ARBORIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Find detailed Arborist job descriptions covering tree care, hazard assessment, ISA compliance, and urban forestry work across multiple industries and employer types.

Arborist Job Description Template

1. About the Role

A city block without a maintained tree canopy loses more than shade. Hazardous limbs over traffic lanes, diseased specimens in public parks, and unchecked pest infestations all become liability events that municipal departments must resolve quickly. The Arborist fills that accountability gap, owning inspection, pruning, hazard removal, and ISA-compliant care across parks, street right-of-ways, and public grounds. Few roles in local government carry both field-level physical responsibility and the technical authority to certify a tree's structural fitness or recommend its removal.

2. Position Summary

As the Arborist, you safeguard public safety and urban tree health by conducting hazard assessments, executing ISA-standard pruning and removal, and administering tree inventory and care plans across municipal parks and street right-of-ways. You work within a Parks or Public Works department, collaborating with crew leaders, park maintenance staff, city departments, and outside agencies to keep the city's urban forest healthy, compliant, and accessible.

3. Why Join Us

Career Impact: Earning and maintaining ISA Arborist Certification in a municipal setting establishes a verifiable credential that carries authority across public sector hiring and positions you for advancement to Urban Forester or Forestry Operations Manager.

Business Impact: The Arborist's hazard assessments and timely removal decisions directly reduce the volume of tree-related damage claims that municipalities refer to Risk Management each year.

Growth Opportunity: Municipal arborists who build expertise in Urban Forest Management Plan administration and grant writing gain scope to move into program-level forestry roles overseeing budgets, contractors, and multi-year canopy initiatives.

4. Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct field inspections of city trees in parks and street right-of-ways to identify hazards, pest infestations, and disease requiring intervention.
  • Perform pruning, cabling, removal, and stump grinding to ISA standards, ensuring safe clearance of roads and public areas.
  • Respond to emergency tree calls from the public and city departments, prioritizing and resolving hazardous conditions on short notice.
  • Maintain tree inventory records, daily activity reports, and service request documentation to support department reporting requirements.
  • Coordinate with crew leaders, contractors, and other city departments to schedule and complete assigned tree care work within budget and timeline.
  • Operate and perform pre- and post-use maintenance on aerial lift trucks, chippers, chain saws, and related grounds equipment.
  • Enforce safety procedures and applicable regulations during all field operations to protect workers, bystanders, and public property.
  • Support the development and implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan, including planting programs and canopy improvement projects.

5. Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
  • Two or more years of field arboriculture experience, with demonstrated competency in climbing, pruning, and equipment operation.
  • ISA Arborist Certification or demonstrated progress toward certification within a defined timeframe.
  • Knowledge of tree risk assessment methods and ability to identify common signs of pest infestation and structural failure.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; CDL or ability to obtain CDL required for operation of dump trucks and aerial lift equipment over 26,000 lbs.
  • Physical capability to climb trees, lift over 60 lbs., and perform sustained outdoor labor across varied weather conditions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the public, crew members, and supervisors in writing and verbally.

6. Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate's degree or higher in Horticulture, Forestry, Urban Forestry, or a related field.
  • ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) credential or equivalent formal training.
  • Experience administering or contributing to an Urban Forest Management Plan, tree inventory system, or municipal grant program.
  • Prior supervisory or crew-lead experience overseeing seasonal or full-time tree care staff.

7. Success Metrics & Environment

  • Percentage of service requests resolved within the department's target response window, measured monthly.
  • Number of hazardous tree complaints closed without escalation to Risk Management per quarter.
  • Tree inventory accuracy rate, reflecting completeness and currency of field-documented records.
  • Equipment inspection compliance rate, measured by pre- and post-trip inspection completion logs.
  • ISA certification status maintained without lapse, confirming ongoing adherence to professional standards.
  • Typical tools: tree inventory and work order platforms (commonly ArborPro or similar); aerial lift and climbing gear inspection logs.

8. Compensation & Benefits (US Market Benchmark)

  • Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $62,000 per year depending on certification and experience.
  • Bonus: Merit-based step increases common in municipal pay scales; no typical cash bonus.
  • Equity: Not applicable in municipal government roles.
  • Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision through public employee benefit plans.
  • PTO: 10 to 15 days vacation plus public holidays; sick leave accrual per municipal policy.
  • Common Perks: Pension or defined-benefit retirement plan, uniform and PPE provided, CDL training support, continuing education credits through CFE program.


Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

9. EEO & Legal

Work authorization in the United States is required for all positions. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, a pre-employment drug screening consistent with departmental policy. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Arborist Job Description Examples

1. Arborist (University Facilities)

The Arborist owns the health and well-being of Princeton University's exceptionally diverse tree and plant collection, one of the finest of any college in the United States, by performing pruning, IPM control, and high-risk removals across campus. Working alongside a crew leader and fellow arborists within Facilities Operations, the Arborist delivers safe, expert care that preserves the long-term presentation and vitality of all university plantings.


Key Responsibilities

  • Observe university and departmental safety regulations, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and perform all work in a safe manner.
  • Determine what trees and plants require care, including cutting, pruning, feeding, supporting, and providing IPM control measures to assure the best presentation and long healthy lives of all plantings.
  • Work with the crew leader to plan and schedule all necessary work using both in-house and contract support, and substitute for the crew leader in his absence.
  • Develop solutions for protecting and saving damaged trees and rigging for safe removals, including work in close proximity to high voltage electric lines.
  • Accept responsibility for the safety of all employees, passerby, university property, and assigned equipment during high-risk cutting and pruning operations.
  • Operate and provide operator maintenance for a wide range of tree and grounds equipment, including bucket truck, cherry picker, dump trucks, tractors, grinders, chippers, hydraulic sprayers, and snow fighting equipment.
  • Conduct regular inspections of university plantings to identify problems and recommend remedies using knowledge of tree variety and problems.
  • Prune and spray trees and plants using knowledge of IPM methods and schedules, following the university IPM plan.
  • Perform snow and ice control operations by operating snow removal equipment and/or hand tools; carry out all duties of Landscaper 1, 2, and 3 as needed.
  • Provide regular feedback to staff, keep superior informed, be responsive to directives from superiors, and support unit, departmental, and institutional goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications

  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalency.
  • Minimum two years of recent experience in tree work, with ability to become a first-class climber, ISA certified arborist, and NJ licensed tree expert.
  • Potential to become a registered NJ certified pesticide operator, ISA arborist, and LTE within 3 years.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with strong operating and operator service experience in a full range of equipment, including dump truck and bucket truck over 26,000 lbs, plow, and sander; possess a DOT/CDL license.
  • Ability to comprehend instructions, learn plant care techniques, and stay current with industry standards including pesticide regulations; must be a self-starter capable of identifying and accomplishing needed work with little or no supervision.
  • Excellent physical condition with the skills and ability to climb trees.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
  • As an essential employee, must be available to work overtime involving early and late hours and weekends, and respond promptly to emergency call-ins during inclement weather.
  • Special consideration given to applicants with extensive arborist background, horticultural experience, equipment operation, and/or experience planting large trees and diverse plant knowledge.

2. Arborist (Municipal Tree Care)

Reporting to a supervisor, the Arborist performs city and county tree care operations including hazardous tree removal, planting, equipment maintenance, and community education, generally operating with autonomy while responding to public calls about unsafe conditions. Partnering with schools and the public on special occasions such as Arbor Day, the Arborist contributes to safer roadways, cleaner sidewalks, and a greener urban environment.


Primary Duties

  • Plant trees using various hand tools and present information about planting and the importance of trees to school children on special occasions.
  • Examine and maintain all equipment by visually inspecting saws, ropes, climbing gear, and trucks, and performing general maintenance such as cleaning, sharpening, and checking fluid levels.
  • Cut, trim, and remove hazardous or dead trees on city/county property using a bucket truck, climbing gear, and various saws to clear roads and sidewalks or prevent property damage.
  • Respond to job sites, prepare the site for tree removal and trimming, and ensure worksite is clean before leaving by removing or piling debris using hand tools and knuckle boom loader.
  • Plant appropriate trees considering aesthetics and landscaping; remove trees from buckets or unwrap roots, place in holes, and stake or attach guide wire to stabilize as needed.
  • Use shovels, picks, augers, etc. to dig holes for new trees; adjust chainsaw blades as necessary to ensure safety while cutting limbs.
  • Show school children how to plant and maintain trees and assist students during planting activities.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment).
  • Possession of an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification.
  • Experience working for a professional tree service trimming and removing trees using a variety of chainsaws, ropes, saddles, and related equipment.
  • Experience using and operating a bucket truck or aerial lift to trim and remove trees.
  • Must meet all minimum qualifications by providing detailed descriptions of related experience in the work history section of the application.

3. Arborist (Commercial Tree Service)

Sitting at the intersection of field operations and tree health management, the Arborist operates power saws, bucket trucks, and climbing gear to remove damaged trees, inspect for disease and decay, and maintain safe conditions across client properties. Operating across both ground-level and canopy environments, the Arborist supports the company's commitment to safe, compliant tree care in line with OSHA, ANSI, and EPA standards.


Duties

  • Operate power saws, spraying equipment, and bucket trucks as needed.
  • Climb trees with special gear and conduct daily inspections to ensure proper maintenance.
  • Provide care to individual trees by removing excessive, obstructive, dead, or dying branches.
  • Utilize special equipment to remove fallen, storm-damaged, or unwanted trees and ensure proper disposal.
  • Evaluate tree color and texture for decay or damage and take samples to a lab for examination.
  • Assist with inspection of trees and shrubs for structural, nutritional, and disease issues; rescue trees in the event of disease, natural disaster, or physical damage.
  • Clear trees based on growth patterns and follow all safety procedures per company, OSHA, ANSI, EPA, and applicable federal/state/local requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Skills & Qualifications

  • One year of experience in arboriculture.
  • Working knowledge of climbing harnesses/hardware, ropes, stump grinders, chainsaws, wood chippers, log splitters, and bucket trucks.
  • Ability to repeatedly lift 25 pounds and kneel, bend, and stoop for extended periods; extensive driving, walking, and equipment operation required.
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions, pesticides, fertilizers, pollen, paint, and petroleum products.
  • Work performed 90% physical labor and 10% training and miscellaneous tasks, including elevated positions such as bucket truck or within tree canopy.

4. Arborist (Urban Forestry & Parks)

Embedded within Parks and Recreation Operations, the Arborist maintains city street trees to ISA standards through planting, pruning, removal, and disease treatment while leading a micro-crew and performing a broad range of park maintenance functions. Working alongside full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff under Parks Operations supervision, the Arborist supports safe, well-maintained public green spaces across the city.


Core Functions

  • Maintain city street trees per ISA standards, including tree selection, planting, trimming, pruning, removal, stump grinding, mulching, fertilizing, disease identification and treatment, and other urban forestry duties.
  • Perform city ordinance abatement tasks regarding trees and vegetation on private property.
  • Operate all equipment and tools safely and efficiently, including dump truck, bucket truck, limb chipper, chain saws, stump grinders, loaders, and appropriate PPE, ensuring safety of self, co-workers, and the public.
  • Perform a wide variety of maintenance and repair tasks for Parks and Recreation areas, including grass cutting, snow removal, custodial, construction, and equipment operation and repair.
  • Lead a micro-crew in completion of assigned responsibilities, including oversight of full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers.
  • Keep and submit simple records and routine reports.
  • Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.


Qualifications & Experience

  • High school diploma or GED required; associate's or higher degree in horticulture preferred.
  • Five years minimum in park operations or related field, with three years directly related to forestry operations and one year as tree trimmer/climber.
  • General knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used in arboriculture; ability to develop and implement tree care plans, perform climbing, ground, and aerial lift duties, and measure and document tree growth.
  • Knowledge to perform tree risk assessments and identify common signs of disease or pest infestations.
  • Skill in use of computers, preferably in a PC Windows-based environment.
  • Ability to perform a wide range of physical effort including lifting over 60 lbs., standing, walking, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, grasping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions.
  • Work regularly requires outdoor exposure, working near moving mechanical parts, vibration, and occasionally wet conditions, high places, fumes, toxic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock in loud noise environments.

5. Arborist (Consulting & Construction)

A key member of a consulting team, the Arborist delivers tree inventories, risk assessments, and preservation plans for public and private clients while reviewing civil and landscape architectural plans for tree conflicts. Collaborating across project teams and with clients to tailor scopes of work, the Arborist enables responsible development outcomes that protect urban tree resources during construction administration.


Accountabilities

  • Perform tree inventories, tree assessments, and report writing for public and private clients.
  • Review and comprehend civil, architectural, and landscape architectural plans for conflicts with trees.
  • Prepare tree preservation plans, details, and specifications.
  • Write tree preservation specifications and related documentation.
  • Monitor and document tree impacts and protection during construction administration.


Experience & Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in arboriculture.
  • ISA and/or ASCA certification.
  • Experience understanding clients' needs and tailoring project scopes.
  • Demonstrated ability to use standard computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Valid driver's license and good driving record.

6. Arborist (City Urban Forestry)

Healthy city tree canopies depend on the Arborist, who leads forestation projects, manages tree inventories, enforces arboricultural ordinances, and responds to emergency tree situations across municipal parks and street right-of-ways. Based within a city public works or parks department and serving as liaison to other departments, outside agencies, and the public, the Arborist enables long-term urban forest health through planning, grant writing, and the administration of programs such as Tree City U.S.A.


Scope of Work

  • Develop, plan, and direct forestation and reforestation projects, maintaining tree inventory and hazard tree assessment, and coordinate inspection, pruning, and pest control for all city trees.
  • Prepare annual tree-planting plan and street tree maintenance plan/inventory; investigate and prioritize service requests and prepare contracts for services.
  • Act as liaison to city departments, outside agencies, and the public; respond to inquiries and complaints with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism.
  • Oversee and/or perform trimming, removal, and cabling of trees in parks and street right-of-ways; remove, process, and dispose of debris; estimate time, materials, and equipment for assigned jobs.
  • Maintain accurate reports of daily work; develop, administer, and supervise Urban Forest Management Plan; assist in planning projects for flood, soil erosion, tree disease, and insect pest control.
  • Draft, write, and enforce ordinances, policies, and procedures relating to arboricultural and urban forestry practices; write and administer grants to improve environmental health and diversity.

Manage and coordinate specific tree programs including Tree City U.S.A.; purchase supplies and equipment within budget; maintain accurate records and departmental files.

Work with professional organizations to earn and maintain continuing education credits through the CFE program; perform other duties as needed.


Education & Experience

  • Baccalaureate degree in Biology, Forestry, or related field, with supervisory or plant background experience.
  • Ability to obtain a CDL license and physical within 120 days of hire; possession of a valid driver's license with a demonstrated safe driving record.
  • Ability to operate standard departmental equipment including chainsaw, hand tools, vehicles, small engines, heavy equipment, and aerial lift device (bucket truck).
  • Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment on multiple tasks, often under time pressure; ability to work overtime for storm response including late night, early morning, weekend, and holiday hours.
  • Ability to meet all departmental hiring requirements including passage of a drug test.

7. Utility Arborist (Municipal Parks & Boulevard)

As the Utility Arborist, this role coordinates and participates in the care and maintenance of park and boulevard trees for a crew of 8 staff, applying trades-level arboriculture techniques including pruning, climbing, rigging, cabling, and safe equipment operation within power line limits of approach. The municipal parks team relies on this work to maintain safe, well-managed green infrastructure while ensuring compliance with established schedules, performance standards, and public communication requirements.


Functions

  • Coordinate, assign, review, and participate in the work of 8 staff involved in the care and maintenance of park and boulevard trees; ensure schedules, procedures, and safety standards are met; provide training and input to performance appraisals; complete daily activity reports and time sheets.
  • Determine tree maintenance requirements for an assigned area; direct arborists or apply trades-level arboriculture techniques such as pruning, climbing, rigging, cabling, removing trees and limbs, grinding stumps, transplanting, staking, watering, and fertilizing.
  • Operate aerial lift truck, chain saws, hydraulic trim saws, and chippers; perform pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections; train staff in safe equipment operation and working within power line limits of approach.
  • Respond to public inquiries regarding tree maintenance and removal; liaise with BC Hydro Vancouver Island Control, outside contractors, and other departments to arrange work.
  • Assist in developing a long-term tree management program for the city; perform related duties where qualified.


Knowledge Skills & Abilities

  • High school graduation required.
  • B.C. Certified Utility Arborist (2-year T.Q.) and International Society of Arboriculture Certification.
  • Power Systems Safety Protection Level 2, 3, and 4; Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ); current valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's Licence with air endorsement.
  • Two years of related experience including supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize crew work, understand and apply modern arboriculture techniques, use hand tools and power equipment, and read and interpret engineering plans.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and communicate effectively and courteously with the public.

