Field Arborist

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Salary Range: $51,035.56- $68,132.47

General Description and Classification Standards:
The Arborist I (Field Arborist) position in the Department of City Planning enforces the City's Tree Protection Ordinance and assists residents and professionals with tree-related issues. Responsibilities include evaluating tree health, issuing removal permits, inspecting construction sites for compliance with approved plans, issuing fines and fees for code violations, entering data into the City’s tracking systems, and representing the Arborist Division at Tree Conservation Commission hearings.

The Arborist I ensures high-quality customer service and supports the City’s mission and core values.

Posting Expires:
Until Filled.

Supervision Received:
Works under general supervision and reports to the Lead Field Arborist. May work independently or as part of a team with responsibility for completing assigned tasks.

• Issue permits and inspection reports; respond to customer inquiries by phone, email, or letter.
• Maintain detailed inspection logs and database records.
• Accurately assess and calculate fines and fees when applicable.
• Represent the Arborist Division in appeal hearings and municipal court proceedings.
• Collaborate with developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners to ensure compliance.
• Educate the public and community groups on tree protection regulations and best practices.
• Exhibit professionalism and effective interpersonal skills in customer interactions.

• Evaluate trees for health, risk, and code compliance.
• Issue permits for removal of trees that are dead, dying, or hazardous.
• Post public notices regarding potential tree impacts on construction sites.
• Inspect active sites for tree protection compliance; perform final inspections for CO issuance.
• Issue citations for violations of the Tree Protection Ordinance.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Follows established procedures, ordinances, and protocols. Exercises sound judgment when determining compliance, issuing citations, or escalating complex issues to senior staff.

Provides guidance and training to interns, temporary employees, or junior team members. May serve in a lead role in the absence of a supervisor.

• permitting processes and Tree Protection Ordinance.
• Arboricultural practices, hazard tree identification, and root zone impact assessment.
• Customer service principles and procedures.
• Performing detailed with accuracy and minimal supervision.
• Issuing permits, calculating fines, and writing concise reports.
• Conducting tree risk assessments and reading site plans.
• Interpret and enforce municipal codes and regulations.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Work independently in the field and collaborate across departments.
• Analyze site conditions and provide practical, code-compliant solutions.

Education and Experience – Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, Forestry, Horticulture, or a related field, and one (1) year of experience as an Arborist; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties.

Required Licenses and Certifications – Valid Georgia Driver’s License;
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification.

Preferred – Experience interpreting site plans and technical drawings;
Certification or experience in hazard tree evaluation;
Background in public service or community engagement.

Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments. Field duties may include exposure to various weather conditions, terrain, and construction activity.

Lifting Requirements – Sedentary work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Light work:
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

Medium work:
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Heavy work:
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Very heavy work:
Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Equal Opportunity statement and disability accommodation information as previously provided.