TREE MAINTENANCE LEADWORKER

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:  www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs

TREE MAINTENANCE LEADWORKER
Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Dept
RECRUITMENT #18-A71-001
Salary: $48,620.42 - $59,098.21/year

INTRODUCTION
Are you a natural leader with strong journey-level skills in tree maintenance?  The City of Ventura is accepting applications for a Tree Maintenance Leadworker vacancy in the Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Department. To be considered for this rewarding career opportunity, apply online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs as soon as possible as this recruitment may close at any time. The first review of applications will be completed the week of August 26, 2019.

THE POSITION
Under general supervision, performs and directs the day to day activities of the work crew involved in the planting and maintenance of City owned trees; coaches, trains and leads tree crew staff and promotes work practices that build teamwork and a productive work unit; coordinates projects and communicates effectively with city staff and the public; performs other duties as assigned.
Incumbent may be required to work stand-by on rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed within a designated time frame.  Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Division Head.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Tree Maintenance Leadworker job class functions at the advanced journey level of performance exercising independent judgment in the performance of duties.  The incumbent acts in a lead capacity performing functional supervision over a tree maintenance work unit in scheduling and assigning tasks, monitoring progress and reviewing results.
This position differs from the Maintenance Worker II classification in that in addition to performing tree related duties, the Leadworker assigns and monitors tasks and is responsible for the final work product of its crew.  This position is further distinguished from the Parks Supervisor position by the latter's overall responsibility for the supervision, administration, and operation of the Tree section.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Has excellent leadership skills to guide staff and promote a positive work environment
Has a solid understanding of National Arborists Association and American National Standards Institute tree trimming and pruning standards
Uses positive coaching techniques to build teamwork and foster a productive work unit
Has a "can-do" attitude with excellent customer service skills
Takes pride in beautifying City parks, parkways and other public areas
Has a strong work ethic and can get the job done with little instruction
Is organized, and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Is a motivated self-starter, with the ability to make logical, sound decisions
Has the ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Serves as a "working" leader performing and directing the work of tree crews involved in trimming, planting and general maintenance of City trees; prioritizes activities, schedules and assigns tasks, monitors progress and reviews results.
Trains and instructs tree crews in proper tree care methods and in the use of equipment; ensures use of safe work practices and site safety.
Performs some tasks utilizing an aerial-lift in trimming trees and directs the care and cleaning of equipment used by the work unit; reports tree damage or disease or hazardous trees that may require attention.
Works closely with the Parks Supervisor in monitoring tree maintenance operations and defined section goals; develops and makes recommendations relative to work procedures and demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations and streamline work processes.
Acts in a lead supervisory capacity providing clear and concise direction to crew; coaches, trains, motivates and guides crew to accomplish work in a safe and productive manner; leads by example to promote team building and facilitate a positive and productive work environment.
Assists supervisor in evaluating tree crew; monitors assignments and progress; prepares annual evaluations.
Coordinates activity with other Leadworkers and City staff to facilitate the timely completion of projects; works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service
Acts as liaison between tree crew and the public; interacts in a professional and courteous manner; represents the City and promotes positive customer relations.
Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports manually and using a computer; creates work orders and job maps on computer; inputs completed work orders; utilizes digital cameras and online forms for record keeping and reporting.
Performs other related work as required or assigned.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATES
License:  Possession of a valid California  Class C driver's license.  Within six months of employment, incumbent is required to obtain and, thereafter, maintain the following licenses:
1) Valid California State Class B license with the allowable auto transmission restriction.
2) According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), drug testing is required.
Certificates:  Within one year of appointment to position, obtain and thereafter maintain, an Arborist certification issued from the International Society of Arboriculture.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Combination of education, training and experience equivalent to high school graduation and two years of journey level tree maintenance experience. Lead or supervisory experience, coursework, or training is highly desirable. Computer courses and technical training in arboriculture, grounds maintenance, insect/pest control, botany, etc. is highly desirable.

BENEFITS
To view benefits, please visit our website at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1466/Benefits .

SELECTION PLAN
Submit a City application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. The preferred method of application is online and you are highly encouraged to apply at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. If you are unable to apply electronically, you may request paper application materials by calling (805) 654-7853 during regular business hours. Paper applications can be FAXed to (805) 648-4467, or mailed, or hand delivered to City Hall at: 501 Poli Street, Room 210; Ventura, CA 93002. If you FAX, it is highly recommended that you also send the original documents. The Eligibility List established may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.
Once your application has been submitted, all future correspondence from the City will be via e-mail. Please keep your contact information up-to-date.  You may also view notices send to you by the City in the "My Applications" tab at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs.
Department Selection Interview
A select number of candidates will be invited to a department selection interview, date to be determined.