Tree Care Technician; seasonal

Overview

JOB OVERVIEW

The Tree Care Technician is a seasonal, 10-month position from February to December. This person will work with the Prospect Park Alliance Arborist to care for trees and conduct general landscape maintenance in Prospect Park with a particular focus on maintenance of newly planted trees as part of the commemorative donor tree planting program.

• Maintain trees in the landscape by monitoring, watering, pruning, weeding, fencing, and removing trees if necessary
• Plant balled and burlapped trees in turf areas as part of the commemorative donor tree program.
• Plant container and bareroot trees in natural areas as part of Prospect Park Alliance’s ongoing restoration work
• Work with Alliance staff to undertake basic tree work (e.g., pruning, removal, and clearing of storm damage) safely and effectively with the support of Prospect Park Alliance crews as needed
• Perform measures to support key specimen trees, including decompaction, fencing, mulching, applying compost or other soil amendments
• Manage database software to track and monitor trees and record work orders and changes in tree health
• Lead groups of volunteers engaged in woodland restoration work and commemorative tree care
• Remove snow and perform other emergency response activities throughout the park as assigned
• Remove hazards in the park and/or mitigate hazardous situations
• Assist crews from LMO and M&O when necessary for emergencies, special events, or special projects

Operation and Maintenance of Vehicles, Equipment, Tools & Shared Work Areas.

• Operate vehicles (e.g., truck, utility vehicle, tractor, backhoe), power equipment (e.g., chainsaw, string trimmer, mower, water pump, wood chipper, and hedge trimmer), and various hand tools in a safe manner
• Maintain standards of cleanliness and organization in shared work areas including vehicles and tool storage sheds

Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

Education & Experience

• A valid NYS Driver’s License

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management or related field, or applied certification in Horticulture preferred

• A valid NYS CDL Driver’s License preferred

• Experience with mapping software or GIS preferred

• Passion for the Alliance Mission & Core Values: A passion for public parks and environmental conservation combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, appreciating individual differences and embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Ethics & Integrity:
  Earns the trust and respect of others through a consistent commitment to integrity, honesty and professionalism in all interactions
• Landscape Management Knowledge:
  Proficient in plant identification for northeast US region, use of landscape tools, experience with ecological restoration and/or sustainable ecological horticulture; proper planting and pruning techniques
• Machinery Operation:
  Competence in mechanized equipment and safe vehicle operation is essential. The ability to safely operate and maintain various groundskeeping vehicles and equipment including but not limited to infield groomers, utility vehicles, weed whackers and riding and push lawn mowers; ability to successfully procure, store and plant B&B-sized trees
• Health and Safety:
  Comply with health and safety legislation and regulation and organizational policies. Manages risk including hazard identification, risk assessment and implementation of control measures. Manages own safety and that of others
• Customer Service:
  Exhibits a strong commitment to delivering excellent, responsive and friendly customer service to patrons and park visitors
• Results and Impact Focus:
  Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and consistently produce high quality work and achieve desired outcomes
• Decision Making & Problem Solving:
  Alerts others to possible problems, seeks support to solve problems, offers solutions, and acts on decisions
• Self-Management:
  Ability to work independently or as a team member, detail-oriented, and able to manage stress in a fast-paced environment
• Collaboration & Teamwork:
  C…