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 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 first day of employment.

The City also offers the following benefits (subject to change):

• 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.

Qualifications

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.