Arborist

Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life, dental, and vision insur

Tuition exemption for qualified pos

Paid holidays

Job summary

Louisiana State University is seeking a skilled arborist professional to manage a crew responsible for maintenance of over 5,000 trees on about 470 acres. The role emphasizes safe operation of equipment, disease/pest control, and Live Oak protection.

Minimum qualifications include a Louisiana Arborist license or equivalent education, plus relevant experience, with a valid driver’s license and ability to pass background checks.

Qualifications

• > Possession of a current Louisiana Arborist license issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry plus two years of experience in the upkeep of trees and shrubs; OR
• > Six semester hours in horticulture, forestry, turf management, landscape management, or in tree surgery.

Responsibilities

• Directs, works with and assists an assigned crew of tree specialists, arborists, and laborers in daily activities of tree trimming and pruning, fertilization, aeration, mulching, removal, and replacement; schedules activities and interfaces with area landscape superintendents.
• Directs and assists duties related to Live Oak protection and preservation; planning, documentation, material acquisition, and inter-departmental communication.
• Supervises use, preventative maintenance, and training related to all arborist equipment (boom truck, chipper, chipper truck, stump grinder, chain saws, spray rig et al.).
• Identifies diseases and pests and supervises herbicide/pesticide application per laws and regulations.
• Oversees a tree stock nursery area for replacement and propagation.
• Other related duties as required.

Skills

Arborist license

Louisiana Class D license

Driver's license

Education

Six semester hours in horticulture/forestry/landscape management/tree surgery

Two years of tree and shrub upkeep experience

Job description

**Job Description**This position has responsibility for the appearance and health of over 5,000 large trees on approximately 470 acres. This position requires a high level of knowledge, skill and experience in all areas of tree care and preservation including but not limited to identifying and directing treatment of diseased and declining major and ornamental trees. Must be knowledgeable in the operation and safety of all applicable arborist equipment and assure that the climbing activities of the crew and the operation of power equipment are performed in a safe and careful manner to guard against injury or loss of life. **Job Responsibilities:** 35% - Directs, works with and assists an assigned crew of tree specialists, arborists, and laborers in the daily activities of tree trimming and pruning, fertilization, aeration, mulching, removal, and replacement; including is scheduling of activities and interactions with area landscape superintendents. 30% - Directs, works with and assists an assigned crew in duties related to Live Oak protection and preservation; duties include planning, documentation, material acquisition, and inter-departmental communication related to Live Oak protection and preservation. 15% - Supervises use, preventative maintenance, and training related to all arborist equipment; included are a boom truck, chipper, chipper truck, stump grinder, chain saws, spray rig and other dedicated equipment. 10% - Identifies diseases and pests and supervises all aspects of herbicide and pesticide application in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 5% - Oversees a tree stock nursery area for replacement and propagation. 5% - Other related duties as required. **Minimum Qualifications:**Possession of a current Louisiana Arborist license issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry plus two years of experience in the upkeep of trees and shrubs; OR Six semester hours in horticulture, forestry, turf management, landscape management, or in tree surgery. **Special or Physical Qualifications (if applicable):**This position requires a valid driver's license, will require an MVR, and is subject to drug screens per PM-33/PS-67/FASOP HR-04. This position is classified as a safety and security-sensitive position. These positions are subject to drug screens per PS-67/FASOP HR-04.This position is considered emergency essential and may be required to report to campus in times of emergency and/or closure per PS-18. **Certifications/Licenses:**Valid Louisiana Class D LicenseLA Arborist License **Louisiana State Civil Service Job Details:**https://apps01.civilservice.louisiana.gov/onestopjobinfo/DisplayJobSpec.aspx?JobCode=155370**Range:****Minimum/SER:** $19.67/hr.**1st Quartile:** $23.61/hr.**Midpoint:** $27.54/hr.**3rd Quartile:** $31.47/hr.**Maximum:** $35.40/hr. Hourly rate may be commensurate with candidate's experience in alignment with Chapter 6 rules.## Additional Job Description:## Competencies:None## Special Instructions:Please provide three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact at Jeff Brocato [e-mail].**Skills Needed:****Preferred Skills:**A permanent or probationary internal employee who is appointed to another position following certification from an open competitive eligible list is considered a new employee in the new position and shall serve a probationary period of six months.## Posting Date:October 19, 2026## Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):November 2, 2026## Additional Position Information:**Background Check -** An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.**Benefits -** LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more! Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.