Arborist I

The Morton Arboretum is a globally recognized public garden dedicated to the planting and preservation of trees and other plants to create a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, our 1,718-acre site features  16 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of roads, and a living collection of roughly 222,000 plant specimens spanning 4,650 plant taxa. The Arborist I plays a vital role in caring for and maintaining the trees in our collections,natural areas, and landscapes. In this handson position, you will prune and/or  remove trees & shrubs to ensure safety and health, install and maintain structural support & lightning protection systems, treat trees with pesticides when necessary, and assist with seasonal tasks such as invasive species control, snow removal, and storm damage cleanup. 

Location: The Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL)

Position Summary: 

Perform a variety of functions related to the care and maintenance of trees on the 1,700 acres of Arboretum property, which include landscapes, collections, and natural areas. These functions include pruning, removals, hazard evaluation, and the installation of support and lightning protection systems. 

Essential Functions: 

• Prune and groom trees and shrubs for health, safety, and appearance. Remove dead and hazardous trees. Clean area of debris after removal of trees and shrubs.
• Install and maintain lightning protection systems. Cable and brace trees with structural defects.
• Apply pesticides as needed, which may necessitate the use of tree injection equipment for some treatments.
• Participate in winter clearing of natural areas for the control of invasive species, preservation of desirable species, and expansion of collection areas. 
• Participate in snow removal operations and storm damage clean-up.
• Provide assistance for special events, exhibits, and the wood reutilization program.
• Provide operational support to Arboretum scientists for their ongoing research projects.
• Perform all duties with the highest safety standards and quality standards in accordance with A.N.S.I. A300 (quality) and Z133 (safety). Safely operate and maintain all motorized equipment according to the operator’s manuals. Participate in and present safety talks to the crew on a regular basis. 
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required. 3+ years of demonstrable arboricultural work experience required. Must be able to obtain and maintain certification as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist within 12 months of hire or promotion and an Illinois Pesticide Operator's license within 3 months of hire or promotion. Ability to identify common tree species and major insect and disease problems affecting trees in the Midwest required. Ability to climb trees and use the equipment necessary to perform various types of tree work is required. Strong verbal and written communication skills required. Must be able to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License within 9 months of hire, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Must become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR (classes provided). Must become familiar with and utilize GIS mapping and field apps to assist with the tracking and record keeping of tree maintenance work. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications beneficial.  

Success Factors: Ability and willingness to adapt to a wide variety of duties and responsibilities in all weather conditions. Decision making skills and the ability to prioritize. A clear understanding of A.N.S.I. A300 pruning standards as well as A.N.S.I. Z133 safety standards and the ability to utilize these standards to ensure safe work practices. Strong work ethic and a commitment to continuing education within the field of arboriculture. Ability to relate effectively and work with people of various backgrounds and ages. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment:  The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Requires significant amount of physical activity: some lifting and carrying (up to 80 lbs.), climbing (up to 70 ft.), walking on varied terrain, and traveling by vehicles. Sense of vision and hearing in the normal range with or without correction. Sense of touch and the ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required.

• Work Environment: Work is performed mostly outdoors in all weather conditions. 

• Equipment: Climbing equipment, arborist tools, snow equipment, aerial lift truck, chipper, stump grinder, dump truck, utility vehicles, two-way radio, tablet, Chromebook, general office equipment. 

• Schedule: May require occasional evening and weekend work.

The expected hiring range for this position is annualized at $54,000-$57,000 based on experience, and up to $59,000 for candidates that meet the Class B Commercial Driver’s License requirement. Experience and qualifications will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of the final offer. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package. 

For full consideration, please include a resume and cover letter with application.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success.  The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status.  To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.