent has no supervisory responsibilities.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of natural resource management, forestry, trail maintenance, weed abatement and maintenance project planning.
• Experience with tree falling, trimming and pruning with the aid of ropes, wedges, climbers, safety belts and aerial lifts.
• Ability to safely operate maintenance equipment including chain saws, pole saws, brush chipper, utility vehicles, tractors, mowers, etc.
• Ability to lead work groups.
• Knowledge of trail system maintenance standards, construction, and design.
• Knowledge of the horticultural needs of planting, pruning and caring for trees of all native species from infancy throughout a trees lifespan.

Skill in:

• Operating and maintaining all assigned vehicles or equipment.
• Performing a variety of semi-skilled maintenance tasks.
• Following procedures outlined in print and electronic technical manuals.
• Reading and interpreting policy and procedure manuals.
• Performing manual labor.
• Communicating clearly and concisely primarily in verbal form.
• Organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Applying judgment and discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.

Ability to:

• Perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.
• Establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Communicate professionally with other crew members, supervisors and members of the public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Maintain professionalism at all times.
• Work as a member of a team.
• Perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Work the allocated hours of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed indoors and outdoors, requiring mobility and physical activity. Work environment includes exposure to noise, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and subject to slip, trip and fall hazards as well as mechanical operations injury risk. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS/ACTIVITIES:

• This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of lifting/moving or force and occasionally lift, move or drag 50 pounds or more while performing essential functions of the job.
• Work regularly requires the ability to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and speak and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
• Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectively communicate with others in English.
• Ability to read and write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, material safety data sheets, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth.
• Ability to recognize occupational hazards in work activities and take safety precautions.
• Work is frequently performed in a noisy environment around mechanical equipment.
• Work may include outdoors in seasonal weather extremes.
• Exposures could include toxic chemicals, seasonal temperature extremes, and other possible unknown hazardous materials.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and following directions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.89 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person