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

• 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.

• 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; ability to safely operate and maintain groundskeeping vehicles and equipment
• Health and Safety:
  Comply with health and safety legislation and organizational policies; manages risk including hazards, assessments, and 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
• Decision Making & Problem Solving:
  Identifies potential problems, seeks support to solve problems, offers solutions, and acts on chosen solutions
• Self-Management:
  Ability to work independently or as part of a team, detail-oriented, and able to manage stress in a fast-paced environment
• Collaboration & Teamwork:
  Promotes cooperation and positive team contribution
• Communication:
  Superior verbal communication skills to engage with and impart information to the public
• Technology:
  Proficient with automated technologies to support area of responsibility including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite