Maintenance Worker III (3 Positions)- Valley Water
Salary: $97,094.40 - $124,259.20 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01830-E
Location: CA, CA
Department: Watersheds Operations and Maintenance
Closing: 10/27/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Overview:
Are you an experienced Vegetation Maintenance Worker with 5+ years' experience and have a Class A driver's license? If so, review the below opportunity.

This is an advanced journey level position, and the selected candidate will be required to operate a variety of construction equipment and will provide Valley Water-wide support performing maintenance and construction projects for creeks, ponds, and reservoirs.

Candidates assigned to the Vegetation Field Operations unit perform a variety of work in support of Valley Water's vegetation management programs, including vegetation control work, integrated vegetation management, arboriculture, native plant revegetation projects, invasive plant management projects, and biotechnical erosion control work on Valley Water properties.

This position is working outside and there can be difficult environmental conditions such as cold, heat or rain. There could be times when you could be called out at night to perform flood control emergencies.

Our Commitment: Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operation of vehicles and equipment associated with vegetation management activities.
• Support of skilled labor contract work on vegetation management activities.
• Supporting the monitoring and assessment of success criteria on mitigation sites.
• Providing input and assisting lead and supervisory staff in tracking daily work accomplishments associated with vegetation management activities.
• Participate in a variety of integrated vegetation management activities using chemical, mechanical, and biological controls to manage native plant revegetation projects, invasive plant management projects, vegetation control projects, tree removals, biotechnical erosion control projects, and overall integrated vegetation management work on Valley Water properties.
• Clear brush, weeds, and debris from worksites, canals, ponds, creeks, reservoirs, pipelines, water treatment plants, dams, and other open areas; prune vegetation, perform tree removals including standing or downed trees.
• Prepare soil and install native plant revegetation per established plans; maintain mitigation areas to achieve success criteria and meet monitoring requirements.
• Install, adjust, and repair irrigation systems, including heads, lines, and controllers.
• Operate a variety of small power tools and light equipment, including spray equipment, mowers, chain saws, weed eaters, pole saw, hydroseeder, small trenchers, loader, compactors, water trucks, forklift, straw mulcher, auger, sandbag machine, and chipper; clean, adjust, and perform minor maintenance on light equipment to ensure proper operating condition.
• Interpreting pest control recommendations, Mix and apply herbicides, and calibration of spray equipment to control the growth of vegetation on and around flood control and water distribution facilities and rights of way.
• Build or remove browse cages, or other devices to keep wildlife from damaging native plant revegetation sites.
• Build phytosanitary benches, fences, irrigation, etc. in support of native plant holding facility.
• Participate in Valley Water's sandbag program as needed.
• Perform calculations of required work materials; document daily application of chemical use; photo documentation of work, complete work order dailies, best management practices checklists, surveys, forms, and time data entries. Maintain paper and electronic records of work performed.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:
5+ years of experience in a regulated integrated vegetation management program performing vegetation control of invasive species and revegetation of native species.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Operate a variety of seated light construction equipment such as dump trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, and graders.
• Perform maintenance of hand and power equipment and tools.
• Read and interpret maps, engineer drawings, and specifications.
• Perform traffic control functions.
• Perform a variety of preventive maintenance on Valley Water facilities.
• Use common desktop applications and software.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Maintain records and prepare reports of work performed.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Operations, services, and activities of integrated vegetation management. Practices, procedures, tools, and equipment used in integrated vegetation management on water distribution and flood control facilities.
• Use and application of a variety of herbicides for vegetation control and invasive plant management activities.
• Operation characteristics and maintenance requirements of irrigation systems.
• Principles, practices, and responsibilities involved in leading the work of assigned staff on native plant revegetation, invasive plant management, biotechnical erosion control, and vegetation control methods.
• International Society of Arboriculture ANSI pruning and safety standards and pertinent integrated Pest Management strategies.
  
