Campus Arborist

About the role

The Campus Arborist, reporting to the University Urban Forester, serves as the university’s lead tree‑care technician and field arborist. In this role the Arborist guides both staff arborists and contracted specialists, providing advanced guidance on Integrated Pest Management, pruning science, root‑zone management, species selection, and safety standards. The Arborist maintains the campus tree inventory, conducts regular asset analyses for strategic management planning, and assists the Urban Forester with construction‑site assessments, inter‑departmental consultations, tree inspections, planting designs, and overall program development. Additionally, the position leads and mentors student interns, apprentices, and the broader student body while coordinating with academic departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver training for tree crews, urban‑forestry interns, and apprentices.
• Schedule, assign, supervise, and audit all tree‑care work orders—ranging from routine maintenance and emergency response to plant‑health programs—and ensure compliance with current industry and University standards.
• Maintain the campus tree inventory and conduct regular asset analyses for strategic management planning.
• Assist the Urban Forester with construction‑site assessments, inter‑departmental consultations, tree inspections, planting designs, and overall program development.
• Lead and mentor student interns, apprentices, and the broader student body while coordinating with academic departments.
• Act as “Emergency Personnel,” available 24/7 to support planned events or emergency situations (e.g., inclement weather) and be on‑site when required.

Requirements

• Current ISA Certified Arborist credential.
• Current Registered Pesticide Technician and ability to obtain Commercial Pesticide License Category 3A within one year of hire.
• Working knowledge of the ANSI A300 tree care standards and ANSI Z133 safety requirements for arboricultural operations.
• Working knowledge of GIS and tree inventory software.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the tree care industry with specialization in technical pruning, removal, and plant health care.
• Ability to work at heights which may typically reach 50–70 feet above ground.
• Ability to apply safety standards and procedures in the operation of equipment and performance of work tasks, including verification that utility locates have cleared prior to work commencing when required.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor, including safely moving and handling greater than 50 pounds; climb and work from elevated work stations such as ladders and scaffolds; work for long periods of time sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing/pulling; and work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
• Must wear employer-provided uniforms as instructed by supervisor or lead and, as situation dictates, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Horticulture or related field, or 4 years equivalent experience and training in the arboriculture field.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
• Experience in a large commercial, public sector, or institutional setting.

Skills

• Proficiency with equipment such as stump grinders, tree‑injection systems, air spades, chippers, bucket trucks, and single‑axle dump trucks, as well as hand and power tools (chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers, shovels, rakes).

Pay

$60,000–$66,000

Schedule

40 hours per week; Non‑Exempt: Eligible for overtime