Arborist

University of New Mexico • Albuquerque, NM

5d • $18 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of New Mexico Facility Services is seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable, and safety-focused Arborist to join our Landscaping Services team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to help maintain and enhance one of New Mexico's most beautiful and diverse campus landscapes while supporting the health, safety, and sustainability of UNM's urban forest. As an Arborist, you will play a key role in preserving and enhancing these valuable campus resources. Working alongside a team of dedicated landscape professionals, you will help maintain the health, safety, and beauty of UNM's tree canopy through expert arboricultural practices, including planting, pruning, hazard assessment, disease and pest management, and long-term tree care. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about arboriculture and committed to making a lasting impact on one of New Mexico's most distinctive and environmentally significant campus landscapes. The University of New Mexico is proud to be recognized by ArbNet as a Level I Arboretum, reflecting the University's commitment to responsible tree stewardship, education, and environmental sustainability. UNM's campus is home to more than 5,000 trees representing 235 species, creating a living collection that supports educational, research, recreational, and community engagement opportunities. These trees provide numerous environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, stormwater runoff reduction, improved air and water quality, campus cooling through shade and transpiration, energy conservation, and wind reduction around campus facilities. UNM was also recognized as a 2024 Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation. This designation recognizes colleges and universities dedicated to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and engagement. The recognition reflects UNM's commitment to maintaining a Campus Tree Advisory Committee, implementing a Campus Tree Care Plan, investing in tree maintenance, participating in Arbor Day observances, and supporting service-learning projects that promote environmental stewardship. Facility Services consists of Building & Landscape Services, Facilities Design & Construction (FDC), Facilities Customer Services, Facilities Support Services, and Technical Services and is responsible for maintaining more than 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.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• 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

• Access to competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Pension and additional retirement plan options with generous employer contributions.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals, plus 11 paid holidays annually.
• Opportunities for training, certification, career growth, and tuition remission benefits for employees and eligible dependents.
• Comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs.

What This Job Offers

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