Position Purpose

Working with the Tree Warden, provides continuing maintenance and care to approximately 1200 trees of numerous and various species on the College campus and nearby areas.

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp

High School plus 5+ years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• High school graduate with formal training in Tree Management.
• Five years of relevant experience.
• State license to apply pesticides required.
• Must have a CDL Class B License; must be qualified under the terms of the Dartmouth College Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Must be able to pass a hearing test each year.
• A NH Pesticide license with the following two categories is required: Shade and ornamental pest control (G1), Right-of-way and commercial weed and brush control (B)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of a variety of trees, the diseases, fungi and insect pests with which they can be afflicted, and the treatment thereof.
• Knowledge of how to plant trees.
• Knowledge of pruning and fertilization practices.
• Ability to climb trees.
• Ability to oversee the work of contractors.
• Knowledgeable in the safe handling of pesticides.
• Skill in working in and around aerial lifts.
• Skill in working with ropes, saddles and harnesses.
• Skill in the use and basic maintenance of chain saws and other tools/equipment related to tree maintenance work.
• Ability to lift and handle tree debris.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Willingness to work overtime when required.

Description

• On a continuing basis, surveys College trees for evidence of defoliation, disease, pests, fungus, broken branches, etc. Treats diseased areas. Physically removes pests or treats for pest removal. Collects samples of areas with unknown diseases, pests, etc. and sends for analysis; selects and applies appropriate treatment upon receipt of report of analyses. Performs tree surgery and pruning as required. Recommends removal of trees as appropriate.
• Helps to maintain three year schedule for maintenance of College elms. Helps examine stands to be maintained each year; identifies trees most in need and helps plan for specific work to be accomplished to include trimming and surgery, treatments for disease prevention, feeding, fertilization, and pest treatment. Helps execute activities related to the foregoing, including set-up of supporting mechanical/hydraulic systems.
• Assists with bi-annual tree fertilization program. Helps designate trees requiring fertilization. Accomplishes necessary tree measurements; determines fertilizer to be used; calculates amount of fertilizer needed for each tree. Applies fertilizer in granular or liquid form; sets up pumps, hoses, flow controls, etc. when using liquid forms. Aerates trees when needed.
• Assists with the tree pruning and removal work as required. Works with contractor when necessary. Helps prepare worksite for contractor.
• Works from cherry picker to do tree trimming as required. Exercises safe working practices.
• Removes snow and ice from sidewalks, patios, etc.

Working Conditions

• Work requires bending, kneeling, climbing and working in cramped or awkward positions.
• Work involves regular lifting, carrying, and holding objects weighing up to 80 pounds.
• Work is performed: indoors or outdoors, in bad weather and in areas that are noisy, dirty, or smoky.
• Work involves exposure to hazards from electric shock, burns, cuts and chemical fumes.
• Work involves wearing special or protective clothing such as: aprons or overalls, gloves, goggles or masks, and hearing protection.
• Work is performed in a cherry picker at heights up to seventy feet.