LINE CLEARANCE TRIMMER/LANDSCAPER

General Statement of Duties:

Performs responsible work in the performance of tasks associated with the ongoing vegetation management activities for the Town of Dallas and its municipal Electric Utility. Specifically responsible for tree, brush, and vegetation trimming and clearing to mitigate conflict with overhead electric power lines and structures, along with Right-of-Way maintenance, and the general planting, pruning and maintenance of Town Street and Park Trees and horticultural features.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

An employee in this class performs skilled labor and equipment operation in the furtherance of line-clearance tree trimming, pruning, and removal, including clean-up and brush-chipping. Employee is required, under supervision and independently, to further the ongoing maintenance and preservation of Town Street and Park Trees, bushes and horticultural features. Employees are expected to possess a thorough understanding of electric distribution and transmission systems and of all proper and required safety standards and precautions to be employed when working to trim trees and branches in immediate conflict, often at significant heights, with such energized systems. This employee serves as a primary worker in the completion of labor tasks, in compliance with all safety rules and regulations. Moderate independent judgment is utilized. This employee is subject to hazards associated with both electrical work, along with tree trimming and cutting efforts, in difficult environments, outdoors, in all temperatures and elements, and often at heights. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Utility Arborist/Forester and the general supervision of the Electric Utility Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Engages in skilled labor to prune, remove, and maintain trees and vegetation from conflict with overhead electric power lines and above-ground structures. Maintains and clears utility and street rights-of-ways. Assures thorough clean-up of work-sites, including proper brush and/or vegetation removal and chipping.

  Engages in skilled labor to plant, prune, and maintain Town street and park trees, bushes and horticultural features, including the proper application and spraying of herbicides and/or pesticides; along with similar ongoing and assigned programs for Utility and other Town Right-of-way maintenance.

  Independently operates bucket trucks and other equipment around energized lines; operates chain saws, chipper, stump grinder, dump truck, hydraulic pruning tools, tractor, bush-hog, back-hoe, etc.

  Inspects trucks, tools, and equipment used in forestry, trimming, and grounds maintenance for safe condition and efficient operation and reports and/or recommends necessary repairs.

  Repairs damages to lawns, fences, and vegetation caused by tree-trimming or maintenance activities.

  Safeguards self and public from hazards in and around work area. Cooperates with citizens, customers, police, fire and emergency crews when blocking streets or public ways. Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, cones, etc. to protect employees and public.

  Assists with customer complaints involving tree-trimming and vegetation maintenance activities and works with supervisor(s) to remedy them satisfactorily.

  Possess thorough knowledge of Town’s vegetation maintenance policies and maintains compliance.

  Must obtain and possess, at Town’s expense, NCDOT Flagger Course Certification, as well as NC state herbicide and pesticide licensure.

  Performs all other duties as assigned and required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines:

  Thorough knowledge of the standard techniques and practices used in aerial tree trimming and removal in proximity and conflict with overhead power lines.

  Thorough knowledge of the operation, use, and care of all vehicles, tools, equipment, and supplies used in tree-trimming and removal; tree planting and maintenance; and right-of-way maintenance, including application of chemical pesticides and herbicides.

  Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in power-line and power-line-proximate work. Working knowledge of the principles of electricity as related to transmission and distribution.

  Ability to work around high voltage lines independently and to take precautionary measures to avoid accidents. Ability to make effective decisions in difficult environments and emergency work conditions.

  Ability to understand and interpret oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

  Ability to use tree-trimmer tools and operate required vehicles and equipment.

  Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public, other employees, and supervisors.

Physical Requirements:

  Must be able to physically perform the basic operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. Must be able to perform heavy work at times exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift or move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment, monitor work site progress, perform skilled tasks, and inspect and manipulate small parts.

Desirable Education and Experience:

  Graduation from an accredited High school supplemented by, at minimum, an established track record of experience in the care and pruning of trees and shrubs, as well as aerial line clearance tree-trimming and the operation of vehicles, tools and equipment necessary for such activities. Also, must possess demonstrated understanding of electrical distribution and transmission systems and associated safety standards. Possession of a valid North Carolina CDL driver’s license. Certification in CPR; and pesticide/herbicide application. Must be available for emergency call-backs on demand.

The hiring range for this position is $33,852 to $41,435, DOQ, and a 5% increase upon successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.  Benefits include healthcare, retirement, 401k, life insurance, and longevity.  Applications and job descriptions may be obtained at the Town of Dallas Administrative Offices located at 210 N. Holland St., Dallas, NC 28034.  All applications should be sent to 210 N. Holland St., Dallas, NC 28034 or emailed to jobs@dallasnc.net.  EOE