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Position Title:Tree Trimmer

Job Group:Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:• Two years experience in tree maintenance or related work or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals two years. • Successful completion of commercial certification tests for application of pesticides and be eligible for certification, as required. • May be required to successfully complete other commercial certification tests. • May be required to obtain Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

Preferred Qualifications:Successful completion of Certified Tree Worker/climber specialist exam or equivalent training.

Experience operating tree care equipment.

Experience with tree work in residential areas, dealing with traffic and pedestrians.

Demonstrated ability to follow instruction and complete tasks according to safety guidelines.

Category 6 Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Category 3OT Commercial Pesticide Applicators License.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A, with no air brake restrictions.

Job Description:

The Facilities Planning and Management Department at Iowa State University invites applications for an exciting and dynamic role as a Tree Trimmer. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine your expertise and passion for arboriculture with the vibrant community and beautiful campus of Iowa State University. Under general supervision, you will perform routine duties in the maintenance, care, and treatment of trees and shrubs. Your responsibilities will include operating and maintaining a variety of specialized equipment, such as aerial lift trucks, chippers, stumpers, chainsaws, hand/power tools, dump trucks, and end loaders. You'll also conduct precise chemical treatments and meticulously maintain state spray records.

-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3OT within 6 months of hire.

-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License Category 6 within 6 months of hire.

-Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A, with no air brake restrictions within 6 months of hire.

In addition to tree and shrub care, you will assist with the installation of banners and other tasks that require the use of an aerial lift truck. In the winter this person will also assist with snow removal. This role demands proficiency in climbing trees and working from ladders to carry out maintenance tasks. The ideal candidate will thrive in a team-oriented setting, communicate effectively, and prioritize safety in all aspects of their work.

Joining the Facilities Planning and Management Department means contributing to the beautification of our renowned campus and enhancing your skills through varied and challenging work. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Uses aerial bucket and/or climbs trees in order to prune and trim.

• Performs appropriate procedures to be used in pruning to enhance the natural form of trees and maintain the structural integrity of the plant structure.

• Inspects, removes, plants, and transplants trees and shrubs as directed; fertilizes trees and shrubs.

• Operates equipment such as end loaders, truck mounted cranes, aerial basket truck, tree spade, brush chipper, truck tractor, and sprayer, etc. Regularly checks and maintains tools and equipment used on the job.

• May assign, coordinate, and review the work of other groundskeeping personnel.

• Assists Arborist with tree inventory record keeping.

• Responds to calls for emergency services, including snow removal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of proper techniques to safely climb trees and to work from ladders.

• Knowledge of pesticide application, storage, and record keeping as prescribed by state statutes.

• Knowledge of the natural shape and size of plants commonly used in the landscape.

• Knowledge of the horticultural principles and techniques necessary for the successful transplanting of trees and shrubs.

• Skill in applying appropriate procedures to be used in pruning and shaping as necessary to enhance the natural form of plants, to ensure plant longevity and to maintain structural integrity.

• Ability to cable and bolt damaged trees; and apply treatment to diseased trees.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and specifications.

• Ability to operate and maintain equipment and hand/power tools used in tree trimming.

• Ability to assign work to others.

• Ability to lift and/or move 100 pounds.

• Ability to maintain accurate records such as current tree inventory.

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions and work at heights.

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:08

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: June 6, 2025

Posting Close Date:June 16, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17209

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email [email protected] .

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.