City of Boston

Tree Equipment Operator

Req ID
2025-29349
Dept
Parks Department
Position
Regular Full-Time
Location
Parks Franklin Park
Salary Min
42,692.82
Salary Max
54,904.50
Union
AFG
Openings
1
Posting End Date
9/12/2025
Contact Email
Deanine.Bell@boston.gov

Overview:

Reporting to the Tree Maintenance Foreperson, General Tree Maintenance Foreperson, or a designee, the Tree Equipment Operator and Laborer (TEOL) will perform tasks related to the planting, removal, maintenance, and care of trees using hand and power tools, and adhering to all safety policies and procedures. Duties include planting, pruning, and removing trees and branches. He/she will also use climbing gear and equipment to climb trees, using chainsaws, hand saws, and tree trimmers to complete jobs. This is labor-intensive work and requires strong communication skills to safely work with all crew members at the various job sites throughout the City of Boston.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform tree planting work as directed, including installation of trees, stability stakes, and watering bags.
  • Perform tree removal work as directed in the public way and within Parks, cemeteries, and other City of Boston property.
  • Respond to routine work orders as well as tree-related emergencies.
  • Help clear property from the work area with the crew.
  • Collect and feed branches and brush into a chipper.
  • Work with the tree climbers and forepersons on tree trimming and pruning.
  • Use equipment, power, and hand tools to complete tasks.
  • Follow all job site safety procedures and policies.
  • Operate passenger cars, half-ton pickup trucks, three-quarter-ton panel trucks, or other types of trucks having a rated capacity of less than five tons.
  • Load and unload trucks; transport material and equipment to and from work sites.
  • Ensure tools and other equipment are in safe working order and properly cleaned and stored.
  • Make adjustments and minor repairs to motor equipment; chainsaw chains, saw blades, batteries, and other similar items.
  • Participate in emergency operations, including during high wind, winter storms, heavy rain, and other foul weather.
  • May assist with snow removal operations as needed, utilizing hand tools and/or motorized snow removal equipment.
  • Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

  • At least one (1) year of experience in landscaping, tree work, or other related fields is required. Completion of the City of Boston's Power Corp program may be substituted for the required experience. 
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam.
  • Familiarity working with power and hand tools commonly used in the maintenance, care, and removal of trees, including but not limited to chainsaws, pole saws, chippers, log trucks, bucket trucks, etc.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver's License.
  • Willingness and ability to obtain a Commercial Drivers License via the City of Boston preferred.
  • Ability to use a mobile phone and necessary related applications.
  • Comfortable working at elevated heights and in all weather conditions.
  • Strong communication and teamwork ethic are required.
  • Must be able to lift up in excess of 50 pounds.
  • CORI background check required.
  • Must be able to work any assigned shift, any assigned work location.
  • Must be available to participate in the Urban Forestry Division's on-call rotation.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

 

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: AFSCME/RA1-10L

Hours per week: 40

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