The City of Lenexa is currently looking for a Forestry Technician to join our Park Maintenance team within our Parks and Recreation division. The ideal candidate will:

• Provide exceptional customer service and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be passionate about the forestry and landscape profession
• Have a great attitude and take pride in their work
• Take ownership of the maintenance/management of the City’s urban forest

Working for the City of Lenexa is more than a job. You will be trained, supported, and valued. You’ll make a difference in the community, work alongside talented people, have leadership support, and work in a stable and positive work environment. We value work-life balance and will provide you with the resources to succeed in your position.

At the City of Lenexa, our employees are dedicated to the City’s core values – integrity, service, teamwork, dedication, vision and caring. We all chip in and roll up our sleeves to deliver exceptional customer service. You’ll have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that impact and support the community we serve.

Position Summary

This position works in the Landscape Division, under the direction of the Park Landscape Supervisor and performs manual work functions associated with the City’s urban forest. These functions include management of the comprehensive street tree inventory, identifying damaged and diseased trees, public education, organizing volunteer efforts, management of invasive pests and plants, tree nursery operations, and applications of pesticides. This position will also assist with the general maintenance of City landscaping.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees the implementation of the urban forestry management plan and Right of Way Tree Trimming Program so that environmental, aesthetic, and safety benefits are maximized.
• Manages urban forest cost and benefits analysis and coordinates public relations and public education efforts. Responsible for the City’s EAB Management Plan.
• Assists in keeping detailed department records pertaining to grounds maintenance activities including trees and related resources.
• Assists with and prioritizes public service requests.
• Prepares job sites for chemical application including, but not limited to, identifying vegetation, determining the correct mix of chemicals to apply, determining the type of application equipment to utilize, checking weather conditions, and possibly notifying area owners.
• Provides in-service training for employees/workers in department procedures, including worker safety protection standards, chemical applications, and EPA-approved methods of chemical applications.
• Assists with all landscape maintenance on park and public grounds, medians and right-of-ways.
• Assists in maintaining detailed department records pertaining to forestry operations including equipment, material, and chemical application data.
• Operates City equipment such as back hoes, skid steer loaders, stump grinders, chainsaws, dump trucks, chippers, lift trucks, track lifts, standard vehicles for transportation and snow removal equipment, and instructs employees on the safe operation of such equipment.
• Provides input to supervisor regarding evaluation of regular and/or seasonal employees.
• On-call availability as needed, must be available in the event of emergency cleanup efforts.
• Assumes day-to-day responsibilities of the Crew Leader and/or Supervisor during his/her short-term absence.

Additional Examples of Work Performed

• Makes presentations to civic and social groups on the care and maintenance of trees. Responds to questions from contract arborists and the public concerning tree planting and maintenance.
• Organizes and implements programs designed to promote planting, care and rehabilitation of trees in the City.
• Designs and constructs plans for City parks and rights-of-way areas. Assists with special projects including right-of-way tree trimming, right-of-way tree planting and tree recycling program.
• Purchases supplies and materials, including interacting with vendors and conforming to budgetary policies and procedures.
• Assists with management of the City nursery and greenhouse to provide a yearly supply of replacement trees and plants for park and public grounds.
• Inspects projects for which work is performed under a contract for the City as directed by the supervisor.
• Plants, prunes, and removes trees and vegetation using various equipment and tools.
• Advises supervisor about the replacement or purchase of new assets needed by the division.
• Keeps up with state and federal laws/regulations regarding herbicides and pesticides.
• Assists with the City’s snow removal operation.
• Assists with planning, set up and clean-up of special events.
• Assists the recreation division with programs as needed.
• Assists other City departments as needed, either as planned joint projects or disaster-recovery efforts.
• Assists supervisor with the planning and implementation of new or special projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates.
• Compliance with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Minimum: High school diploma or G.E.D. and at least five years of experience in forestry and landscape maintenance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, a Kansas Pesticide Applicator license category 3A, and a Kansas Arborist Certification, or obtain within 1 year of appointment.

Desired: Bachelor’s Degree in urban forestry, horticulture or related field, Kansas Pesticide Applicator license, categories 1D and 2 and ISA Certification

Compensation and Benefits

Hiring range is $22.19 to $25.72 per hour depending on qualifications and directly related experience.

Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, drug screen and physical.

To apply: please complete an online application. Must include a resume and cover letter.

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Lenexa strives to treat all employees fairly, with consistency and respect, while providing a positive, challenging and rewarding work environment. We value and encourage diversity in our workplace.