Park & Tree Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY :

Under the general supervision of the Highway and Grounds Superintendent, performs laboring work in the maintenance of all town parks, school grounds, athletic fields, recreation areas and cemeteries.

Operates necessary equipment and performs general maintenance on mowing equipment and other small and large pieces of equipment.

Under the general supervision of the Highway and Grounds Superintendent, operates snow plow and other heavy and light equipment.

Responds to snow and other types of emergencies for plowing and cleaning the streets and maintenance of Town Property for the public’s safety.

Responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under the direction and control of the position.

Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

Incumbent must have knowledge of and follow safe work and construction practices including the use of Personal Protective Equipment and public safety measures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

• Operates tractor / lawn mowers, aerial bucket, dump truck, wood and brush chipping equipment, stump grinder, front-end loader, backhoe, chainsaws, and other motorized equipment.
• Maintains all ball fields and keeps them in playable condition at all times. Performs line painting of ball fields.
• Maintains parks, recreation areas, school grounds and cemeteries, including mowing, laying sod, and landscaping. Rakes and removes leaves and debris.

Cuts and prunes shrubbery and trees.

• Fertilizes, aerates, limes and seeds ball fields and parks. Maintains traffic islands, weeding and planting.
• Plants trees, shrubs and bulbs on town and school property.
• Performs repairs to fences, playground equipment, etc., and minor repair to buildings.
• Performs general maintenance of the tractor / lawn mower and other equipment to keep in working condition.
• Assists with tree and stump removal.Is available for tree emergencies during storms and high wind conditions.
• Responds to snow emergencies.Plows snow, salts and sands public ways.
• Performs special projects and related responsibilities as initiated and requested.
• Performs other related duties as required, directed or as the situation dictates.
• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

None

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

High school diploma or equivalent with one to two years’ experience working for a municipality or a related landscape type business.

Experience with plowing snow and knowledge of tree removal techniques.

• Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement.
• Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer’s License 2B.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :

• Working knowledge of landscaping and tree removal in a municipal setting.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment such as tractor, lawn mower, backhoe, chainsaw, power tools, etc. Ability to exercise caution when operating such equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with the public, co-workers, other employees, departments, officials and other agencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the physical demands (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

Sometimes works in awkward positions on the ground and in a bucket truck. Work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions and during storms.

Frequently subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and / or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished.

Operates aerial bucket, dump truck, wood and brush chipping equipment, stump grinder, front-end loader, backhoe and chainsaws, in addition to standard office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.

Balancing, crouching, grasping, pulling, reaching and stooping may also be required.