Tree Trimmer

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 09-02-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital planning and space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department includes operating budgets of over $54 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $950 million, and employs over 370 full-time staff to carry forth the duties necessary for the campus' development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://physicalplant.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Grounds, the Tree Trimmer performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in general tree maintenance, which requires safely working at extreme heights. The Tree Trimmer performs pruning practices and tree maintenance activities to reduce the risk of tree hazards to the campus community, promote campus tree health, and develop, preserve, and enhance the beauty, structural integrity, and functional value of campus trees. Maintenance of trees includes climbing trees at considerable heights utilizing proper climbing safety equipment in compliance with ANSI Z133 Safety Standards for Tree Care Operations. Tree operations also include work at considerable heights using a bucket truck. Tree pruning and removals will require rigging skills in the trees as well as ground support activities. Work may take place over roads, paths, or structures, and requires chipping of brush, clean up, and general tool maintenance. The UCSC campus is integrated into the local forest containing second or third-growth native redwoods and Douglas firs over 150 feet, California bays, madrones, mature oaks, and various planted landscape species.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $28.19/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: SX, Service Unit

Job Code Classification: TREE TRIM (008083)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

80% - Tree Trimming

• Prune trees with proper techniques to improve structure, reduce hazard conditions, remove deadwood, provide building, road, and path clearance, enhance plant appearance, and improve health.
• Train young trees.
• Perform tree crown cleaning, crown thinning, and crown reduction techniques by removing and lowering branches and limbs with load lines and tag lines.
• Perform tree management care including installation of cables or rods in trees to provide support to weak or potentially dangerous limbs.
• Perform tree removals by topping, piecing out, or felling trees, ensuring safe conditions are maintained.
• Identify and report hazardous trees in the landscape.
• Use hand and power tools, climbing and rigging equipment, traffic safety equipment, lift truck, chipper and chipper truck.
• Enter trees and reach working height by climbing using current technique and using a boom truck.
• Respond to tree emergencies after hours as necessary.

15% - Equipment Maintenance

• Sharpen, clean, and adjust saws, lubricate aerial lift and chipper with grease gun, oil cans, and aerosol applicators as required, change chipper blades, clean equipment radiators, check fluids, follow maintenance schedules, and keep records.
• Inspect climbing and rigging equipment regularly and report deficiencies.

5% - Recordkeeping / Administrative Duties

• Maintain records of time, tree work, and equipment maintenance utilizing department tree inventory software and GIS as well as department business systems for work order management and timekeeping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have prior experience and be proficient in modern tree climbing techniques and proficiency in rigging techniques using climbing saddle and ropes and ability to climb and maneuver within and amongst mature trees at extreme heights safely and with demonstrated tree-climbing skills conforming to current practice.
• Skill in tree pruning and tree removal techniques at considerable heights including working over structures. Skills in performing crown restoration, removing hazardous branches or trees, using rigging and related knots, and using tree trimming tools and equipment.
• Ability to use necessary equipment in a safe manner such as chainsaws, blowers, hedge trimmers, chippers, climbing gear, etc.
• Skill and knowledge in identifying desirable or problematic tree structural characteristics and making pruning decisions to retain and enhance desirable tree structural and aesthetic conditions while eliminating or mitigating undesirable tree structural conditions.
• Skill and ability to perform preventive and routine mechanical maintenance on aerial lift truck, brush chipper, small equipment power tools, and related tree care equipment.
• Knowledge of tree biology, growth patterns, decay organisms, proper pruning cuts and pruning wound closure.
• Experience in the field of arboriculture, which includes the care and management of tree resources.
• Knowledge of basic computer systems and applications such Word, Excel, and email, with the ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions and perform basic arithmetic calculations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified arborist / certified tree worker or educational background in the field of arboriculture / horticulture.
• Ability to effectively diagnose and treat tree and general plant problems.
• Ability to effectively identify and select appropriate trees for landscape areas.
• Ability to effectively understand the soil and water relationships which affect plant health.
• Ability to effectively understand nutritional requirements and fertilization techniques to encourage healthy plants in the landscape.
• Ability to assist arborist supervisor with written tree reports, evaluations, employee scheduling, preventive tree maintenance programs, and participate in employee safety programs.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Must possess a Class B Driver's License or have the ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to climb and maneuver within and amongst mature trees at extreme heights safely and with demonstrated tree-climbing skills conforming to current practice.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds of tree care and related equipment safely with or without accommodation.
• Ability to maintain proficiency at a professional level and continually update knowledge through appropriate courses, seminars and publications.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUBiz3WS3zErEGOhSOu7KZZPzGkTwr_2/view?usp=sharing. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination