Arborist

Overview

Mount Auburn Cemetery is a 175‑acre National Historic Landmark in Watertown and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, it is visited by over 200,000 people each year and serves as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement. The site features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants, and is an accredited arboretum.

Performs tree maintenance including pruning, cabling, fertilizing, planting, spraying, injecting and tree removals. Climbs with rope and saddle and operates an aerial lift. Performs a variety of other arboricultural and horticultural tasks such as plant pest monitoring and shrub pruning.

• Perform all necessary tree pruning, removals, storm damage repairs, cabling, and other tree work.
• Operate aerial lift, climb with rope and saddle, handle chipper, chainsaw, hydraulic sprayer, stump grinder and Bobcat in a safe and proper manner.
• Perform I.P.M. and plant health care functions including pest monitoring, spraying pesticides, tree injections, and required record keeping.
• Perform routine maintenance on arboriculture department equipment (brush chipper, spray rig, stump grinder, chain saws) including sharpening chains, replacing blades, changing oil, replacing air filters and applying grease.
• Plant and transplant trees and shrubs; guy and stake trees as needed.
• Aerial rescue another arborist in an emergency.
• Use hand pruners, handsaw, pole saw, pole pruner and a variety of small battery‑operated and gas‑powered equipment.
• Train other full‑time, seasonal and intern staff as necessary.
• Fertilize and treat trees or shrubs by various industry methods.
• Assist with the general operation and organization of the Recycling Area.
• Assist with snow removal as necessary.
• Use an automated time‑badge system for time and attendance recordkeeping.
• May be required to perform duties requested by the Director of Horticulture Operations.
• Follow all cemetery safety policies including PPE, chemical handling, ladder safety, and heavy‑object lifting. Report unsafe conditions to the Arboriculture Supervisor and suggest improvements.

• One to two years of arborist experience.
• Degree in Arboriculture or Horticulture preferred.
• Heavy work including moving objects up to 80 lb on a frequent basis.
• Ability to work in various positions for extended periods, including climbing, bending, twisting, reaching, and pulling.
• Ability to work outdoors in all seasons, including harsh weather.
• Massachusetts Certified Arborist or ISA Certified preferred.
• Core Pesticide Applicator’s License must be obtained within six months after hire.
• DOT medical card required.
• Driver’s License required (CDL Class B preferred).
• Massachusetts Hoisting License 2A preferred.
• Core Pesticide Applicator’s License preferred.
• Training and licensing financial assistance available.

7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends as required. Salary: $32–$34 /hr.

Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal‑opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.