Placer County

To trim and top trees; to cut and clear brush and fallen trees; and to spray weeds and brush on County roads and rights-of-way.

Maintenance Worker 
This is the entry level class in the Tree Trimmer series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Tree Trimmer 
This is the full journey level class within the Tree Trimmer series.  This class is distinguished from the Maintenance Worker by the assignment of the full range of duties.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Tree Trimmer in that the latter performs high climbing and tree trimming tasks requiring a high level of skill and independent judgment and may exercise technical and functional supervision over technical and maintenance personnel.

Maintenance Worker
Receives immediate supervision from Tree Maintenance Supervisor and may receive technical and functional supervision from other maintenance or technical personnel.

Tree Trimmer
Receives general supervision from Tree Maintenance Supervisor and may receive technical and functional supervision from other maintenance or technical personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Trim trees from below and from above using aerial lift and hand and power saws; position lift for other trimmers and handle ropes, guys, tools and equipment for trimmers in tall trees or lift. 
• May climb trees under close supervision.
• Trim, clear and stack roadside brush and fallen trees; operate brush chipper.  Prepare and mix herbicides for roadside spraying; spray brush and weeds and operate truck or spray rig. 
• Perform various manual labor tasks and maintain and perform minor repairs on equipment used in tree trimming and brush clearing activities.
• Perform traffic control including set up and removal of signs,    cones and flagging.
• As Maintenance Worker perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in Road Division program areas such as equipment operation, traffic control, maintenance, tree trimming and bridge construction.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Maintenance Worker

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: No experience is required.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate: 
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position and in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
 
Tree Trimmer

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:  Two years of responsible experience performing duties similar to those of a Maintenance Worker assigned to various program areas in Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six-months, a valid Class B driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsements.  Hazardous materials endorsement may be required depending upon the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• Possession of Qualified Applicator Certificate from California Department of Food and Agriculture is desirable.

Maintenance Worker

Knowledge of:

• General use and purpose of materials, equipment and methods used in trimming and removing trees; hand tools.
• Safe driving practices and general safe work practices.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules.  Intermittently analyze problem equipment; identify and locate equipment and tools; interpret work orders; remember equipment and tool location; remember street/road names and general geographic areas.
• Intermittently, sit while completing forms or reports; bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist and reach when operating equipment and clearing brush; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; regularly lift very heavy weight.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action.
• Safely and effectively perform duties and operate or use equipment in/or adjacent to regular traffic areas.
• Work unusual and prolonged work schedules; work multiple shifts during emergencies, seasonally-caused circumstances, or special projects in varying climatic and temperature conditions.
• Use hand tools.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Tree Trimmer

In addition to the qualifications for Maintenance Worker:

Knowledge of:

• County Road Division policies and procedures, especially as related to tree trimming activities.
• Specific use and purpose of materials, equipment and methods used in trimming and tree removal.
• Methods, equipment and chemicals used in weed control.

Ability to:

• Operate equipment used in tree trimming including power saws and aerial lifts; pick up and dump trucks.
• Operate spraying equipment and wood chippers.