Forestry Technician

Overview

Under general supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in the maintenance of the urban forest; and performs related work as required.

Starting hourly rate
: $23.54; after 6 months: $23.94.

The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefit package. The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2026 and starts on the first day of employment.

• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 6.5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to Teamsters)
• 13 paid holidays
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

• Maintains tree nursery; prunes, shapes and waters trees; mixes and applies fertilizers and insecticides.
• Operates specialized forestry equipment including aerial lift truck, stump grinder, tree spade, chain saws, tractors, earth moving, snow removal equipment and log loader truck.
• Prunes and trims trees: uses hand and power equipment; removes dead, damaged or diseased limbs and trees; fills cavities; shapes and balances trees; provides headroom for mowing; attains height via ladder, aerial lift truck and climbing; attaches cables to correct or prevent damage; removes debris.
• Transplants trees; plans for proper placement of trees from nursery or those donated by citizens; waters, sprays, and fertilizes trees.
• Provides instruction on equipment operation and methods: prescribes safety precautions; assembles needed tools, parts and materials for daily assignments.
• Maintains equipment and tools: services, cleans, lubricates and sharpens hand tools and power equipment; reports equipment repair needs to supervisor.
• Assists City Arborist in the inspection and recording of diseased and damaged trees.
• May act as lead worker; may fill in for Lead Forestry Technician in his/her absence.

Successful completion of courses in forestry or closely related subjects and two years of increasingly responsible experience in a tree nursery or a forestry operation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Requires possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License which must be maintained throughout duration of employment.

Must pass a physical examination as prescribed by the City.

Must be able to acquire a valid Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicators License.

Must reside in Iowa or Illinois within two (2) years of hire and maintain residency throughout the duration of employment.

Must pass a background check as prescribed by the City of Davenport.

Comprehensive Knowledge of:

• Maintenance and operation of forestry tools and equipment including chain saws, trucks, stump remover, tree spade, aerial lift, and chipper.
• Trees, shrubs, and plant life and insects and diseases common to trees and shrubs.
• Proper tree planting, trimming and removal methods and techniques.
• Safety precautions in equipment operation.

Considerable Skill in:

• Operating and maintaining forestry tools and equipment.
• Dealing effectively with subordinates and the general public.
• Planting, trimming, and tree removal practices including the use of ropes for limb lowering and climbing.
• Performance of heavy physical labor under varying conditions.

Working Skill in:

• Organizing and assigning the work of subordinates.
• Operation of specialized equipment requiring good spatial perception.
• Attention to performance detail and manual and physical dexterity.
• Keeping records.