Job Description

Arborist

Holden Arboretum

Opportunity:

The Horticulture & Collections department seeks a skilled, professional arborist to join the Horticulture & Collections team. The Arborist will use sound horticultural and arboricultural principles to plant, establish, cultivate & prune trees, ensuring trees & woody plants are grown, cared for, and displayed in ideal conditions. This position will use land management skills to protect and enhance bodies of water, fields and meadows, trails, and other natural areas within the Arboretum. This position will also prune, maintain, and improve the trees and shrubs in the Collection. The Arborist will implement and facilitate progressive and continual improvement of individual specimen trees throughout the Arboretum Core with guidance from the Director of Land & Tree Care. This position will work closely and regularly with other members of the Horticulture & Collections department, to plan tree maintenance and pruning schedules.

The Arborist will manage occasional volunteer groups, and work collaboratively with departmental staff, sharing knowledge and training as appropriate to achieve tree care goals. All members of the Horticulture & Collections team contribute to elevating guest experience by sharing knowledge with guests and colleagues through HF&G education and social media streams. Occasional work will be required at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and Leach Research Station campuses. We are seeking a professional with a positive can-do attitude that leads to successful teamwork, superb customer service and a high-quality aesthetic. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio's communities through our mission-driven programs. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work.

Position Details:

* Reports to Director of Tree & Land Care

* Non-Exempt position

* Full Time

* Consistent Hours Monday-Friday 7:00am - 3:30 pm

* some evening and weekend requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Arborist include, but are not limited to:

* Be able to safely climb, maintain and/or remove entire trees or tree pieces as necessary, in accordance with industry standards

* Expand and implement knowledge of arboriculture and horticulture

* Report to the Director of Land and Tree Care to identify required work

* Implement a standard practices of seasonal maintenance

* Communicate with Curator of Living Collections and Nursery Manager to schedule tree plantings

* Plant, establish and maintain trees and shrubs e.g.: digging, mulching, watering, anchoring, staking, caging, pruning, and feeding

* Prune young trees from ground level or with mechanical lift

* Ensure all tree care work is performed in accordance with industry and organizational standards

* Address tree safety issues promptly

* Remove invasive and unwanted brush in and around specimen trees

* Maintain proper operation of equipment including, but not limited to hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts

* Identify and control of weeds, plant pests and diseases using pesticides and herbicides, developing sustainable practices

* Mow and string trim around selected Collection specimens

* Carryout invasive plant management in water bodies and field and meadow areas

* Learn, understand, and adhere to all safety rules and company safety policies

* Clear the deer fence from trees and other vegetation

* Provide oversight and guidance to Arborist Assistant, seasonal labor, volunteers, students, and NOWCorps Service Members Proficient in use of industry specific mechanical, electric and hand powered tools and equipment

* Operate tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments

* Inspect and maintains equipment in safe operating condition, including sharpening and storage, and reports broken and damaged equipment when appropriate

* Assist in observation and tracking condition of donor tributes

* Engage with donors and Board members as requested Safely perform and supervise all aspects of arboriculture, including, but not limited to pruning, rigging, removals, and debris removal

* Assist with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties

* Identify pests and diseases, applies treatments, and takes corrective action

* Assist in the hiring process as requested, including resume review, and participating in interview panels

* Assist with the design, installation, and maintenance of interior and exterior exhibits associated with special shows and events

* Prune, cable, and brace trees to ensure structural integrity and safety

* Rig and safely remove trees, utilizing ropes, knots, and specialized equipment and managed waste generated from tree care operations, ensuring proper disposal and site cleanliness

* Assist Curator of Plant Collections with labeling plants on the grounds

* Perform basic irrigation repairs

* Establish turf and calculate seeding rates

* Shares arboriculture expertise with other professionals and laypersons through classes, workshops, public tours, educational displays, printed publications, participation in conferences and relevant organizational meetings Maintains and updates AOP (Annual Operating Plan) document

* Actively participate in organizational meetings, committees, trainings, and events to promote a culture centered around trust, sharing and collaboration

* Continue learning to maintain up to date best arboriculture practices

* Collaborate and communicate with various Holden Forests & Gardens' department initiatives

* Formal record keeping (IPM, training, curatorial documents, etc.)

* Assist in developing projected yearly budgets

Qualifications and Skills

* Supports Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values

* A Bachelor's degree in arboriculture, horticulture, botany, biology, or related field

* Significant practical arboriculture experience in a garden/ arboretum of merit and deep plant knowledge will be considered in lieu of a degree

* Must be or willing to become certified in aerial rescue safety within 3 months of hire

* 3 years of experience with knowledge of tree planting, pruning, and cultural conditions

* Familiarity with all aspects of arboriculture, including, but not limited to pruning, cabling & bracing, rigging, removals, ropes/ knots, and waste management

* Familiarity with use and maintenance of industry specific mechanical, electric and hand powered tools and equipment

* Ability to identify the presence of common species, specific pests and diseases and propose and administer treatment when applicable

* Must have or be willing to be Adult First AidCPRAED certified

* Proficient in use of industry specific mechanical, electric and gas powered tools and equipment

* Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills

* Minimum of 3 years' experience in arboriculture or horticulture

* ISA certified or be able to certify within 1 year of hire

* Experience working with pesticides and the ability to certify Ohio Pesticide Applicator's license within 1 year of hire

* Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive

* Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

* Working primarily outdoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit

* Willing and able to operate small power equipment on the ground and aloft in trees

* Perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions

* Often working alone

* Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven or rocky

* Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing, lifting, ascending and descending a ladder

* Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis daily

* Ability to walk an average of 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain; occasionally more

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability & short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes |

Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Apply:

Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G also provides regular DEAI training for staff, managers, volunteers and Board to create a welcoming and accessible environment.

Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Qualified applicants must submit rsum, cover letter explaining why you are interested in furthering their experience arboriculture and how this role is part of your career path along with 3 professional references by November 17, 2024.

Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country's foremost public gardens.

Holden Forests & Gardens

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Seasonal work, Immediate start, Outdoor, Work alone, Weekend work, Afternoon shift, Monday to Friday,

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