This position, within the Independence Power & Light Transmission and Distribution Unit, is responsible for supervising the work of tree trimming crews engaged in power line clearance and tree removal; supervising workers engaged in right-of-way maintenance activities. Supervisory duties include management, hiring, training, scheduling and directing work. Incumbent will plan, allocate and monitor time, people, equipment and other resources for the department to ensure efficient accomplishment of work. Will receive citizen complaints and requests for tree trimming or removal of trees near power lines. Duties include investigating and resolving complaints. Will coordinate tree clearance and removal with line superintendent and district engineers in new construction projects. Responsible to coordinate the repair, maintenance and replacement of tools and equipment as needed. Will maintain current inventory of equipment. Responsible for crew training and effective safety practices. Will maintain records and prepare reports on department activities. Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a four-year college or university in forestry, biology, or a related field and four years of progressively responsible related experience; or, any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Requires knowledge of arboriculture; tree species and characteristics of trees. Must be skilled in proper seasonal tree care, including knowledge of, watering, mulching, corrective pruning, fertilizing, insect and disease control. Must be familiar with City codes and principles and practices of management and administration. Requires knowledge and skill in basic landscape design. Should be experienced in computer usage and applications related to area of assignment. Must be skilled in contract preparation and administration.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of basic electric functions, department safety regulations, guidelines and programs, and computer applications related to the work. Skilled in the exercise of discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing and ability to make public presentations. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, citizens, and vendors. Ability to effectively manage time and equipment. Ability to maintain confidentiality and deliver professional customer service. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and skilled in reading and interpreting documents, such as, safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions. Requires ability to write simple reports and correspondence, perform basic math, and ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Must have good organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Physical Abilities: While performing the essential functions of this job the incumbent is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
Working Conditions: Incumbent is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions; fumes or airborne particles; possible bodily injury from moving mechanical parts of machinery, electrical shock, and falling from high, exposed places.
Licenses and Certifications: Arborist Certification, Missouri Chemical Applicator License, Valid Driver’s License and must be able to complete the required NIMS level training within first six months of hire.
Drug Testing, Background Check
Position Closes: May 13, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. The City of Independence is a background screening, drug-free workplace.
The City of Independence provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a job, please submit your request to humanresources-coi@indepmo.org.
Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right in coordination with the governing union (if applicable) to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.
