The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system’s 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.

The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire a Climber & Pruner with the West of Hudson Tree Task Force within the Drinking Water Operations Directorate, for a position located in Arkville, New York.

Under supervision, of the Supervisor (Watershed Maintenance) II, the Climber & Pruners will use computerized, electronic, and mechanical equipment, to perform duties related to the operation, maintenance, repair and inspection of dams, aqueducts, facilities, vehicles, equipment, roads, bridges, land and related systems of the City of New York in accordance with Department Rules and Regulations. Specifically, this position will be focused on all types of work required for the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees and large shrubs, by climbing, pruning, cutting, and felling, along DEP’s roads, property borders, aqueducts, boat launches, dams, and operating facilities.

Specific duties include:

• Operating manual and power-driven equipment, operating cars and trucks; and operating other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.
• Operating chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, shredding and chipping equipment.
• Climbing, pruning, bracing, cutting and felling trees and large shrubs.
• Cleaning, sharpening, lubricating tools and equipment, and inspecting trees for existence of disease or pests.
• Cutting away dead and excess branches from trees, clearing branches and brush.
• Performing tasks related to general forestry work.
• Maintaining and keeping clean marginal areas around reservoirs, facilities and locations throughout the Watershed.

License Requirements:

• All candidates must have a Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.
• Within one year of appointment, employee must possess a Class B Commercial Driver License, with Air Brake Endorsement, valid in the State of New York. The Class B Commercial Driver License must be maintained for the duration of this employment.
• Within one year of appointment, employee must possess a NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Certification. The certification must be maintained for the duration of this employment.

(This is a brief description of what a Watershed Maintainer might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position)

Physical Effort/Work Environment:
Some of the physical activities performed by Climber and Pruners and environmental conditions experienced are: climbing in and out of an aerial lift device (bucket truck); climbing up in a tree using rope and harness or bucket; operating a chainsaw; operating heavy motorized equipment such as bucket truck, chipper, loader, and stump grinder; lifting and moving heavy objects; standing for extended periods of time; and working outdoors in a restricted space in an urban environment in all kinds of weather, including severe weather conditions.

Special Working Conditions: Climber and Pruners may be required to work various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications
Six months of satisfactory, full-time experience as a climber and pruner or arborist performing all types of tree work required for the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees and large shrubs including climbing, pruning, bracing, cutting and felling trees and large shrubs and operating manual, power driven and motorized equipment required for the performance of these duties.
Experience as a ground person is not acceptable towards meeting this requirement.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to navigate CityTime; a timekeeping application
• Good working knowledge of safe climbing techniques and use of hand and power tools
• Ability to correctly use various powered equipment
• Ability to work orderly and safe.
• Ability to work efficiently.
• Ability to complete assignments with a minimum of direct supervision.
• Ability to cooperate and follow orders.
• Communication Skills
• Time Management Skills

Hours and Shift:
40 Hours per week. Shift work including nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Work Location:
669 County Road 38
Arkville, NY 12406

Arkville is a hamlet in the Town of Middletown, Delaware County, New York approximately 145 miles northwest of New York City.