Lead Arborist

Position Title: Lead Arborist

Reports to: Arboretum Manager of Horticulture

Paygrade: 27

Salary: $28.97 - $36.22

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Workplace Status: Full-time

Posting Dates: 10/12/2026 – 11/12/2026

Gardens are an essential part of the human experience. We visit gardens to find peace and healing, to be with friends and family and to better understand and connect with the natural world. Plants shape how we live, what we notice, and how we care for one another.

Right now, we are building something extraordinary in Seattle: an exceptional organization that brings together the unique strengths of the Arboretum Foundation and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens. We are joining forces to become a destination garden, exemplifying leadership in scientific research, public engagement, and inclusive access. Our vision is to be a home for discovery, a force for sustainability, and a gateway to wonder.

In every visit and through every season, we’ll help people of all ages meaningfully connect with the living world of plants and how they shape our lives and our shared future.

The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum includes a vibrant collection of more than 40,000 plants from around the world with trails to explore, educational programs for youth to adults, and respite for all.

Under the general direction of the Arboretum Manager of Horticulture, the Lead Arborist is responsible for leading and supervising the Arborist team of two climbing Arborists and safely performing skilled arboricultural and horticultural duties. This position requires knowledge and experience in aerial operations, including technical climbing, tree pruning, tree removal, bracing/cabling, and experience conducting tree inspections, tree risk assessments and appraisals.

• Coordinate weekly arboriculture work planning and scheduling with WPA Manager of Horticulture
• Supervise team of Arborists.
• Assist with hiring and conduct onboarding of new Arborists.
• Coordinate with Manager of Horticulture in developing and following an arboriculture work plan.
• Assign work, check in with each staff regularly, and conduct annual performance evaluations.
• Lead Arborists in Arboriculture projects including removals, pruning, and inspections.
• Train and lead horticulture ground staff assisting in arboriculture projects
• Enforce all safety rules and regulations.
• Conduct training for staff in arboriculture topics, equipment usage and maintenance, and safety.
• Obtain arborist contractor quotes and coordinate contractor work.
• Direct and inspect the work of contractors, interns, and staff involved in arboriculture activities.
• Coordinate and implement arboriculture work with UW campus grounds and Seattle Parks and Recreation tree crews.

• Climb trees to perform arboriculture needs such as tree removals, pruning, bracing/cabling, inspections, etc., using free climbing with ropes and saddle as per ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A300 and Z133 standards for tree care operations.
• Perform spider lift and bucket truck operations.
• Perform remediation of compacted and poorly drained soils, cultivation and use of organic mulches
• Monitor, document, and conduct follow-up operations for tree hazards
• Determine and assist in general tree care such as pruning, pest management, and soil management.
• Construction planning and contractor oversight for tree and root zone protection and other construction impacts to trees.
• Conduct tree risk assessments, pest and disease inspections, and inspections of cabling and hardware in trees.
• Survey, evaluate, and appraise trees to assist in project development

• Coordinate and perform routine maintenance on arboriculture equipment including spider lift, stump grinder, wood chipper, Dingo, Bobcat, utility vehicles, trucks, trailers, and chainsaws.
• Research and order supplies and equipment needed for operations in coordination with Manager of Horticulture.
• Keep records of equipment maintenance in coordination with Manager of Horticulture.

• Submit reports for collection plants, including planting reports, dead reports, and condition reports.
• Assist direct reports in record keeping.
• Maintain daily email correspondence.
• Provide clear oral and written communication with staff, supervisors and community partners.
• Develop and follow collection management plans for…