8. Arborist (Utility Line Clearing)

Arborist delivers line clearing and tree trimming services for utility customers by climbing trees, operating chainsaws and aerial lifts, and applying spray chemicals in and around power lines while enforcing on-the-job safety practices. The work directly supports safe, reliable utility infrastructure by removing hazardous limbs, clearing debris, and preserving desirable vegetation across varied outdoor environments.


What You'll Do

  • Perform line clearing and tree trimming duties including pruning, trimming, and removal of trees and removal of broken limbs from wires and roofs.
  • Climb trees for manual trimming and removals in and above power lines.
  • Prepare, operate, and maintain all tools and equipment including hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts.
  • Remove limbs and brush; clean up and dispose of debris.
  • Mix and apply spray chemicals while preserving desirable vegetation.
  • Safeguard employees and the public from hazards in and around the working area and help enforce on-the-job safety practices.
  • Be part of a tight-knit crew working in a team environment.


Professional Experience

  • At least one year of experience working as a trimmer/climber around utility wires.
  • Ability to perform physical labor including lifting a minimum of 50 lbs. to shoulder height and operating two-handed equipment such as chain saws; ability to endure extreme climate variances.
  • Open-minded, self-motivated, adaptable, and collaborative with strong people skills and willingness to give and receive constructive feedback.
  • Enjoys outdoor and varying environments; not afraid to get dirty; adventurous and driven with a strong work ethic.
  • Must be willing to work as part of a tight-knit crew in a team environment.

9. Arborist (ISA Certified Consulting)

The Arborist owns all aspects of field arboriculture quality by performing tree inspections, preparing felling and conservation plans, liaising with authorities on tree cutting approvals, and supervising sub-contractors to ensure all work meets ISA standards. Working closely with project and site teams in an outdoor construction and compliance setting, the Arborist enables projects to proceed with proper tree protection measures and regulatory approvals in place.


Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Maintain quality of work and ensure all professional advice is based on ISA standards.
  • Facilitate technical guidance and support to project and site teams on arboriculture knowledge and skills.
  • Plan and perform tree inspections, including prescribing, documenting, and following up on tree maintenance, protection, and mitigation measures.
  • Liaise with relevant authorities on transplanting and approval for tree cutting and site clearance.
  • Prepare tree felling plans, conservation measures, protection plans, and other paperwork to obtain required authorities' approval.
  • Supervise relevant sub-contractors and execute arboricultural work on site.
  • Perform other relevant duties as assigned.


Background & Experience

  • Diploma, degree, or certificate in Arboriculture or related field preferred.
  • ISA Certified Arborist with at least 3 years of experience in arboricultural work; ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is an advantage.
  • English-speaking required.
  • Willing to work in an outdoor environment and adapt to a fast-paced setting.
  • Must be able to perform arboriculture services after office hours if required.

10. Sales Arborist (Tree Care Sales)

Reporting to JRTS management, the Sales Arborist builds and maintains long-term client relationships by accurately estimating costs for pruning, removal, cabling, and plant health care services while representing the standards of a TCIA accredited company founded in 1997. Partnering with crew foremen and clients across sales channels including referrals, cold calls, and marketing campaigns, the Sales Arborist drives revenue growth by achieving established sales goals and ensuring sustained customer satisfaction.


Role Responsibilities

  • Embody the vision of JRTS and maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance at customer sites.
  • Accurately estimate time and cost for crews to carry out pruning, removal, cabling, plant health care, and IPM.
  • Develop and maintain long-term relationships with clients and trade allies; sell to existing clients, contact form leads, referrals, cold calls, and marketing campaigns.
  • Clearly communicate client expectations to the foreman; check in with crews to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Assist in handling client complaints according to company policy; attend sales meetings and training sessions.
  • Achieve established sales goals.


Technical Qualifications

  • AA or BS degree in urban forestry, horticulture, environmental science, or related field, and/or 2–3 years of experience.
  • ISA Certified Arborist certification preferred or ability to obtain within one year; Certification in First Aid/CPR required.
  • Preferred 1 year of hands-on tree service experience including knowledge of shade trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and plant health care.
  • Ability to effectively price tree care recommendations; proven track record of attaining sales goals preferred.
  • Proficient in MS Office suite and knowledge of CRM use; attentive to detail with strong analytical and math skills.
  • Excellent customer service, telephone etiquette, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be reliable, self-motivated, safety-focused, and able to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
  • Bilingual preferred.
  • Valid driver's license, clear driving record, and ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screens and background check.

