Arborist

Natural and Cultural Resources; Asheboro (NC); On-site; USD 31,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a Grounds Worker II to perform daily maintenance of the zoo's grounds and tree collection, ensuring safe and attractive landscapes across the entire site.

This role requires knowledge of landscape maintenance, equipment operation, and the ability to work with a team. A valid US driver’s license and willingness to work in varying weather conditions are required. The position is based at 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, plus two years of progressive horticultural experience.
• Associate’s degree in agriculture and natural resources, greenhouse and grounds maintenance, horticulture technology, landscape gardening or closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily maintenance of the zoo's tree collection and grounds.
• Operates light/heavy equipment and uses tree climbing gear as needed.
• Leads projects, maintains records, and assists with public relations.
• Interacts with guests to provide information about the tree collection.

Skills

Tree knowledge

Equipment operation

Record keeping

Public relations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree in related field

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Bobcats

Backhoes

Aerial lifts

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Zoological Park Job Classification Title Grounds Worker II (S) Position Number 65044371 Grade NC03

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work

Do you enjoy working outdoors, planting and maintaining trees? Join the North Carolina Zoo during an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the opening of Asia! The North Carolina Zoo is seeking two self‑motivated and team‑oriented Arborists to join our Arbor Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs daily maintenance of Zoo's tree collection throughout its grounds, animal habitats, and off‑site locations.
• Knowledge of exterior landscape, tree collections, and the use of tree climbing harness and ropes, aerial lift devices including boom lifts, scissor lifts, and bucket trucks.
• Responsible for tree maintenance/landscape construction, team leading/projects, equipment operation, record keeping and public relations.
• Interact with guests to answer questions and provide information requiring thorough knowledge of the tree collection.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven knowledge of tree identification, condition/health and maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and maintenance.
• Proven experience with the operation of light and/or heavy equipment such as bobcats, backhoes, and aerial lift/or devices.
• Tree climbing experience and ability to follow safety guidelines.
• Experience organizing and planning projects, reading landscape plans and utility maps, and identifying tree species.
• Experience with computers for research, data entry and/or record keeping.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of progressive experience in horticultural work;
• Associate's degree in agriculture and natural resources, greenhouse and grounds maintenance, horticulture technology, landscape gardening or closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution;
• an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications

May require North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License Division.

Recruitment Range: $31,200 - $51,964

Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm

Position/Physical Requirements

Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre‑employment screen conducted by assigned provider.

This position is designated as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events.

Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program.

Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

Must be able to climb trees using tree climbing harness and ropes.

Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions in all extremes of weather.

Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds of aggregate material to a height of 18 inches and transport it laterally a distance of 4.5 feet on a frequent basis.

***SIGN-ON BONUS BEING OFFERED***

A sign‑on bonus of $2500 is being offered for eligible candidates. See eligibility at https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy Payout contingent on funding availability.

This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

Sign‑On Bonus Eligibility

To be eligible for a sign‑on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time‑limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system, subject to the State Human Resources Act. Employee eligible for a sign‑on must work at least 20 hours per week.

All Sign‑On Bonuses are contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. Additional information regarding the Sign‑on Policy can be found here.

Contact Information

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.