
Senior Tree Artisan (General Services Department)
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At a glance
Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
The Senior Tree Artisan works under general supervision to perform advanced tree and shrub care, including removal, pruning, planting, and transplanting on municipal properties. The role leads a crew, handles storm‑call emergencies, fertilizes and waters vegetation, examines defects, and follows safety procedures with appropriate protective equipment.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Senior Tree Artisan (General Services Department)
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Senior Tree Artisan (General Services Department)
Salary
$38,034.00 - $47,543.00 Annually
Location
Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
20261521031GSDssl
Department
General Services
Opening Date
08/18/2026
Closing Date
8/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
1202-AFSCME NonSupervisory Local 229 DPW Maintenan
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Description
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Benefits
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Questions
Description
GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Senior Tree Artisan
Under general supervision, performs the more responsible work involved in the removing, pruning, and general care of shade and ornamental trees and a variety of different types shrubs in streets, municipal parks, parkways and other municipal properties including, as necessary, the supervision of one or more crew members.
Examples of Duties
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Serves as a lead worker of a crew of one or more crew members.
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Performs individually the more difficult and responsible work involved.
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Plants and transplants young trees and moves large trees.
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Prunes trees by cutting off dead branches and limbs to give proper shape and growth.
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Removes broken branches and prunes branches so that they clear public utility wires.
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Removes fallen trees and branches in response to storm call emergencies.
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Fertilizes, waters, cultivates, and generally cares for trees and shrubs.
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Examines trees for defects such as splits, wounds, rotting, and attacks of fungi, borers, and various insect pests.
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Identifies problems and recommends solutions.
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Perform duties in accordance with Departmental safety procedures including, but not limited to, the utilization of designated personal protective equipment.
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Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):
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High School graduation or GED.
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Two (2) years of experience in caring for and cultivating trees and shrubs including pruning and planting.
Qualifications (preferred):
- Completion of coursework in horticulture.
Equivalency
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Persons certified or promoted to this classification shall be required to obtain and maintain a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a Group B endorsement with air brakes within six (6) months of entry into this class. Such persons shall meet the State of Michigan Driving Eligibility Requirements for application for a CDL at the time of certification or hire to this class, including possessing a valid driver’s license.
Successful applicants must meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Motor Carrier Division and must possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner’s Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with State of Michigan - Motor Carrier Safety Act - 1988.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
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Interview: 70%
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Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
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Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
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Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
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Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point
LRD: 01/30/2023
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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Knowledge of methods of removing, pruning, and transplanting trees and shrubs.
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Knowledge of detecting and treating defects of trees and shrubs.
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Knowledge of insects and parasites that infect trees and methods of treating them.
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Skill in the proper handling of swing lines, pruning tools, saws, and other work related equipment.
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Skill in mechanical dexterity.
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Skill in physical strength, agility, and endurance.
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Skill in tactful interaction with superiors, co-workers, and others.
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Ability to supervise, instruct, and direct the work of others.
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Ability to examine trees for problems and recommend solutions.
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Ability to display initiative and resourcefulness in performance of duties.
Physical Demands
- Work involves frequent walking, standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, exposure to heights, and lifting branches, tools, and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.
Work Environment
- Work is performed outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
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Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
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Dental
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Vision
INSURANCE
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Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
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Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
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Sick Leave
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Vacation
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Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
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Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
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At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
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At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
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In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
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An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
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Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
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Please indicate your highest level of education completed
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High School Diploma/GED
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Associate's Degree
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Bachelor's Degree
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Master's Degree
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PhD/J.D.
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n/a
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How many years of experience do you have in caring for and cultivating trees and shrubs including pruning and planting.
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Less than 2 years of experience
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2 to 4 years of experience
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5 to 9 years of experience
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10 or more years of experience
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No Experience
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Describe your work experience in caring for and cultivating trees and shrubs including pruning and planting.
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Explain your completion of coursework in horticulture.
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Do you have a valid Michigan Operator's License?
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Yes
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No
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Did you attached a copy of your cover letter and updated resume?
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Yes
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No
Required Question
Employer
City of Detroit
Address
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave ste 316 Detroit, Michigan, 48226
Website
http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job
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