11. Utility Arborist Specialist (Electric Utility Vegetation Management)

Utility Arborist Specialist patrols transmission lines and distribution grids across SCE's 50,000-square-mile service territory to ensure vegetation compliance with CPUC, NERC, and environmental regulations while overseeing 8 to 10 contract tree crews for work management and invoice approval. The work directly supports the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to 14 million residents by maintaining compliant right-of-way conditions and coordinating storm response, permitting, and QA/QC reviews of all contract operations.


Operational Focus

  • Patrol transmission lines and distribution grids using an assigned Edison vehicle to ensure compliance with governmental regulations and public safety of power line operations.
  • Oversee 8–10 contract tree crews for work management and invoice approval.
  • Coordinate work order requests, permitting, and response to all storm events.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, ordinances, and multiple governmental agencies and industry trade organizations.
  • Work with an electronic work management system to track, release, and manage all work in progress and completed by contract operations.
  • Participate in annual coordination with joint SCE/Fire agencies for line patrols; provide technical support to SCE contractors.
  • Perform QA/QC reviews of contract work; conduct contractor field safety reviews and tree-caused circuit interruption reviews for validation.
  • Respond to county, city, and homeowner requests and inquiries; support district work order assignments.
  • Perform regional duty assignments on a rotating basis.


Experience & Qualifications

  • Five or more years of experience in Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) within the electric utility industry.
  • Experience managing multiple field vegetation projects for compliance and reliability; experience inspecting transmission and distribution power lines for vegetation compliance and representing the company at city council meetings or public hearings.
  • Current ISA Arborist certification.
  • Valid U.S. Driver's License.
  • Knowledge of CPUC GO 95 Rule 35, PRC 4292 & 4293, environmental habitat areas, and NERC/WECC/ISO regulations.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and work management systems.

12. Arborist (Forestry Manager)

Embedded within a county parks agency, the Arborist (Forestry Manager) leads a full-time forestry staff of 7 to 10 employees, overseeing all tree care operations on parkland including inventory management, hazard assessments, contractor oversight, and budget development. Working closely with agency leadership, park maintenance crews, developers, and the Board of Supervisors, the Arborist (Forestry Manager) delivers a comprehensive urban forest management program that protects public safety and preserves arboreal resources countywide.


Leadership Responsibilities

  • Oversee all Forestry Operations staff and contractors; manage tree inventory, identify historic and specimen trees, and establish measures for their protection.
  • Develop and maintain long-range operational work plans, budgets, and comprehensive plans for protecting and preserving arboreal resources on parkland.
  • Develop, edit, and review tree care service contracts; prepare operating and capital budgets; draft formal budget documents for additional resource requests.
  • Draft, review, and present guideline material related to tree protection and maintenance; serve as point of contact to contractors and inspect and certify adequacy of completed work.
  • Monitor and evaluate trees for hazardous conditions, insect or disease infestations; respond to hazardous tree complaints and investigate damage claims.
  • Analyze data for all activities and field reporting; provide technical advice, training, and assistance to park maintenance crews and facility managers on tree issues.
  • Oversee storm response for damaged park trees; review and approve monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for all staff and contractors.
  • Attend meetings, public hearings, and conferences as county or department representative; prepare and present data before Park Authority Board and Board of Supervisors.
  • Oversee development and training programs for all Forestry personnel; conduct performance evaluations for Arborists and oversee all Forestry staff performance.
  • Perform other duties as needed, including assisting with in-house field work when required; may be designated as emergency service personnel.


Position Requirements

  • Extensive knowledge of urban forestry, forest pest management, arboricultural practices, and horticultural and landscape installation practices.
  • Thorough knowledge of GIS/GPS software, vegetation and forest health surveys, felling, planting, spraying, pruning, and fertilizing practices, and potential hazards and safety precautions.
  • Thorough knowledge of county codes as they relate to trees; knowledge of new developments in urban forestry.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and direct tree crew operations; supervise, train, and counsel Forestry personnel; assess impact of construction and urbanization on trees.
  • Ability to maintain comprehensive records and produce correspondence, reports, and presentations using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
  • Ability to budget resources and establish effective working relationships with municipalities, developers, contractors, civic groups, other departments, and the public.
  • Ability to make presentations to small and medium-sized audiences, Park Board, and Board of Supervisors.

Editorial Process and Content Quality

This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.

Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.

Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.

Learn more about our editorial standards.