JOB OVERVIEW

 The Tree Care Technician will work with the Prospect Park Alliance Arborist to assist with the overall care of trees and general landscape maintenance in Prospect Park with a particular focus on caring  for all newly planted trees as part of the commemorative donor tree planting program. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY JOB OUTCOMES

•  Maintain trees in the landscape by monitoring, watering, pruning, weeding, fencing, and removing trees if necessary
• Plant balled and burlapped trees in turf areas as part of the commemorative donor tree program.
• Plant container and bareroot trees in natural areas as part of Prospect Park Alliance’s ongoing restoration work
• Work with Alliance staff to undertake basic tree work (e.g., pruning, removal, and clearing of storm damage) safely and effectively with the support of Prospect Park Alliance crews as needed
• Perform measures to support key specimen trees, including decompaction, fencing, mulching, applying fertilization or other soil amendments
• Lead groups of volunteers engaged in woodland restoration work and commemorative tree care
• Remove snow and perform other emergency response activities throughout the park as assigned.
• Remove hazards in the park and/or mitigate hazardous situations
• Assist crews from LMO and M&O when necessary for emergencies, special events, or special projects 

Operation and Maintenance of Vehicles, Equipment, Tools & Shared Work Areas.

• Operate vehicles (e.g., truck, utility vehicle, tractor), power equipment (e.g., chainsaw, string trimmer, mower, brush hog, woodchipper, and hedge trimmer), and various hand tools in a safe manner
• Maintain standards of cleanliness and organization in shared work areas including vehicles and tool storage sheds

Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

•  A valid NYS Driver’s License
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management or related field, or applied certification in Horticulture preferred.
• A valid NYS CDL Driver’s License preferred.
• Experience with mapping software or GIS preferred. 

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)

•  Passion for the Alliance Mission & Core Values: A passion for public parks and environmental conservation combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, appreciating individual differences and embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust and respect of others through a consistent commitment to integrity, honesty and professionalism in all interactions
• Landscape Management Knowledge: Proficient in plant identification for the northeast US region and in use of landscape tools. Experience with ecological restoration and/or sustainable ecological horticulture and proper planting and pruning techniques. Interest in tree climbing or aerial lift operations. 
• Machinery Operation: Competence in mechanized equipment and safe vehicle operation is essential. The ability to safely operate and maintain various groundskeeping vehicles and equipment including but not limited to infield groomers, utility vehicles, weed whackers, chainsaws, and riding and push lawn mowers is required. Ability to successfully procure, store and plant B&B-sized trees using tractor, skid steer, or mini-dump truck.
• Health and Safety: Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and regulation and organizational policies. Manages risk including the identification of hazards, assessment of risks and implementation of control measures. Manages own safety and that of others
• Customer Service: Exhibits a strong commitment to delivering excellent, responsive and friendly customer service to patrons and park visitors.
• Results and Impact Focus: Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and highly motivated to consistently produce high quality work and achieve desired outcomes and results
• Decision Making & Problem Solving: Alerts others to possible problems in a timely fashion. Seeks support to solve problems. Offers possible solutions. Acts on solutions selected and decisions made as directed.
• Self-Management: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Committed to working in collaboration with others, promoting cooperation and commitment to others, and being a positive team contributor.
• Communication: Superior verbal communication skills with the ability to positively engage with and impart key information to members of the public, volunteers, and staff.
• Technology: Proficient with automated technologies to support areas of responsibility including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with mapping software or GIS preferred. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is normally performed in the field which subjects the employee to various external elements including potentially adverse weather conditions and some exposure to moderate risk of accident/injury requiring following basic safety precautions, Additionally, involves frequent exposure to challenging elements such as extreme dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, chemicals, etc and exposure to potentially hazardous substances, or other significant job environmental risks.
• Requires operating a motor vehicle; operating equipment where carelessness could result in injury; standing for extended periods of time; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pushing, pulling and/or crawling; use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills; use of a desktop, laptop or video display terminal and identifying and distinguishing colors and shades of color.
• Requires manual labor requiring moderate physical exertion (consistent need to lift, push, pull, carry, etc up to 50 lbs) May require special safety precautions, such as working around moving parts, machines or with irritant chemicals, and may require use of protective clothing or gear.
• Requires communicating information with co-workers, stakeholders and/or the public; reading basic documents and/or following verbal instructions and filling in forms.

Diversity Makes Us Stronger Together: Prospect Park Alliance serves park users of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and strives to reflect this diversity throughout our operations and in our leadership, staff, stakeholders and supporters We know that by creating an equitable and inclusive workplace built on mutual respect and the appreciation of difference, our employees will feel safe to express themselves, voice their opinions and work together to find common ground and solutions Integral to this vision is our longstanding commitment to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment