Arborist & Equipment Operator

Milwaukee County; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee County Parks seeks an Arborist & Equipment Operator to manage day-to-day land management and tree care across 15,000 acres of parks.

The role also maintains hard surfaces, landscapes, and general construction, and requires operating heavy equipment and supervising seasonal crews.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include Wisconsin residency and a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
• High school diploma or GED; some roles prefer additional college coursework in forestry or related fields.
• 1+ years of Natural Resources, Arboriculture, or Horticulture experience.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and push/pull 100 lbs; able to obtain required certifications within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Plant, remove, and maintain trees across the Milwaukee County Parks system.
• Maintain park infrastructure, including bridges, drainage, benches, and turf.
• Inspect, operate, and maintain equipment such as skid steers and tractors.
• Supervise seasonal crews and assign daily tasks and status updates.
• Perform debris removal from hard surfaces and catch basins; assist in large-scale plans.

Skills

Arboriculture experience

Natural Resources

Horticulture

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree or higher in Urban Forestry, Conservation

ISA Certification (Municipal, Climbing, Aerial Lift Operator)

Job description

Arborist & Equipment Operator

Milwaukee County Parks

Hourly Pay Rate:$23.93 - $35.88

Closing Date: 10/14/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Parks Equity Statement: Milwaukee County Parks is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County Parks leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Job Summary: The Arborist & Equipment Operator is responsible for many aspects of day to day land management essential to public safety within the 15,000 acres of the Milwaukee County Parks. While a majority of the work consists of attention to the 1.5 million trees in the system, the Arborist & Equipment Operator is also responsible for maintaining the park system's hard surfaces, natural areas, playgrounds, landscaping, and general construction.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plant, remove, and maintain trees throughout the Milwaukee County Parks System. Maintenance consists of pruning, fertilizing, and treating for disease and insects. Respond to damage and hazardous situations due to storms and other natural events, or any other accidents.


• Perform installation, repairs, and maintenance of parks infrastructure, including but not limited to footbridges, storm water laterals, catch basins, golf course drainage, and benches. Rough and finish grading. Establish turf and hardscapes.


• Repair and maintain the hard surfaces of the Milwaukee County Parks System, which include roads, parkways, parking lots, paths, trails, and walks. Maintenance includes crack filling, cutting, and milling. Repair consists of cutting, removing, and replacing with hot patch.


• Inspect, maintain, and operate equipment (skid steers, tractors, front end loaders), vehicle and trailers small to CDL Class A, and specialty equipment (lift trucks, tree spades, backhoe, and excavators). Includes snow and ice removal.


• Supervise or act as lead worker of seasonal crews responsible for plant health care, planting, hedging and playgrounds. Crew will consist of peers and seasonal staff. Responsibilities include daily staff and vehicle assignments and reporting status updates.


• Provide cyclical maintenance by removing accumulated debris from hard surfaces and catch basins utilizing specialized equipment (VacAll and Street Sweeper) to 120 lane miles of parkways/roads and 126 parking lots.


• Assist Natural Areas Staff by implementing large scale aspects of a management plan through heavy equipment operations or the need for multiple trained personnel.


• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current resident of Wisconsin.


• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, able to be maintained throughout employment.


• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.


• One (1) or more years of Natural Resources, Arboriculture, or Horticulture experience.


• Willing and able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 100 lbs.


• Able to obtain DATCP Pesticide Certification Category 3.0 and 6.0 within six (6) months of start date (Possession of certification at start date is preferred).


• Able to obtain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within six (6) months of start date (Possession of certification at start date is preferred).


• Able to obtain CDL Class A, B, D, and Endorsement N – Tanker within six (6) months of start date (Possession of certification at start date is preferred).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of an Associate Degree or higher in Urban Forestry, Conservation, or a related field.


• International Society of Arboriculture Certification (Municipal, Climbing, Aerial Lift Operator, or other ISA Specialist).


• Tree Care Industry Safety Specialist.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATIONis open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application.Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION