Arborist

Elon University • Elon, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arborist position is responsible for the health and appearance of the trees on the Elon University campus. This is a skilled position which works with the other university arborists to maintain, prune, remove, transplant, and plants trees using horticultural and industry approved practices. They are also responsible for keeping the tree inventory up to date.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with more than 8 years of experience
• Must have the ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals and technical literature.
• Verbal skills required to effectively communicate work assignments and interacting with landscape contractors.
• Must be able to understand basic arithmetic calculations in order to calculate areas, calibrate application equipment and apply fertilizers and pesticides accurately.
• Able to perform accurate materials and cost estimates for projects.
• Must be able to perform detailed visual observation of trees and ascertain information, while working in the field, to determine if there is a general decline in the health of plant material and determine what corrective measures must be taken.
• Computer experience with PC's, experience with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel is required.
• Two (2) years' experience in all phases of arboriculture equipment use including stump grinders, chain saws, woodchippers, aerial lifts, and other equipment of the trade.
• Must possess a valid NC Driver’s license and be insurable by the University carrier.
• A NC Pesticide License is required or must be obtained within six months of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity of Arborscope program a plus.
• Climbing highly preferred.
• An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification is preferred.
• A NC Certified Plant Professional certification is desired.
• Associate degree, or vocational or technical school degree in Arboriculture or related field

Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing the health and appearance of trees throughout the university landscape and university owned property. This shall include diagnosing: tree health issues or improper growing conditions, understanding and following appropriate IPM practices to determine and perform pesticide applications, perform: weed control and removal, fertilization, watering, planting, pruning and removal of tree material.
• Arborist will maintain, document, and report the tree inventory on-campus annually and update through the Arborscope database. They will recommend trees for removal annually, unless immediate removal is necessary. They assist with safely removing the tree, debris, and stumps. This includes coordinating efforts with tree contractors when necessary. Make recommendations for replacement trees and assist with acquisition of trees to be planted. Order, install, and maintain the tree labels throughout the campus botanical garden.
• Arborist will maintain the pot-in-pot nursery to include potting trees and periodically moving to larger pots before going out into the campus landscape, They will recommend placement of the trees on-campus and assist with planting the trees. Record current inventory in the nursery bi-annually, as well as documenting species that did not survive in the pots. Recommend new trees to add to the nursery collection.
• Perform scheduled maintenance activities to include but not limited to the support of special events, projects, conferences, and other activities hosted on the campus of Elon University.
• Community is foundational to Elon and a shared responsibility within our residential campus. All who work at Elon should demonstrate an understanding of and engagement with Elon’s foundational commitment to relationships, mentoring and collaboration in a close-knit residential community. We embrace the shared responsibility to foster inclusive excellence within a strong residential community. Accordingly, employees are expected to join together and build connections in activities that foster an active and engaged campus environment and engage in professional development to support the shared responsibility of enriching diversity, equity, and inclusion through meaningful relationships and mentoring at Elon. Employees are encouraged to, for example, attend or participate in campus activities such as College Coffee, Numen Lumen, campus cultural events, athletic events, continuing education, professional development opportunities and trainings, employee resource groups and other university-sponsored activities to demonstrate an active commitment to the Elon community.

Benefits

• 28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation.
• Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses
• Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment.
• Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university.
• Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic.
• Free use of campus fitness facilities.
• Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.
• Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service.
• After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

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