A Maintenance Helper or Assistant assists maintenance mechanics. Repairs and maintains equipment and machines, such as cars or heating systems. May assemble or adjust machines as directed by a head mechanic.
Paterson, NJ Job Details Full-time $51,593 - $65,759 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Snow removal Defect detection (quality control) Power saws Safety regulations Unloading Pruning (plant care) English Managing teams of tree trimmers Ladder use Company vehicle operation CDL Tree cutting Grounds maintenance sprayers Stump removal Tree pruning Visual inspection as testing technique Safety hazards Plant disease identification Rigging Shovels Tree planting Transplanting (gardening technique) Equipment maintenance Stump grinders Watering 2 years Cutting tools Chipper Safety protocol implementation Entry level
Full Job Description Type:
Full Time Salary/Pay Rate:
$51,593 - $65,759
Posted Date:
07/28/2026 Under direction, performs skilled tree maintenance work such as pruning, feeding, bracing, repairing, spraying, fertilizing, removing and transplanting trees and shrubs; climbs trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts, and other manual or mechanical equipment used to aid in performing tree maintenance tasks; takes the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff; may function as an assistant supervisor; does related work as required. The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Provides assignments, instruction and guidance to skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff. Takes the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff, and performs the more complex and difficult tasks. May function in an assistant supervisor capacity depending on the organizational structure of the hiring agency. Uses pole shears, saws, axes and other cutting tools to prune trees or remove dead limbs; operates and feeds branches into chipper. Scrapes decayed matter from cavities in trees using shovels or picks and fills holes with cement to promote healing and prevent further deterioration. Cuts down trees using chain or hand saws. Installs guying and bracing to prevent wind damage and encourage correct growth. Uses ropes and pulleys to remove tree branches. Bags and transplants trees and shrubs using burlap and shovel. Sprays and dusts pesticides on shrubs and trees to control pests and diseases. Fertilizes trees to promote growth using appropriate method and equipment. Applies herbicides to kill brush and weeds. Plants trees and shrubs by digging holes, setting, back-filling, watering and bracing. Visually inspects trees and shrubs to diagnose diseased, infested, damaged or unsafe conditions. Performs minor maintenance to equipment or tools used. Ensures safety procedures, rules and regulations are followed, and deadlines are met. May operate motor vehicles and light construction equipment on a limited basis. Oversees and may perform a variety of tasks such as planting grass seed, placing sod on areas, cutting brush, mowing grass, and loading and unloading refuse, removing snow, and so forth. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the methods, practices, tools and materials used in the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs; occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in tree maintenance work; common varieties of trees and their structure; knots, hitches and rigging used to lower limbs and treetops. Ability to climb trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts, or other equipment; use or operate a chain saw, stump grinders, chippers, handsaws, axes, wedges and other power and/or hand tools used to perform tree maintenance tasks; provide assignment, instruction and guidance to skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff; take the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff; tie knots such as square bowline; perform mechanical and manual operations; lift, push, and pull heavy objects for short distances; understand, remember, and carry out oral direction; learn quickly from oral instruction and from demonstrations; learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units; read, write, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. Appointees may be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated. Appointees may be required to obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certification issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The County of Passaic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Requirements:
Education:
See above.
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs, which shall have included the use and/or operation of manual or mechanical equipment used to climb trees.
Note:
This is a union, civil service competitive position offering full county benefits.
License:
NJ residency and possession of a NJ Driver's License is required. County residency is preferred.
To Apply For This Position:
If you qualify and would like to be considered, submit a letter of interest and your resume (including daytime phone number and email address) to the email address listed below. You must submit your response by the closing date shown above and indicate the job title in the subject line.
Email:
Natacha Moore, Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that may include fingerprinting. Any appointments made from posting which involve movement between unit scopes, may result in a forfeiture of rights to any promotional list in a former unit scope. As of September 2010, in accordance with
N.J.S.A 52
14-7, the "New Jersey First Act," all new employees must reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under the law. If you do not live in New Jersey, you have one year after you begin employment to relocate your residence to New Jersey or secure an exemption.
