Climber

## Description

General Summary

The Tree Climber & Pruner works under the Tree Service Supervisor and the Director of Tree Service Operations. Responsibilities include applying skills to identify and perform specified tree pruning or removal operations as assigned on work order or other defined performance objectives. High physical stamina to accomplish strenuous arboricultural tasks such as climbing, lifting, felling and removal of trees and bushes, as necessary.

Primary Responsibilities: (other duties may be assigned)

The Tree Climber & Pruner

• Cable, brace, tie, bolt, and trim trees and branches.
• Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment.
• Clear sites, streets, and grounds of tree stumps and fallen trees and limbs.
• Climb trees, using climbing spikes and belts, or climb ladders to gain access to work areas.
• Collect debris and refuse from trimming and removal operations into piles, using shovels, rakes, and other tools.
• Cut away dead and excess branches from trees, or clear branches around power lines, using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck booms, and/or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and pruners.
• Inspect trees to determine if they have diseases or pest problems.
• Load debris and refuse onto trucks and haul it away for disposal.
• Operate shredding and chipping equipment, and feed limbs and bushes into the machines.
• Prune, cut down, and service trees as directed.
• Remove broken limbs from wires, using hooked extension poles.
• Trim, and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches.
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of appropriate knots and rigging techniques to perform pruning and removal operations.
• Use climbing safety line and lanyards to secure and perform climbing operations, utilizing approved knots, carabiners, or other approved devices for safety and material handling management.
• If assigned driving responsibility, must perform vehicle maintenance inspection of fluid levels and vehicle inspection prior to operation of said vehicle.
• Use aesthetic sensibilities and defined objectives to achieve visually attractive and arboriculturally appropriate outcomes for the trees or plants being pruned.
• Identify and report or take corrective action for trees or limbs with potential risk factors that need to be addressed.
• Must assume and direct appropriate leadership to other team members for managing work site operations and safety protocols with attention to completion of daily assignments in a timely and productive manner.

## Qualifications

Employment standards

• Extensive knowledge of a variety of tree and palm types.
• Strong arboriculture experience.
• Outstanding abilities in tree climbing, planting, bracing, removal, and pruning.
• High level of skills in operation of chainsaw, hand saw, stump grinder and chipper machinery.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of handsaws, pruning tools, chainsaws, and other devices.
• Ability to maintain a clean and safe work area
• The Tree Climber (Pruner) may be required to work more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the job
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• First aid/AED certification.
• Attend and participate in safety meetings.
• Must demonstrate general flexibility, strength, stamina, and ability to lift or control 60 pounds or more as needed to perform the above specified operations.
• Must adhere to and perform duties in accordance with safety protocols for the safety and security of self and other team members.
• Must report all incidents of accident or injury or potential thereof.
• Must acknowledge, accept, and perform assigned duties in compliance with the company’s employee handbook.

Minimum Requirements

A. Education

• High School diploma or equivalent.

B. Experience

• 2-5 years Tree Climbing & Pruning experience.