Senior Tree Artisan (General Services Department)

GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Under general supervision, performs the more responsible work involved in the removing, pruning, and general care of shade and ornamental trees and a variety of  different types shrubs in streets, municipal parks, parkways and other municipal properties including, as necessary, the supervision of one or more crew members.

1. Serves as a lead worker of a crew of one or more crew members.
2. Performs individually the more difficult and responsible work involved. 
3. Plants and transplants young trees and moves large trees.
4. Prunes trees by cutting off dead branches and limbs to give proper shape and growth.
5. Removes broken branches and prunes branches so that they clear public utility wires.
6. Removes fallen trees and branches in response to storm call emergencies.
7. Fertilizes, waters, cultivates, and generally cares for trees and shrubs.
8. Examines trees for defects such as splits, wounds, rotting, and attacks of fungi, borers, and various insect pests.
9. Identifies problems and recommends solutions.
10. Perform duties in accordance with Departmental safety procedures including, but not limited to, the utilization of designated personal protective equipment.
11. Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications (required):

• High School graduation or GED. 
• Two (2) years of experience in caring for and cultivating trees and shrubs including pruning and planting. 

Qualifications (preferred):

• Completion of coursework in horticulture.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Persons certified or promoted to this classification shall be required to obtain and maintain a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a Group B endorsement with air brakes within six (6) months of entry into this class. Such persons shall meet the State of Michigan Driving Eligibility Requirements for application for a CDL at the time of certification or hire to this class, including possessing a valid driver’s license. 

Successful applicants must meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Motor Carrier Division and must possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner’s Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with State of Michigan - Motor Carrier Safety Act - 1988.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit:   15 point

LRD: 01/30/2023

• Knowledge of methods of removing, pruning, and transplanting trees and shrubs. 
• Knowledge of detecting and treating defects of trees and shrubs.
• Knowledge of insects and parasites that infect trees and methods of treating them. 
• Skill in the proper handling of swing lines, pruning tools, saws, and other work related equipment.
• Skill in mechanical dexterity. 
• Skill in physical strength, agility, and endurance.
• Skill in tactful interaction with superiors, co-workers, and others. 
• Ability to supervise, instruct, and direct the work of others. 
• Ability to examine trees for problems and recommend solutions.
• Ability to display initiative and resourcefulness in performance of duties.

Physical Demands

• Work involves frequent walking, standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, exposure to heights, and lifting branches, tools, and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.  

Work Environment

• Work is performed outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions. 

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class.  Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.  Specific job duties may vary from position to position.  The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.