Arborist; Natural Resource Specialist ; In-Training) NW Region

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 In-Training)

Location: Burlington, WA

Closes: This job posting has been extended and will remain open until filled. The hiring manager serves the right to make a decision at any time.

Position Status: Permanent full-time. Position may be filled at the Natural Resource Specialist 1, 2, or 3 level depending on qualifications. Candidates hired at the Natural Resource Specialist 1 or 2 level will be required to successfully complete an in‑training program prior to promoting to the goal class of Natural Resource Specialist
3. Completion of the in‑training program varies by employee and can take between 6 and 30 months.

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an experienced Arborist (NRS 3 In‑Training) for our Northwest 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 seven‑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.

The Arborist(Natural Resource Specialist 3 In‑Training) serves as one of two highly trained and proficient arborists on the Northwest region arbor crew, based in Burlington, WA. The two‑person regional arbor crew works closely together to support parks staff and prioritize 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 presence is required to perform essential functions.

The Natural Resource Specialist 3 in‑training reports to the Arbor Program Supervisor and coordinates with the Natural Resources Program Manager and Agency Forester to prioritize and manage Washington State Parks' trees and forests through selective high risk tree identification and removal, training, tree replacement strategies, pruning, and insect and disease identification and treatment techniques.

• Plans, schedules, organizes, coordinates, directs and controls the arboricultural field work in multiple parks as well as with interagency partners.
• Maintains records on tree assessment, maintenance, monitoring, pruning and/or removal activities.
• Assesses tree risk and performs tree care operations.
• Works in close coordination with crew members to expertly remove trees to reduce hazardous conditions, promote tree health, and protect people and property.
• Maintains arboriculture equipment 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.
• Work requires the use of various types of office equipment, including computer, telephone system, printer, copier, Microsoft Office products, GIS/GPS software.

This position works primarily outdoors, which may include strenuous walking through undeveloped areas with no trails up to 10 hours a day in all weather conditions. This position functions at a high physical level - climbing trees for pruning and rescue purposes, felling trees, and lifting heavy objects in excess of 40 pounds.

Travel is…