The Tree Trimmer will trim, cultivate, repair, remove and transplant trees and shrubs and apply pesticide. This requires extensive climbing, use of ropes, ladders and a variety of tools used in forestry work. Tree trimmers provide tree removal, trimming, operate mowing equipment, and plant trees.

• Required Tasks
  • Supervise others engaged in tree trimming work and pesticide application and train lower-level employees.
  • Operate boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment and tools.
  • Climb trees, using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to gain access to work areas.
  • Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment.
  • Cut away dead and excess branches from trees, or clear branches using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck booms, or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers.
  • Trim, top, and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches. Prune, cut down, fertilize, and spray trees as directed by tree surgeons.
  • Hoist tools and equipment to tree trimmers, and lower branches with ropes or block and tackle.
  • Operate shredding and chipping equipment, and feed limbs and brush into the machines.
  • Load debris and refuse onto trucks and haul it away for disposal.
  • Other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Educational/Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent GED AND
• A valid and safe (no more than 7 points) State of Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a "B" or "A" & N designation with air brakes certification; (Must obtain "A" and "N" credential within 6 months of employment. An extension may be given at discretion of Management.)
• DOT medical credentials as required by the State of Michigan for CDL holders (and maintain); AND One of the following criteria from A. or B.:
  • A. At least 1 year of experience trimming trees, bushes and other types of brush (preferable this experience will include climbing trees using ropes and harnesses); (Part-time experience or seasonal experience will be acceptable and must be performing the above duties for at least 4160 hours).
  • B. Completion of the 6-week DTE Tree Trimmer Academy (or equivalent training program) that provides tree climbing instruction.
  • SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Applicants must be able to do extensive climbing to various heights and work in adverse weather conditions. Appointees within the first four (4) months of their probationary period, must provide documentation that they have certification with the State of Michigan as a Pesticide Applicator with Category 6 (right-of-way). If the Pesticide Applicator certification is not received and maintained, or the aerial lift certification is not received, the employee will be removed from the Tree Trimmer position pursuant to the Department of Personnel/Human resources and Department of Public Services Procedure.

Applicants will be required to pass the following assessments:

A Written Assessment will be administered covering knowledge of tree trimming, tree climbing tools, trimming tools, safety practices and botany of common trees. A Tree Climbing Abilities Assessment will also be administered. Candidates will be required to safely climb a tree using ropes and harnesses to demonstrate maneuvering in a tree.