Arborist, Grade 23

Montgomery County (MD); Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 79,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks an Arborist to manage street trees, assess risks, and coordinate maintenance within the Division of Highway Services. You will inspect trees, plan treatments, and ensure safety for residents and property.

The position requires ISA certification, strong communication skills, and the ability to work overtime as an essential employee in a fast-paced county environment.

Qualifications

• ISA Arborist Certification is required.
• Strong attention to detail and reporting skills.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and diagnose street trees for disease, damage, risk, and abiotic stress.
• Recommend treatments prioritized by risk and planting locations.
• Update the tree management inventory with inspection results and work orders.

Skills

Arborist knowledge

Tree risk assessment

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Education

ISA Arborist Certification

Tools

Tree inventory software

Job description

Please note

The salary range above represents the earning potential for this position. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $78,929 to $126,097, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (DOT) mission is to move people and connect places with seamless, equitable transportation options that are safe, environmentally responsible, and support economic growth and vibrancy in Montgomery County. MCDOT supports its residents, commuters and visitors with transit options and infrastructure that provides seamless transportation services to the public.

The Division of Highway Services (DHS) manages the maintenance of all transportation infrastructure within the County right-of-way including more than 5,200 lane miles of rural, residential, and primary roadways, as well as nearly 1,000 miles of concrete curb, gutter, and sidewalk. The Tree Maintenance Section manages an inventory of over 250,000 street trees and more than 200,000 trees in the rural areas. This position is designated as an Essential Position which will require the ability to work evening and weekends as well as working off-site accordingly.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Department of Transportation (DOT), Division of Highway Services (DHS), seeks a highly motivated and skilled Arborist for its Tree Maintenance Section. The Arborist is responsible for responding to residents’ street tree–related service requests, inspecting street trees to identify maintenance needs, and assessing tree risk in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) risk assessment guidelines. The role includes prescribing appropriate maintenance to mitigate risks associated with structural defects, abiotic issues, and insect or disease problems, as well as planning and prioritizing work based on the level of tree risk and budgetary considerations. The ideal candidate possesses strong attention to detail, organizational and time management abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills, and thrives in a high-volume, fast‑paced environment. Additionally, the position requires strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills.

The Department of Transportation, Division of Highway Services (DHS) seeks an Arborist to assist in the management of Montgomery County’s street tree canopy and to provide customer service to the residents of Montgomery County. We are looking for a person who is adept at:

• Inspecting and diagnosing trees for disease, damage, risk to the public or private property, insect damage, abiotic stress and aesthetic appearance.
• Recommending treatment which is prioritized by severity of the risk posed by a tree and/or disease present; providing recommendations regarding location, size and kind of trees to be planted in the County right-of-way.
• Providing information to supervisors/management concerning the condition of the County’s street tree population and workload.
• Updating the computerized tree management inventory with inspection results and prescribed work; meeting with representatives of other County and State agencies and public utility companies concerning street tree maintenance activities.
• Responding to citizens inquiries about trees by correspondence, phone and in person, explaining corrective measures which the County may take.
• Meeting with community groups to discuss the Counties tree maintenance and care programs and preparing educational material for public consumption
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Information:

Certification: This position requires a Certification as an Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This certification MUST be uploaded along with the applicant's submission. Failure to do so may result in the disqualification of your application.

Essential:

The individual selected for this position will be considered an “Essential Employee.” Essential employees must report to work during a period of general emergency or liberal leave. This individual selected is REQUIRED to work overtime during inclement