  Ideal Training and Education:
  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
  
  Required License or Certificate

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
• Must possess a satisfactory driving record and a valid Class A driver's license with tanker endorsement at the time of hire.
• Possession of the following certifications is preferred at the time of hire. However, for this recruitment, candidates will be given 12 months to obtain a Qualified Applicator's Certificate or Qualified Applicator License in Categories C and F, issued by the State of California's Department of Pesticide Regulation

Click Here for more information and to apply for the position

Salary: $4,635.84 - $6,057.60 Monthly
Location: Glendale, CA
Job Type: Salaried - Full-time
Department: Public Works Department
Closing Date: 10/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position
OPEN & PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION - SIX-MONTH PROBATIONARY PERIOD 

This advanced journey-level classification performs more difficult or highly skilled work in the care and maintenance of municipal street trees.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
All classifications may perform the following essential functions:

Works closely with the Arborist Crew Supervisor in leading and directing the work of Tree Trimmers.  May provide training to other Tree Trimmers.  May act as Crew Supervisor when needed.  
 
Prunes, reduces, removes and stumps, working from the ground, aerial devices, or by climbing with the aid of ropes and saddles, safety belts and/or climbers when removing trees.
 
Plants, stakes and fertilizes street and median trees.  Removes poison oak, weeds and vines. Performs basic tree surgery and prunes roots. Performs tree well maintenance.
 
Operates equipment necessary to perform all tree maintenance tasks such as chipper, root cutter, stump grinder, boom, aerial towers, man-lift, small skip loader, truck, power saws and other related tools used for tree work.  Some positions may drive City truck or other assigned vehicle.
 
Takes all necessary safety precautions for preventing injuries to employees, the public, and damage to private and public property.
 
May be required to participate in related divisional cross-training efforts based on operational necessity.  Experience and qualifications gained in this cross training may apply towards promotional opportunities and transfers.
 
Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.
Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Minimum Requirements
Education/Training
Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or CHSPE certificate.  

Experience 
Two years of recent paid experience in trimming trees, including climbing and operation of aerial devices. Prior experience as a lead worker is required.

License(s) / Certification(s)

• Valid Class C California driver's license.
• Valid Class A California driver's license with applicable endorsements by the end of the probationary period. 
  
• Possession of Certified Tree Climber designation from International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and/or other related-professional affiliation certification(s).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Appropriate safety procedures and practices used in tree trimming work.
  
•  Arboricultural terms used in pruning applications.
  
•  Indigenous Tree Ordinance and ability to recognize indigenous trees in the City’s urban forest. 
  
•  Proper traffic control and delineation procedures.
  
•  Tree trimming procedures and the most recent A.N.S.I. (American National Standards Institute) Safety and
• Pruning Standards.
  
  Skill in:
  Making independent judgments and decisions based on standard policy or procedure.
   
  Ability to:
• Climb trees with the aid of ropes and saddles, and safety belts.
• Effectively lead, train, coach and motivate employees.   
• Exercise judgment and discretion in problem situations.   
• Provide clear work instruction.  
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public, representatives of industrial and commercial facilities, and other City employees.
• Develop necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet the standards of performance for the classification by the end of the probationary period.
• Effectively communicate in English.
• Establish smooth working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
• Exercise judgment and discretion in problem situations.  
• Foster a teamwork environment.
• Maintain a valid commercial driver’s license throughout the course of employment. 
• Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Operate equipment commonly used in tree trimming work.
• Read, write and comprehend directions in English.
• Tie knots commonly used in tree trimming work.
• Utilize personal protective equipment.
• Write tree reports related to accidents, tree damage and forestry investigations.

Click Here to apply for the job.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Well, won’t you look at that. You stumbled on your next career! How do you know it’s your next career, you say? Well, do you love trees & beautiful gardens? Do you love nature? Do you love teaching people about trees & consider yourself a tree-thusiast? If you answered yes, then Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. might be the perfect place to make your career. We are looking for personable, talented, outgoing professionals with a passion for trees to join our team!

