Tree Grounds Person

General Description: (Summary description of the primary duties and objectives of the position.)

Basic functions include:

Assist with the implementation of work zone safety procedures such as the placement of cones and signs, and the provision of flagging services.

Assist climbers and crew leaders working on the ground and aloft.

Operate and maintain chippers, chainsaws, and all other equipment safely.

Assist with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties.

Learn and demonstrate high safety standards, sound tree risk assessment skills, equipment inspection skills, proper pruning and rigging skills, and implementation of tree felling procedures.

Responsible for carrying out other duties as assigned by the Crew Leader or designated supervisor Arborist Representative, or Local Manager.

Assists team members in the field to clear limbs and brush from the site, operating and feeding the woodchipper.

Operate and care for chippers, chain saws, blowers, and various hand tools.

Ensuring that all operations, job sites

Ensure safe operations:

Conducts daily Safety Checklist and reviews with crew

Conducts weekly Safety Tailgate Meetings with assigned crew

Provides safety equipment and materials to laborers

Enforces compliance with safety rules and strict adherence to safety policies and practices

Manage field operations including:

Ongoing communication with clients and laborers

Order material and equipment as needed to complete jobs

Oversee watering of all plant materials on project until turned over to post-install maintenance

Complete Vehicle Maintenance reports and submitting to Superintendent on weekly basis

Maintain all assigned vehicles and equipment in proper working order

Managing equipment standards (condition) and operation

Assigning and monitoring completion of tasks by Crew Members within specified schedules for each job

Completion and submission of required forms and reports

Follow company policies including:

Proper use of personal protective equipment

Safe operation of tools and equipment

Basic care and maintenance of tools and equipment

Maintaining and ensuring the proper and accurate recording of time worked for all laborers assigned to each job

Reporting unsafe/damaged equipment to supervisor

Reporting to assigned location(s) at required times

Attend required meetings, including Foreman Safety Meetings and training sessions

Skills/Abilities – Ability to:

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evenings, as required.

Ability to operate various pieces of maintenance equipment, including service vehicle, trailer, and motorized landscape installation vehicles and equipment

Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to complete work assignments correctly.

Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under hot and humid conditions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and other employees.

Knowledge of basic plant identification

Read and write applicable instructions, plans, company communications, forms; Prefer English/Spanish bilingual ability

Communicate professionally with customers; Prefer English/Spanish bilingual ability

Ability to read and understand landscape design plans in printed and electronic formats

Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications:

1+ years of landscape, irrigation, general construction, and drainage experience or a combination of work experience and formal education in landscape construction, design or construction management

Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record

Knowledge of:

Soil preparation techniques, treatments, and amendments

Tree and shrub planting, care, pruning, trimming, staking, and guy wiring

Proper usage and handling of chemicals and fertilizers

Proper methods of mowing, edging, trimming, and weed abatement

Color, ground cover, and vine planting and care

Landscape design concepts, plant usage, and function

Irrigation and drainage systems installation and trouble-shooting

Installation and operation of valves and sprinkler heads

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.

Work in/or about situations near direct automotive traffic

Work near or about natural bodies of water

Work 8+ hours per day with applicable breaks x 5 days/week (some overtime/weekend work required)

Ability to work in extreme conditions – temperatures may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Ability to work in direct sunlight for extended periods of time

Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs.

Ability to bend, stoop and twist continuously throughout the day

Ability to operate company vehicle (w/ valid driver’s license)