Eastern Region Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 In-Training)

State of Washington•Douglas County - East Wenatchee, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an experienced Arborist (NRS 3 In-Training) for our eastern region. Trees in Washington State Parks are among our most treasured natural resources, serving and shaping the character, ecology, and intrinsic value of over 124 parks statewide. In this role you will be an integral member of our six-person agency team of experts on highly technical tree felling and pruning, tree risk management, plant health care, and specialized forestry, arboriculture, and horticulture services. This position serves as one of two highly trained and proficient Arborists for the Eastern Region Arbor Crew, based in East Wenatchee, WA. The Regional Arbor Crew works closely together to support parks staff and manage Washington State Parks' trees and forests for current and future generations. Our ideal candidate has a passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors. We are looking for someone with proven initiative, and a positive attitude, who is team-oriented, and self-motivated. This is a unique opportunity to share your experience in tree care while enhancing the knowledge and skills of on-site park's staff throughout the state. This position is not eligible to telework, as physical in-office and /or park presence is required to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Two (2) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations (for NRS 1).
Three (3) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations (for NRS 2).
Four (4) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations (for NRS 3).
Valid driver’s license.
The ability to obtain State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment (for NRS 1).
A Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment (for NRS 2).
Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) (for NRS 3).
First Aid/CPR card or obtain within the first 12 months of employment (for NRS 1).
First Aid/CPR card or ability to obtain within 12 months (for NRS 2).
First Aid/CPR card (for NRS 3).
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or the ability to obtain within the first 12 months of employment (for NRS 2).
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist (for NRS 3).
Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (or equivalent) or the ability to obtain within 18 months (for NRS 2).
Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (or equivalent) (for NRS 3).

Nice To Haves

College coursework or degree in forestry, arboriculture, plant pathology, entomology, natural resource management, or related field.

Responsibilities

Plans, schedules, organizes, coordinates, and directs arboricultural field work in eastern Washington.
Maintains records on tree assessment, maintenance, monitoring, pruning and removal activities.
Assesses tree risk to guide management decisions and performs tree care operations on the ground and aloft.
Works in close coordination with crew members to expertly remove trees to reduce hazardous conditions, promote tree health, and protect people and property.
Operates heavy equipment including heavy trucks, aerial lifts, skid steers, log skidders, chippers and masticators.
Maintains arboriculture equipment fleet including aerial lift, brush chipper, spray equipment, stump grinder, chainsaws, rigging equipment, climbing equipment, winch, and various hand tools related to tree and plant care.
Upholds agency rules and policies for the conservation of State Parks' natural resources.
Evaluate tree health, identify hazards (structural defects, pathogens, insects), and prescribe actions that minimize agency risk while promoting forest longevity.
Proficiently perform technical tree care operations, including directional felling, climbing, and complex rigging.
Safely operate and maintain specialized machinery like aerial lifts, chippers, skid steers, and various chainsaws while conducting routine tool inspections.
Adhere to and enforce strict safety protocols, agency directives, and permitting laws, with the authority to halt unsafe work.
Plan, schedule, and coordinate fieldwork with interagency partners and park staff, while maintaining accurate records on tree monitoring and maintenance.
Assist in training park staff on tree risk and safe equipment use, while actively supporting conservation efforts, pest management, and the protection of historic trees.
Take action to learn and grow: Considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives. Practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases. Taking responsibility for learning and adapting, rather than relying on others to fill gaps.
Take action to meet the needs of others: Adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals. Welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives. Increasing access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others.