TREE TRIMMING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III

JOB This is an intermediate level tree worker position responsible for clearing right-of-ways. This position works under limited supervision of the Tree Trim Crew Leader. The primary responsibilities for this position include driving and operating a bucket truck and a loader truck to cut or trim tree limbs over, beside, and under energized powerlines; ensuring all safety rules and regulations are being followed; the ability to safely climb trees to cut limbs over, beside and under electric powerlines; cutting underbrush and cutting or trimming trees; dragging limbs and clearing work area of debris; driving and operating a loader truck. This job is considered safety-sensitive is subject to a pre-employment background check and random drug screenings. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the ADA must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Tree Trim Equipment Operator Ill. Performs all tree worker duties.

• Clears distribution and transmission line right-of-ways of trees and brush while lines are either energized or de-energized.
• Operates a chain saw, ax, bush hook, pruners, pole saw, leaf rake, pitchfork, hand saw and other tools to cut trees, limbs and underbrush around electric power lines.
• Sharpens chain saws with a hand file and performs field repairs.
• Drives and operates bucket trucks and loader trucks.
• Utilizes proper techniques for trimming or cutting down trees.
• Climbs and works in a tree to cut or trim limbs near electric power lines; includes climbing and working in precarious positions at considerable heights above ground.
• Communicates freely with immediate supervisor to ensure full understanding of the scope and hazards associated with the given task.
• Participates in tailgate sessions.
• Reports all accidents to Tree Trim Crew Leader.
• Informs Tree Trim Crew Leader of any repairs necessary to vehicles or work equipment.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide seamless customer service.
• Exercises initiative, judgement and knowledge of Fairhope Public Utilities practices and procedures within the organization.

Other Functions:

• Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Attends and participates in safety meetings.
• Attends training and safety courses.
• Responds to afterhours calls if needed.
• Assists other departments as requested or needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(* Can be acquired on the job)

• Knowledge of City rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of City geography, electric system layout and roads.

• Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing.
• Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, the general public and over the telephone.
• Writing skills to prepare professional letters, reports and other materials using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Listening skills to understand customer complaints and questions.
• Reading skills to understand and interpret City policies and guidelines.
• Ability to operate equipment used in electric line installation, maintenance, or repair.
• Ability to safely remove trees and brush associated with line work.
• Ability to safely install and remove City holiday lights.
• Ability to monitor material and supply needs for tree crews.
• Knowledge of traffic laws and flagging.
• Ability to maintain professional attitude.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and calls.
• Ability to work in hazardous or dangerous conditions.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems associated with electric service.
• Ability to locate electrical service lines at residences and businesses.
• Ability to deal with all contacts in a courteous and patient manner.
• Ability to prioritize work projects and multi-task.
• Ability to organize files and work projects.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to drive and operate bucket truck and loader truck.
• Skill in using chainsaw, pruner, hand saw, ax, bush hook or other line clearing tools.
• Skill in using climbing spurs, ropes, knots, tools and equipment used to trim trees.

Physical Demands
The work is very heavy work which requires the employee to lift a maximum of 100 pounds. Work requires frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects up to 50 pounds. Involves constant climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, feeling, talking, hearing and seeing.

Work Environment
The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., working at great heights under extreme weather conditions, or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled and will be subject to cuts, scraps, bruises and puncture wounds while working on sharp, rough and heavy objects. In many situations, the individual will be exposed to the definite risk of bodily injury. Employee may be required to use PPE such as FR, boots, goggles, gloves, hard hats. Employee may need to respond to frequent after-hours trouble calls to restore power outages and issues caused by trees. Possibility of working continuous and lengthy hours with minimal rest.