Arboriculture Specialty

• Inspects trees for signs of proper maintenance and care; diagnoses tree diseases, pests and environmental stresses; determines sites and species for tree planting requests; performs hazardous tree evaluations for tree removal requests; performs block inspections for inventory purposes; enters inventory data into database.
• Receives and reviews requests for tree services; enters relevant data in tree manager database; inspects trees for planting, removal, pruning and spraying; recommends permit issuance to arborist.
• Reviews construction plans and recommends preservation of existing trees; reviews plot plans to insure builders have scheduled tree planting in accordance with City ordinances and regulations, and Park standards; compiles information for invoices, punch lists, daily work schedules and prepares documentation for work conformance to specifications; coordinates invoice payments.
• Responds to emergency calls of fallen trees on roadways, homes or cars; uses power saws to remove limbs from trees; recommends to arborist whether a maintenance crew should be dispatched to the scene.

Landscaping Specialty

• Assists contract administrator in the inspection and monitoring of landscape construction projects; insures landscape contractors comply with contract terms, plans and specifications and meet Park standards for quality of work.
• Reviews landscape plans and recommends plantings to be preserved; inspects contractor work in progress to insure services are performed in accordance with City ordinances and regulations and Park standards; reinspects plantings to ascertain success of transplants.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles and practices of landscape design and construction for the landscaping specialty.
• the methods, practices, tools and materials used in the care and maintenance of trees for the arboriculture specialty or of landscaping for the landscaping specialty.
• the classification and structure of trees and their root systems for the arboriculture specialty.
• the principles and practices of park construction inspection to insure conformance to plans, specifications and contract requirements in the area of specialization.
• horticulture, plant ecology and plant pathology for the landscaping specialty.
• contractual practices relative to the preparation of landscape specifications in the area of specialty.
• the basic mathematical computations and tabulations necessary to calculate landscape or forest dimensions.
• City ordinances and regulations and Park standards concerning the planting and removal of street trees for the arboriculture specialty.
• hazardous tree evaluation methods and techniques for the arboriculture specialty.
• occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in maintenance work in the area of specialty.

ABILITY TO:

• read and interpret plans, diagrams, blueprints, maps, and specifications.
• determine faulty construction and safety hazards and potential vandalism problems, and to recommend corrective action in the area of specialty.
• follow instructions and safety precautions when using pesticides and sprays.
• operate a motorized trim lift for the arboriculture specialty.
• learn to perform basic drafting skills.
• determine the conformity of material quantity and quality at installation, and workmanship conforming with contract requirements, plans and specifications.
• explain contract deviations and to enforce compliance with contract specifications and other requirements firmly and tactfully.
• learn standards governing the construction of landscape projects for the landscaping specialty and of tree work for the arboriculture specialty.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors and others.

EDUCATION:
• Successful completion of two years of college with major course work in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape design, or closely related field.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
• Arboriculture
  Two years of experience in arboriculture.

• Landscaping
  Two years of experience in landscape maintenance.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department that has included the specific experience.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Park Projects Technician if required by work assignment.
• Possession of a Certified Arborist designation by the International Society of Arboriculture or equivalent certification as deemed acceptable by Fairmount Park prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Park Projects Technician (Arboriculture) if required by work assignment.
• Possession of a certificate as a Certified Pesticide Applicator Category 6 - Trees and Shrubs as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Park Projects Technician (Arboriculture) if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE: 15
Class Established: 4/1966
Class abolished: 5/1985
Class re-established: 6/1990

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 5/1997 ; Ad. Board - 6/1997

SK/deb/mt