Climbing Arborist

Climbing Arborist

Location: Williamsburg, VA
Salary: 24.50 - 28.00

The Climbing Arborist assist in the daily maintenance of Colonial Williamsburg trees and performs landscape tasks in accordance with department standards. This position is deemed essential personnel and is required to report whether the Foundation is closed or not, regardless of the emergency weather related, or otherwise.

Essential Functions:

· Works in a safe manner at all times to protect self, coworkers, the public, guests and property. Stays current on safety regulations and procedures and performs work tasks in compliance with regulations and procedures. Enforces safety policies, regulations and procedures.

· Performs and manages all arboricultural practices in a safe and professional manner; including tree climbing, rigging, pruning, take down, cabling, bracing, lightening protection, stump removal, aeration, fertilization, injection, and other related duties.

· Operates and maintains all hand and powered equipment normally used in the tree care industry, including saws, chipper, drill, dump truck, winch truck, front end loaders, fork lift, bucket truck, etc. Stays abreast of current technology in tree care equipment and recommends equipment acquisition to management personnel.

· Operate and maintain climbing gear, chainsaws, and other tree care equipment.

· Operate bucket trucks and other equipment safely for tree care operations.

· Conduct routine inspections of trees to identify health issues or hazards.

· Working closely with the ground crew and foreman to finish each job clean and safe.

· Demonstrates a broad knowledge of tree identification and cultural requirements, recognizes common disease symptoms and structural defects.

· Participates in seminars or other Colonial Williamsburg sponsored educational programs related to tree care.

· Assists creating and implementing training program for arborist trainees.

· Assists in support operations for landscape and other departments.

· Ability to interact positively with the public; to answer questions and represent the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

· Performs other landscape maintenance duties as required.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:

Required:

· Knowledge and intermediate skills of arboriculture practices

· Proficient in all phases of arboriculture normally gained through three years’ experience in the tree care industry.

· High School Diploma or GED

· Certified Tree Climber by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

·Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.

• Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Preferred:

· Registered Technicians License for the application of pesticides.

Qualifications:

· Ability to read instructions and write reports.

· Able to work a flexible schedule, to include being on standby at the manager’s request on evenings, weekends and holidays.

· The driver’s license and the ISA certification must be maintained current and valid.

· Serves as working leader for arborists trainees and intern gardeners.

· Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

· Ability to climb using SRT or DRT arboriculture methods.

· A strong understanding of rigging and advanced climbing techniques.

· Capable of operating large equipment, ie. skid steer and loader

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.