Work Schedule:

40 Hours per week

Monday-Friday7:00 am- 3:30 pm

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

This is a full-time, entry level public works Forestry Worker I position involving on-the-job training to perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled forestry work, and operate a variety of equipment within the Public Works Agency. Employees may use hand and power tools such as saws, brooms, rakes and shovels. Tasks require employees to work outdoors for most of the workday in a variety of weather conditions. Work is often performed in heavy traffic, requiring employees to be alert to avoid accidents or personal injuries. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. This position requires both scheduled and unscheduled overtime for emergencies and special projects, including weekends and holidays. Safety equipment such as hardhat, safety glasses, reflective vest, gloves, steel-toed shoes, earplugs and other protective equipment is worn.

Specific assignment will include some or all of the following:

• Prunes trees using hand pruner, hand saw, chain saw, or pole saw.
• Unloads hand and power equipment from vehicle.
• Performs tree planting; digs holes; removes grass, properly prunes tree; plants trees utilizing excess soil to form a saucer for wood chips; replaces dirt at stump sight; plants grass and removes chips
• Delivers soil, wood chips, and other materials to work site and shovels, rakes, and levels materials
• Safely operates public work equipment and tools of various sizes with different attachments. Drives a pick-up truck to plow snow and spread salt. Drives a small dump truck to transport materials; operates controls in truck cab to dump and spread materials on surfaces.
• Checks equipment and performs preventative maintenance.
• Performs various other tasks as assigned.
• May assist in other divisions on an as needed basis

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Must be willing and able to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License with full air brakes endorsement within six months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing and able to obtain a State of Illinois Pesticide Operator’s certification within eighteen months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Possession of tree care and climbing experience and/or an Arborist certification is preferred.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

•  Some knowledge of the safe operation of hand and power tools.
• Some knowledge of the operating instructions and safety aspects of public works equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete tasks without close supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, other employees and the public.

Physical Requirements of Work:

Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures and humidity.

Ability to perform heavy manual labor daily, as required by the position.

Ability to lift heavy objects above shoulder height, as required by the position.

Ability to bend, stoop, lift, climb, stand or sit for long periods of time, work outdoors with limited lighting, work in confined spaces, detect and recognize particular odors, talk and hear.

Ability to work in situations where the following are present: loud noise levels, chemicals such as oil, fumes and gasses, dust and dirt, noxious odors, broken glass and sharp objects.

Supervision:

Work is performed under general direction of a supervisor or crew leader. Assignments may vary from day to day depending on the season and work requirements. Instructions, either verbal or written, are in the form of the project to be completed, with the employee responsible Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings and feedback from the supervisor and from other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standard.

Public Contact:

The employee has contact with other City employees to relay factual and specific information regarding work; there is frequent contact with the general public when in the field to answer questions and respond to concerns.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.  Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.  The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.  Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).