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About this Opportunity!

Maintenance Technician for Large Tree Care

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. on October 22, 2025

Hiring Range is $41,159 to $46,372 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under the close supervision of the District Forester, Assistant Forester, and/or oversight of the Lead Maintenance Specialist, this position is responsible for accomplishing the various skilled labor tasks including tree pruning, tree removal, and stump grinding that are associated with the accepted maintenance practices. as well as participating in special events. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.

Essential Duties:

Performs the proper maintenance for trees. Care includes but is not limited to: pruning to provide clearance, maintain health, develop structure, reduce hazards and restore structure to damaged, vandalized or improperly cared for trees; apply supplemental support systems using cables and braces; and remove invasive and nuisance species. May assist with supervising assigned part-time/seasonal employees including orientation, training in equipment use, reviewing work, and overseeing quality. In addition, this position may occasionally be responsible for supervising volunteers and community service workers. Assist in ensuring the safety of District property users and property by keeping District vegetation liability risks at a minimum through properly maintaining woody vegetation managed by the Large Tree Care section. Maintains electronic and hardcopy files and documents pertaining to accurate planting, maintenance and removal records as well as providing regular status and needs reports to the Supervisor or Specialist as assigned. Exercises good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times. Assists in carrying out Storm Damage Responses for the Department and Division. Assists in training of personnel in techniques for safe and efficient operation of equipment, tools, machinery, work methods and chemical applications. Keeps accurate timecard records and daily activity reports for self and assists others with completing theirs. Responsible for providing accurate information for reconciliation of purchasing card. Assists with District related special events such as the War Memorial Rose Garden Pruning Workshop, Arbor Day, Adopt-A-Park projects or holiday programs. Develops and maintains professional relationships with District employees, vendors, various outside users’ groups and associations. May be required to fill in for absent employees, covering some or all duties to ensure operations continue smoothly. Responds tactfully, respectfully and in a timely manner to inquiries and problems in person, through email, phone, and mail by providing helpful information and explanations in-line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions. May be responsible for scheduled on-call emergency response. Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations. Attends work on a regular, reliable, and punctual basis. May be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and be on snow watch as well as work shifts deviating from this position’s normal workdays and/or with other work groups. Conducts tree assessments, tree inventories, identify tree planting locations, and other inventories/mapping as needed. May occasionally assist the other Parks and Open Space Divisions with maintenance. This may include but is not limited to irrigation installation and repairs, trash collection, mowing, trimming, invasive and nuisance weed control and tree well mulching. With direction from the District Forester or Assistant Forester, sets up trail detours, traffic control devices and appropriate signage to create a safe work zone. Complies with District and Departmental vision, mission, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Maintains, operates, and cares for assigned hand tools and equipment. Performs preventive maintenance or minor repairs or notifies appropriate personnel of need for maintenance. Complies with District and Departmental vision, mission, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Performs snow and ice removal using plow trucks, blowers, spreaders, shovels, ice scrapers, de-icing salts or sand, etc.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

Must be eighteen (18) years of age with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Six (6) months of skilled labor experience related to urban forestry, arboriculture, forestry, or utility tree trimming or related field. Experience in park, open space or landscape maintenance will be considered. Any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist is preferred. Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Willingness and ability to learn arboricultural principles, standards, and best management practices; operations and activities of a municipal urban forestry program; tree identification, tree biometrics, and CODIT. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Ability to read directions and work documents. General knowledge and skill in the use and general maintenance of hand, power and motorized tools associated with forestry maintenance. Skill in the safe and proper operation of vehicles, snowplows and snow blowers. Ability to exercise good judgement and practice proper safety precautions at all times. Ability and willingness to comply with District and Departmental vision, mission, rules, regulations, safety protocols, policies, and procedures. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, weather events, and special work requests. Ability to interact tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately with the public, District administration, co-workers, and other agencies or contractors. Must be highly motivated and take direction well. Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide outstanding customer service, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and interact with others in a professional manner. Communication skills to express facts, data, and ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to learn and practice workplace and arboriculture safety practices. Ability to read and understand general and scientific tree reference materials. Ability to successfully and productively work without supervision within established policies and procedures and regularly exercise independent judgement for daily operations. Ability to read, listen and follow directions/instructions from supervisory staff. Ability to learn skills and knowledge in proper pruning and planting techniques.

Material and Equipment Used :

Regularly uses assorted power and hand tools, aerial lifts mounted on trucks or other devices, ropes, climbing harness, rigging apparatus, chain saws, brush chipper, stump grinder, front end loader, skid steers or utility vehicles or tractors with assorted implements, back hoe, water tank trucks with associated pumps and backflow preventers, line trimmers, sod cutters and rototillers, assorted truck and trailer combinations, ATV w/snow plow or herbicide sprayer, out front mower with snow plow, snow blower, snow plow truck, and drop spreaders, hand-held data collectors, GIS/GPS tools and software, and unmanned aerial vehicle (Drone) or other aerial inspection technologies. Uses standard office equipment including a personal computer, phone, printer, and copier. This position may be required to drive a personal and/or District motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities.

Working Environment :

Regularly requires strenuous work outdoors such as climbing trees with rope and saddle and working off the ground in trees or using aerial lift devises with exposure to a variety of weather conditions, ecosystems, and landscapes. This position has regular exposure to adverse conditions such as tight working quarters, dust, molds, grasses, fumes, odors, noise, wildlife and insects such as bees and wasps, pesticides and cleaning chemicals, solvents, oils, greases, paint, wax stripper, extreme temperatures, ultra-violet radiation, precipitation, and may include unlit or low light situations. This position also performs work in an office environment subject to interruptions and background noises.

Physical Requirements :

Extended periods spent performing strenuous manual labor including, working off the ground in trees or using aerial lift devices, and standing, walking, sitting. Occasional physical work lifting up to 75 pounds. Required to use hands and fingers to manually manipulate, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. May be required to climb with both legs and arms and frequently squat, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach. May occasionally climb stairs and ladders and work in uncomfortable positions for short periods of time. Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate tools, machinery, personal computer and equipment. Foot/eye coordination required for operating motorized equipment. May be required to lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag heavy amounts of weight up to 100 pounds with assistance, up or down changes in grade, into or out of vehicles or equipment, or over rough terrain or obstacles, such as downed woody debris, or up steep creek banks. Daily duties require the ability to twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movements. Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Vision acuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision. Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective communication, and to receive and interpret warning signals. Must understand and be understood.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

South Suburban Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We’ve Got You Covered!

South Suburban Offers:

Competitive medical, dental and vision plans Disability and life insurance Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s)

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more! Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $360 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

10 paid holidays per year 4 personal days per year Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We’ve Got Your Back

Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year

Play Where You Work

Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.