The Position
***Filing Period Extended***
The filing deadline has been extended.
Candidates that previously applied to this recruitment do not need to reapply.
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants to one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Why join the City of Oakland?Are you interested in being part of an urban forestry program in a diverse and dynamic city? The City of Oakland has an excellent opportunity for individuals that enjoy being outdoors, interacting with the public, and working for the benefit and beauty of the community!
The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill two (2) Tree Trimmer vacancies within the Oakland Public Works Department. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic team player, with exceptional communication skills, capable of following oral and written directions to complete assignments, is eager to learn a variety of tree maintenance tasks, and has the interest in long-term professional development. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a solid work ethic, including a strong commitment to maintaining the City's urban forest.
Under general supervision in the Department of Oakland Public Works, the Tree Trimmer performs a variety of tree maintenance duties which involve climbing trees up to a height of fifty five-feet and working from a variety of lifts; corrects hazardous conditions caused by trees on City property, public rights-of-way, and easements; may provide technical direction to Tree Worker/Drivers and other assigned personnel; and performs related duties as assigned.
We are looking for someone who is: - Knowledgeable about climbing safety protocol and tree growth, planting, and trimming.
- Skilled at climbing and operating tree maintenance equipment and trucks.
- Skilled at establishing excellent working relationships with their colleagues.
- Positive and has a can-do attitude.
What you will typically be responsible for: - Climbing and working up to fifty-five feet to prune, shape, strip, and remove trees over roadways, in parks, and at other City properties.
- Using a variety of tree maintenance equipment such as power saws, chain saws, and other specialized trimming tools.
- Responding to emergency work orders in all weather conditions.
- Maintaining a variety of tree maintenance equipment including aerial lifts, knuckle boom cranes, chippers, stump grinders, chippers.
- Supporting team members with maintenance activities.
- Identifying and reporting hazardous tree conditions, safety hazards, and work conditions.
- Planting, staking, watering, and mulching young trees.
A few reasons you might love this job: - You will be provided with a stable job with great health and retirement benefits for you and your family
- You will work at a place that prioritizes worker safety and longevity
- You will have an opportunity for career growth within and beyond the Tree Department
- You will be working outdoors in a beautiful city with a moderate climate
A few challenges you might face in this job:- You will perform physically demanding work in challenging conditions
- You will perform emergency response work during storm events
- You will have to pivot work activities based on changing priorities throughout each work day that may be due to short staffing
- You will learn and master a diverse set of skills, including operating several types and models of heavy equipment
Read the complete job description by clicking this Tree Trimmer
Competencies Required:- Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
- Mechanical Insight: Comprehending how mechanical, electrical, and structural systems operate and interact
- Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
- General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
- Manual Dexterity: Using senses, hands, and fingers in manipulating objects quickly and efficiently
- Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
- Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
- Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
- Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
- Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
- Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
- Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
- Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies that occur within the City including full-time and permanent part-time positions, if applicable. * Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!
Working for the City of Oakland
Minimum Requirements for Application
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who meet the minimum qualifications. The open list will be for all other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications is acceptable.
Education: Completion of an academic course equivalent to twelfth grade and possession of a G.E.D. or, its equivalent.
Experience:Two years of experience in tree trimming.
Desirable Qualifications:- Certification as an Arborist or Tree Worker from the International Society of Arboriculture.
License or Certificate / Other Requirements:
Possession of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class B, with the ability to drive vehicles with air brakes and a tank endorsement included must be obtained by the end of the probationary period and maintained throughout employment with the City of Oakland. License requirements are subject to changes in State and Federal law, and the City of Oakland must comply with mandated changes at all times.
Click the link to locate a DMV kiosk near you: Kiosks - California DMV Supplemental Information
The Recruitment Process:
The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the “minimum qualifications” listed for each position.
Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.
Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.
For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to the job simulation exercise (sometimes referred to as a performance exam). The tentative date of the performance exam is to be determined.
For some recruitments, more than one type of assessment may be used. Depending on the number of candidates who pass the first assessment (multiple-choice test, structured interview, writing exercise, performance exam) you may be asked to complete a secondary assessment before the recruitment is finalized. If a secondary assessment is scheduled, you will be notified by email with specific details. If a secondary assessment is not scheduled, department hiring interviews will occur during this time frame.
Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you’re applying to a “restricted” posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
What’s in it for you? • Work/Life Balance: 40 hour work week
• 15 paid holidays
• Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
• Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
• Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
• Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
• Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. How to Apply Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm.
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Mary Ann Gonzales, Sr. HR Analyst at mgonzales@oaklandca.gov
The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:
• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assignedspecific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Employee Benefits Information Current MOUs may be reviewed here: City of Oakland Labor Agreements
Closing Date/Time: 5/5/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
