Secondary Climber III Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ashevillenc/jobs/newprint/5060198) Apply  Secondary Climber III Salary $23.59 Hourly Location Asheville, NC Job Type Full Time Job Number 2025-01666 Department Public Works Division Streets & Sidewalks Opening Date 09/02/2025 Closing Date 9/16/2025 5:00 PM Eastern + Description + Benefits + Questions Summary About our opportunity: The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Equipment Operator III in the Streets & Sidewalks Division of the Public Works Department. This position is on one of our Tree crews, and we are seeking an individual with experience in tree climbing and/or aerial lift truck operation. The individual in this position will perform all Groundworker duties while learning and acquiring skills in climbing or operating an aerial lift truck. An Equipment Operator III in this role of Secondary Climber operates multiple types of heavy motorized equipment to remove and haul tree debris and other items to and from City facilities, and assists with various projects within the Division. The Equipment Operator III on this crew will be responsible for the routine preventive maintenance of equipment and this position may train less-experienced Equipment Operators or Groundworkers. They will also have the opportunity to learn advanced climbing techniques from the Lead/Primary Climber. What you'll be doing: + Skilled and experienced in all Groundworker tasks and functions, including but not limited to operating a variety of heavy motorized equipment, and facilitating tree maintenance and removal as a ground operations specialist. + Prunes trees with manual and gas powered saws. + Inspects equipment daily and reports need for repairs; assists in repair work. + Operates a variety of heavy motorized equipment such as boom arm, mowers, mini excavators, skid steer loaders, and dump trucks and other equipment as needed. + May train ground staff and new employees. + Provides customer service. + Confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; confers with co-workers; assists with complex/problem situations and provides technical expertise; and assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment. + Learn to develop plans for pruning and removal of trees. + Learn to remove trees with rigging or a crane and install cable support systems. + Learn to identify the trees common to the service area. Benefits: + 13 paid holidays, plus you will earn paid sick and vacation hours + Full access to the City of Asheville's benefit suite including Medical, Dental, and Life insurance options + Enrollment in the North Carolina State Pension Plan and NC State 401K with company matching funds About you: We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered : + High school diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in heavy equipment operation or a related field is preferred. + One year of experience in heavy equipment operation in area of assignment + Experience with heavy motorized equipment including but not limited to knuckle boom loaders, back-hoe and skid steer loaders is preferred. + Professional certifications and/or a pesticide license are beneficial. + Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered. Licensing and Certifications: + Must possess or obtain a valid North Carolina Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including appropriate endorsement(s). + Must possess or obtain Flagger and Work Zone Safety certification. Persons of all genders and races are encouraged to apply. Other things to know: Hire Rate: $ 23.59 Hourly Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM (40 hours per week/ 4-day work week), with occasional presence required in response to snow or storm events. Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Please review our benefits tab to review the full list of benefits offered by the City of Asheville. + Basic knowledge and understanding of tree growth. + Basic knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of motorized equipment. + Working knowledge of the occupational hazards related to the job, and the proper safety precautions and equipment used in the safe performance of job duties. + Basic knowledge of the practices and procedures involved in tree maintenance and removal, and pest management. + Ability to read and understand basic workplace data, such as simple forms, tables, graphs, schedules, etc. + Ability to think creatively in all areas for the purpose of increasing efficiency and effectiveness. + Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written form. + Ability to analyze situations to pinpoint problems and assist with solving problems or identifying sources of obstacles. + Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships as required by work assignments. + Ability to work independently with limited supervision. + Ability to learn to climb large trees at a height of 50 feet or more. + Ability to use a variety of power and hand tools. + Ability to make minor repairs and operating adjustments to assigned equipment + Ability to follow oral instructions. + Ability to instruct less-experienced personnel in operation of heavy motorized equipment. + Ability to work effectively under arduous or unpleasant working conditions including inclement weather such as rain, snow, heat, cold, or other. ADA Compliance Physical Ability : Tasks require the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that generally involves lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds). Sensory Requirements : Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Environmental Factors : Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, water hazards, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, or rude/irate customers. About us: The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched by its diversity. The City of Asheville values and respects a diverse community, workforce and ideas, and is committed to promoting an equitable, fair, and just employment environment. Our organization seeks to create and provide access and opportunities to employees, residents and visitors to fulfill their potential through inclusive engagement practices, relationship building and an authentic sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer. The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. To view our comprehensive benefits package, click here (https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/human-resources/compensation-and-benefits/) . 01 Select your highest level of education: + High School/GED + Associates Degree + Bachelors Degree + Masters Degree + Doctorate 02 How many years of relevant experience do you have in tree work, urban forestry, or any related type of work? + Less than 1 year + 1 - 3 years + 3 - 5 years + 5 - 10 years + 10 or more years 03 Do you have at least 1 year or experience in the operation of heavy motorized equipment? + Yes + No 04 Do you have experience driving motorized equipment including but not limited to knuckle boom loaders, backhoe, and skid steer loaders (preferred)? + Yes + No 05 Do you have a valid driver's license? + I do not have a current driving license of any kind. + I do possess a current valid driver's license (Standard License) + I do possess a current valid Class B CDL driver's license with endorsements + I do possess a current valid Class A CDL driver's license with endorsements + I do not have a current CDL license, but I can attain one in the next 6 months. Required Question Employer City of Asheville Address City of Asheville PO Box 7148 Asheville, North Carolina, 28802 Phone 828-259-5690 - Apply Online! - EOE Website http://www.ashevillenc.gov/jobs