Tree Faller
Tree Faller, Yosemite National Park, CA
Summary
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April through June but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2025.
Duties
- Use chainsaws to fell trees of moderate difficulty and complexity with accuracy in developed and non-developed areas.
- Recognizes tree species, defects, wood characteristics and environmental hazards that may alter desired felling results.
- Works in potentially hazardous conditions while being exposed to inclement weather, steep terrain, and associated risks related to forest and timber industries.
- Provides for public safety, protects property and surrounding environment to minimize impact. Installs and utilizes rigging equipment such as ropes/cables, nylon slings, pulleys, friction devices and attachment hardware to hold, lower or maneuver tree sections when working in limited spaces above or adjacent to buildings or other valued property.
- May be assigned to assist in prescribed and suppression fire activities.
- Drives medium duty trucks (up to 14,000 pounds) while towing equipment on narrow, winding, steep roads in all weather conditions.
- Operates aerial lift trucks, brush chippers, stump grinders, portable winches, portable blowers, etc.
Physical Demands: Incumbent must be in excellent physical condition. Must be able to operate all the different types and sizes of power chainsaws used when felling trees. Chain saws can weigh from 20 pounds up to 55 pounds. When loading trucks by hand on work site cleanup, incumbent lifts, pulls and carries limbs, small logs or firewood from 10 to 60 pounds. May be required to carry heavy loads over long distances to accomplish work assignments.
Working Conditions: Will work in all types of weather conditions to accomplish assigned tasks. Outside temperatures vary from 100 degrees (plus) in the summer, to rain, snow and wind with the temperatures below freezing in the winter. Works in a variety of vegetation types and elevations, from forest at the 1,900-foot elevation up to and above 9,000 feet elevation. Works in steep mountainous terrain where footing is often compromised due to ice, snow, loose rocks and soil or combination of all factors. Works with and operates equipment that produce fumes, vibrations, dust and noise requiring head, hand, ear and eye protection. May walk long distances carrying heavy loads and may live in spike camps under primitive conditions to accomplish work projects. May be required to work during adverse conditions and during emergency situations such as strong winds, rockslides, snow and rainstorms, floods and wildfires.
Yosemite National Park, California, known worldwide for its spectacular natural beauty is the backdrop for this position. Sitting astride the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park covers 1,182 square miles of varied wilderness ecosystems, from river valleys to alpine meadows to lofty 13,000 foot high peaks. Yosemite Valley is located 208 miles from San Francisco, 81 miles from Merced, and 94 miles from Fresno. Shopping, medical, postal and laundry services are available in the park. Elevation at the Valley floor is approximately 4,000 feet and 2,200 feet in El Portal. The park is open year-round with the majority of activities occurring during the busy season March through October.