Job Information
National Park Service Arborist in Peninsula, Ohio
Summary The primary purpose of the position is to provide proper care and maintenance of specimen trees and shrubs located within maintained landscapes; and mitigate hazard tree conditions along roadways and trails, and within developed areas such as campgrounds picnic areas, etc. Responsibilities Cut-off date: This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The first cut-off date is 11:59 pm EST Thursday January 16, 2025. Initial consideration will be given to candidates whose applications have been received before the first cut-off date. Qualification requirements must be met for those applications submitted by the first cut-off date. Performs annual and comprehensive condition assessment of trees to determine the health & vigor, and structural stability of trees through the knowledge of tree identification, components, and structure. Provides treatment recommendations to improve the health & vigor and maintain the structural stability. Documents assessment and treatment recommendations using a condition assessment report Responsible for maintaining the overall tree inventory and performing arboricultural duties for three offsite locations; James A Garfield National Historic Site, First Ladies National Historic Site and Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. Coordinates tree care with site managers for all tree operations. Performs risk (hazard) assessment of trees to determine the presence of tree defects that have the potential to fail, resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. Rates the tree's potential risk of failure, provides treatment recommendations, and documents assessment and recommendations using a tree risk assessment report. Develops basic rigging plans that identify the methods and techniques that will be used to lower tree parts to prevent damage to adjacent objects or to dismantle trees that do not have adequate room for felling. Executes the rigging plan using ropes, slings, and mechanical devices to remove limbs, dismantle trees, and generate mechanical advantage. Performs "bucking" (cutting a tree into moveable sections), "limbing" (cutting limbs off of a tree), "Felling" (the process of downing individual trees), and "slashing" (cutting tree parts to lay flat on the ground) techniques. Prunes trees and shrubs in accordance with industry standards to achieve desired objectives (e.g., reduce the risk of failure, improve fruit and flower production, etc.) using handsaws, pole saws, and chainsaws. For additional information contact Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Scott Edwards, scottedwards@nps.gov, scottedwards@nps.gov. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. Driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license. Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. Government housing may be available. Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program. Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of materials Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments SCREENOUT: You must have experience independently performing some of the common duties of an Arborist such as assessing tree structure for health and hazards; carrying out common treatment options; setting up and using proper rigging, knots, and common arborist equipment and techniques to trim or remove limbs and trees; climb trees using proper climbing equipment and carrying equipment or tools; and maintaining equipment, ropes, and tools. If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions. Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR 575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive. Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS). If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility. The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM. Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations. Physical Demands: - Ability to work at heights up to 100 feet. - Ability to lift weights up to 75 pounds. - Long periods of physical exertion. - Prolonged exposure to repetitive motion. - When motor vehicle or tractor operator duties are performed moderate effort is exerted to manipulate equipment controls. Working Conditions: - This type of work is inherently dangerous and may result in serious injury from slips, trips, or falls and could, in the unlikely event; result in death when performed incorrectly. - This work is performed outside and is subject to weather conditions ranging from high heat and humidity to sub-zero temperatures. - The incumbent may be exposed to a variety of site hazards including extreme environmental conditions; poisonous plants, insects, and/or reptiles; electrical conductors; uneven terrain; pedestrian/vehicular traffic, etc. - The incumbent may be exposed to prolonged exposure to noise in excess of 85 decibels (db) when working with or in close proximity to chainsaws, wood chippers, etc. - When vehicles are operated there is additional exposure to risk due to traffic accidents, overturning or boom accidents aloft. Telework: The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.