SOUND LIKE YOU? KEEP READING!
The family of tree preservationists & Arborists at Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. is seeking someone just like you to serve as our next Tree Health Care Specialist/Arborist! You’ll have the opportunity to grow with us (see what I did there?) & visit the homes of our amazing customers where you will develop a relationship with them & work together with them in developing & executing a tree health care plan. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, loves to teach, & has familiarity with customer service.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT THIS POSITION, HERE IS WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• A minimum of 2 years in the green industry. Example of acceptable experience includes (but is not limited to):
  Tree care companies • Nurseries • Landscape companies • Municipalities • State forestry agencies • Utility companies •
• Academic arboriculture/horticulture departments (for instructors) • Horticulture/extension programs (for advisors) • Consultancies • Pest control providers (for advisors and applicators)
• A passion for nature, the environment, & the outdoors
• Ability to pass a criminal background check & drug test
• Interest in working outdoors, unsupervised, year-round in all weather conditions
• Ability to obtain a Qualified Applicator License & ISA Arborist Certification within 3 months of hire.
• We will pay for the cost of the exam & help you prepare!
• Valid driver's license & clean motor vehicle record
• Ability to evaluate, monitor, & treat insect & disease problems.
• Ability to operate, calibrate, & maintain  equipment (i.e. pumps, mixing equipment, etc.).
• Ability to drive automatic transmission pickup trucks similar to F250 
• Commitment to timely & quality customer service. Must be able to work independently as well as assist other operations when needed.
• Good communication skills: report writing, professional presentation is a must
• Ability to walk long distances across various surfaces such as flat, dry, wet, slippery, uneven, rough, steep terrain, hills & slopes 

A EXAMPLE  OF A DAY IN THE LIFE:

• Safety first! You’ll start your day prepping your noble steed (company provided truck) by checking for safety &  ensuring that you have the supplies & materials needed for the day. 
• Now onto facing the battles of traffic! Your safe driving skills & mobile GPS will help get you safely to & from the job. 
• You’ve arrived at your first stop & greeted the customer with a respectful “Hello!”  You’ll follow the customer to their trees & begin putting your mad Arborist skills to the test! You’ll consult on the tree(s) for signs of pest, disease, or fungi. You’ll also observe the surrounding trees for anything the customer may have missed. 
• You'll let the customer know your findings & provide them with a care plan that will include treatment options & costs. Once you’ve received approval you'll mix & apply the materials that may include various forms of pesticides & fertilizers while wearing PPE & following safety procedures, label instructions, & state laws.
• The treatment is now complete & now it's time to thoroughly communicate (with detail) your findings & treatment plan by noting it on your mobile CRM app. This allows your office team to set up your customer & their tree’s health care plan in the CRM. You’ll collect payment & head to your next job.
• After your jobs are complete, you'll head back to headquarters. Upon arrival, you'll ensure that all equipment is properly cleaned & returned & that any necessary repairs or maintenance issues are reported.
• Then you will visit your station inside the office to return any messages from past customers needing your advice & noting your conversation in that customer’s account. Then look at the scheduled jobs you have for the next business day & create an efficient route for the next day . You'll then contact the next day’s customers with a 2-hour time frame of arrival. 
• Now it's time to head back home! Congratulations on another successful day of saving trees!

COMPENSATION
Starting pay is between $20-$30/hour depending on experience and qualifications. Once a client base is established and you begin performing routes on your own, pay will become commission based. ISA Certified Arborists earn 40% commission on consultations and 25% commission on treatments. ISA Certified Arborists have the opportunity to earn 6 figures per year! 

BENEFITS

• Vacation and sick pay
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance (No need to wait! These benefits will kick in the month following your start date)
• Employee discounts
• Paid training

SCHEDULE:
Most jobs are performed Monday - Friday between the hours of 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM. On rare occasions, there may be jobs that are required to be performed at night or on weekends. Team members have the freedom to dictate their schedule and how much they want to work. 

CLICK HERE to apply for more information.