Arborist

The University of New Mexico • Albuquerque, NM

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Facility Services is seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable, and safety-focused Arborist to join its Landscaping Services team. This role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the campus landscape, supporting the health, safety, and sustainability of UNM's urban forest. The Arborist will be responsible for preserving and enhancing campus resources through expert arboricultural practices, including planting, pruning, hazard assessment, disease and pest management, and long-term tree care. UNM is recognized as a Level I Arboretum by ArbNet and a 2024 Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation, highlighting its commitment to tree stewardship, education, and environmental sustainability. The campus boasts over 5,000 trees of 235 species, providing significant environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, stormwater runoff reduction, improved air and water quality, campus cooling, energy conservation, and wind reduction. Facility Services manages over 10 million square feet of facilities and 680 acres of open space.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• ISA Arborist certification required within 1 year of hire.
• NM Pesticide License in Ornamental and Turf Pest Control must be obtained within 6 months of date of hire.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Nice To Haves

• ISA Arborist Certified
• New Mexico Pesticide License in Ornamental and Turf Pest Control
• Experience in tree care, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, or urban forestry.
• Knowledge of tree identification, planting, pruning, and maintenance best practices.
• Experience identifying and treating tree diseases, insect infestations, and environmental stress conditions.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power equipment, chainsaws, and related arboricultural equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining a positive customer-service approach.
• Experience maintaining records, inventories, and work documentation, via electronic devices.
• Excellent communication skills

Responsibilities

• Repairs, cables, fertilizes, waters, and prunes trees and other woody plants; removes dead, diseased or declining trees and woody plants.
• Plants and transplants woody plants to include hole preparation, backfilling, staking, pruning, watering, and mulching.
• Recognizes disease and insect problems of trees and woody plants and applies appropriate treatments.
• May assist in various maintenance activities as required.
• Maintains records of work performed.
• May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
• Assists in maintaining tree inventory records.
• Identifies potentially hazardous trees and other tree-related problems.
• May perform snow removal as required.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Benefits: Pension and additional retirement plan options with generous employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave accruals, plus 11 paid holidays annually.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification, career growth, and tuition remission benefits for employees and eligible dependents.
• Job Stability: Enjoy the benefits of working for New Mexico's flagship institution with opportunities for long-term career advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED