Forester

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Employment Type
Full Time

Job Summary

Are you ready to make a difference in your community while enjoying the great outdoors? Do you have experience with tree trimming and irrigation systems? The City of Olathe is looking for an experienced Forester to join our team and be a key player in maintaining the beauty and wellbeing of trees in our public spaces! As part of our dynamic Forestry crew, you'll contribute to the upkeep of our urban forest, ensuring our trees meet the highest standards. This opportunity is perfect for those who love hands-on work and take pride in enhancing the natural beauty of their community.

The City of Olathe offers competitive compensation and benefits, including tuition reimbursement, eight weeks of paid parental leave, and an onsite health clinic providing free onsite physical and behavioral healthcare for employees enrolled in the City’s medical coverage. You can check out the full benefits package online .

PAID CDL TRAINING PROVIDED

STARTING HOURLY PAY: $25.50 - $31.81 depending on qualifications

For more details, review the full job details and requirements below.

The Forester is responsible for the care and upkeep of trees in urban areas and parks. Much of their time is dedicated to planting trees, monitoring their health, operating and maintaining equipment, managing irrigation systems, and controlling pests and herbicides.

Key Responsibilities

• Selects and prepares trees for planting; makes ground preparations; plants and maintains trees; waters, prunes, cuts heavy limbs, and removes dead or fallen trees; cares for street and park trees; ensures safety at work sites.
  
• Operates and maintains pruning equipment like chainsaws, pole saws, and brush chippers; operates vehicles and drives to and from work sites.
  
• Applies herbicides and pesticides; addresses overgrown roots and utility line issues.
  
• Keeps records of planting and maintenance; completes daily logs.
  
• Assists with emergency situations involving trees and snow removal as needed.
  

Qualifications

Experience: Three or more years of increasingly responsible experience working in landscape maintenance including experience as a tree trimmer is required.Applicant must have working knowledge of irrigation system repairs and maintenance.

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional specialized education and/or training in landscape maintenance or a related field is preferred.

Licenses & Certifications: A valid driver’s license and favorable driving record is required. A Class A commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement is required within twelve months of employment.

Environmental or Physical Demands: The Forester works outside in a variety of weather and environmental conditions such as wind, sun, rain, pollen, dust, allergens, and other elements. This position requires the ability to frequently traverse uneven outdoor areas, perform physical activities that require considerable use of one's arms and legs moving one's whole body to climb, lift, balance, walk, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl while handling materials. May use rope and saddle or lift to climb trees in excess of 60feet tall and will be working at heights. Will operate a variety of hand and power tools sometimes while working at heights. Must regularly lift and/or move up to80pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently. May drive or ride from site-to-site multiple times throughout the day. Must be able to work in distracting situations including high volume traffic areas and city medians.

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• City of Olathe

• 913971-8919

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