Forestry Crew Leader; Union AFSCME

Overview

Position: Public Works/ Forestry Crew Leader

Date Posted: 1/20/2026

Location: Service Center

Closing Date: 02/03/2026

Salary: $39.52 - $46.73 hourly. Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

NATURE OF WORK
:

This is a skilled, senior-level lead forestry worker position responsible for performing, assigning, and monitoring duties in the maintenance of City trees and grounds. Work involves supervising and leading staff, climbing, trimming, removing dead or diseased trees, stump grinding, planting and caring for trees, and applying fertilizers, pesticides, and other arboricultural agents for proper maintenance. This position may substitute for a first-line supervisor during periods of absence and requires overtime for emergencies and special projects, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

• Manages maintenance activities and leads crews in planting, trimming, plant health care, and tree removal activities.
• Climbs and descends trees safely, assesses limb strength, and uses power and manual saws to remove low limbs and deadwood following pruning procedures and avoiding power lines; ascends to the top of trees using an aerial tower.
• Plants, transplants, cultivates, fertilizes, waters, prunes shrubs and trees; prepares soil; transports soil, compost, mulch, and other materials to work sites; mixes and applies mulch and keeps sites clean.
• Performs tree risk assessments to recommend remediation, removal, or mitigation.
• Responds to internal and external requests/complaints via field inspections and communication channels (including 311 software).
• Assists with tree planting inspections, site preparation, and general oversight of tree planting operations; assists in overseeing contractors.
• Performs tree cable installation on trees with structural concerns.
• Performs tree planting tasks including digging holes, removing grass, proper planting, stump site preparation, seeding, and moving materials; loads dump trucks with wood.
• Determines chemicals and amounts for power sprayers to apply fertilizers or pesticides.
• Leads crews in trimming and removing trees, stumps, and diseased or damaged limbs.
• Supervises seasonal employees and ensures safety precautions and procedures are followed.
• Operates snow and ice control equipment for snow removal from streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and downtown areas; overtime may be required.
• Drives trucks or City vehicles to and from worksites; loads and unloads equipment.
• May be called to respond to public works emergencies outside regular schedule.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED. College coursework in forestry or horticulture preferred.
• Five (5) or more years of relatable forestry or horticultural work experience.
• Valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement and a safe driving record; must maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture (or ability to obtain within one year) and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (or ability to obtain within one year) and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Illinois Pesticide Operator's License (or ability to obtain within one year) and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Willingness to obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, IS 700, 800 within 6 months of employment.

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Considerable knowledge of trees care materials, methods, tools, and equipment.
• Safety knowledge for equipment and chemicals used in tree care operations.
• Safety standards and precautions for tools and equipment used in trimming, planting, and removals.
• Knowledge of tree and shrub identification, diseases and treatments, insects, and pesticide use.
• Ability to lead other workers on parks and tree maintenance projects; identify common tree species found in Illinois.
• Operate hand and power tools and trucks safely and effectively; read and apply instructions for safe chemical application.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public; customer-service orientation.
• Proficiency with computer software and devices to manage work assignments and records.
• Identify high-risk trees and mitigate risks.

• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly; move heavy objects (100 pounds or more) short distances.
• Work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Operate required equipment and tools; focus on small and distant objects; lift, bend, kneel, sit, or stand for long periods; work in confined spaces and at night with limited lighting.
• Walk or navigate rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; work around chemicals, fumes, dust, and dirt following safety guidelines.
• Deal with elevated noise and vibration on job…