As-Needed Arborist

About the role

We are seeking an As-Needed Arborist with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) to support projects throughout the Los Angeles area. This role will support tree inventories, risk assessments, construction monitoring, and tree protection compliance for a variety of infrastructure and development projects.

What You'll Do

• Conduct tree inventories, assessments, and risk evaluations for a variety of projects
• Identify native California and ornamental tree species and evaluate overall tree health and condition
• Document tree characteristics including species, size, structure, health, and recommendations for preservation or mitigation
• Identify potential impacts to trees from construction activities
• Communicate tree trimming techniques, protection measures, and industry best management practices
• Collaborate with construction crews and project teams to avoid impacts to protected trees and other biological resources during construction
• Monitor compliance with tree protection and preservation requirements during construction activities
• Support compliance with local ordinances, municipal tree protection codes, and CEQA related requirements
• Apply ANSI A300 standards and ISA best management practices in field assessments
• Recognize structural defects, pest and disease issues, and common failure indicators
• Prepare field documentation, monitoring logs, technical reports, and compliance summaries
• Collect GPS data and map tree locations using GIS or mobile data collection tools
• Follow site safety protocols and work safely around active construction, traffic, and heavy equipment

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's in environmental science, forestry, or related field (candidates with the equivalent in knowledge and experience may also be considered)
• Minimum 1–3 years of relevant professional experience in arboriculture
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification required
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) required
• General knowledge and experience conducting:
• Tree inventories
• Tree risk assessments
• Protected tree monitoring
• Tree removal and construction monitoring
• Survey data collection and reporting
• GPS-based field data collection
• Interpretation of project site plans and construction documents
• Ability to identify local and regional tree species and understand growth habits and maintenance needs
• Comfortable working on active construction sites and coordinating with contractors and project teams
• Experience working both collaboratively and independently, demonstrating sound judgment and self-direction
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing field reports, monitoring logs, and preconstruction survey documentation
• Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours (10-12+ hour days) and travel throughout LA and Orange Counties and occasionally California as project needs require
• Ability to hike 6–8 miles per day in challenging terrain and variable weather conditions while carrying up to 25lbs of equipment

Compensation

The hourly rate for this as-needed position ranges from $30.00–$38.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Additional Employment Information

• Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.