LTE Urban Forestry Technician

The primary responsibility of this role will be to assist the Urban Forestry Department with daily tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of all publicly managed trees withing the City of Sun Prairie.  These tasks may include tree removals, pruning, watering, mulching, planting, tree staking, plant health care (PHC) practices (e.g. EAB treatments), stump grinding, and ecological restoration activities.  Additional responsibilities may include assisting with various park maintenance activities such as snow removal and special event support.  This is a great opportunity for somebody currently pursuing a degree or career in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, and/or Natural Resources!

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 6:30am-3:00 PM 
Wage: $17-20/hr 

• Safely operate handsaws, pole saws, chainsaws, brush cutters, chippers, mini-loaders and all other tools and machines common to Urban Forestry practices.
• Assist with tree removal procedures, i.e. drag and chip brush, haul wood, perform ground rigging duties, work site management and clean up.
• Perform pruning of public trees according to industry BMP’s and ANSI A300 standards via aerial lift truck and/or rope and climbing harness.
• Assist with stump grinding and soil remediation procedures.
• Assist with the Spring and Fall planting sessions, i.e. site analysis, planting, tree staking, GIS tree inventory data collection/updating, watering, and mulching.
• Update work orders and tree inventory via GIS software.
• Remove/manage invasive species within City parks and natural areas.
• Perform PHC practices such as trunk injections and root excavations.
• Assist with snow removal activities, as needed.
• Assist with parks and facility maintenance activities, as needed.
• Assist with special event support, as needed.

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid non-probationary Wisconsin driver's license. 
• Experience in identification of tree species (scientific and common name) as well as select varieties/cultivars.
• Ability to be on feet/walking for majority of the work day, lift and carry 50 lbs., and perform work in all types of inclement weather.
• Ability to use several types of forestry tools and equipment including DBH tapes, calipers, clinometers, and GPS software and devices.
• Ability to work independently and without direct supervision.
• Must be able to work outdoors in year-round weather conditions.
• Must be able to sustain prolonged and repetitive squatting, bending and stooping while performing tasks, such as brush collection.
• Ability to communicate with residents in a professional manner.

• Working towards a degree in Urban Forestry or Natural Resources preferred OR a combination of education and work experiences that provide adequate knowledge to complete the required work.
• Opportunity for internship credit(s), depending on program requirements.
• Opportunity to cross train in ecological restoration projects, invasive species management, parks maintenance and operations, event support, and recreational programming, if interested.
• Additional work hours may be available on select nights and weekends.
• Occasional exposure to construction site conditions including noise levels and other hazards (PPE provided).

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

***For more information please contact Brandon Hellenbrand, City Forester, at [email protected]***