Arborist II - Full Time

Biltmore; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arborist 2 at Biltmore Estate plays a critical role in maintaining historic trees across the grounds, using rope and harness climbing or an aerial lift. Tasks include pruning, removals, rigging, and installing tree support and lightning protection systems, while upholding Biltmore’s high standards and guest-focused service.

Ideal candidates bring at least two years of professional tree climbing experience, a high school diploma or GED, and basic tree identification.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; further education preferred
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional tree climbing experience
• Basic tree identification skills
• Proficiency in tree removal with ropes, knots, and rigging
• Team-oriented in a quality-focused, guest-service environment
• Familiarity with ANSI Z133 and A300 standards
• Proficiency with chainsaw, chipper, skid steer, loader, aerial lift and other equipment

Responsibilities

• Operates hand tools, chainsaws, tractors, loaders, grapples, winches, chippers, stump cutters, skid steers, and other arborists vehicles and equipment safely
• Climbs trees with/without hooks or spikes to prune or remove
• Uses appropriate PPE and follows safety protocols
• Maintains and tracks tools and equipment; stores them properly at day’s end
• Prioritizes accident prevention and safety in daily work
• Assists in preparing trucks and materials for the day’s tasks under supervision
• Works with Crew Leader on daily activities
• Works outdoors in all weather and on-call for emergencies including after hours
• Attends training to improve professional and technical skills
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment

Skills

Team player

Safety awareness

Tree climbing

PPE compliance

Equipment operation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Chainsaw

Chipper

Skid steer

Loader

Aerial lift

Job description

Job Description

The Arborist 2 plays a key role in tree maintenance on the Biltmore Estate, utilizing advanced rope and harness climbing techniques or operating from an aerial lift. This position is responsible for a range of tasks including pruning, removals, rigging, and installation of tree support systems and lightning protection systems. This position must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in workmanship and possess a deep understanding of technical matters related to proper tree care, particularly concerning the historic gardens and plantings on the Estate. Interacting with Biltmore guests and other staff in alignment with Biltmore's core values is essential. Additionally, the Arborist 2 provides general support to the Arborists crew and Horticulture team, leadership, company, and assists with special projects an initiatives as assigned.

The Arborist 2 plays a key role in tree maintenance on the Biltmore Estate, utilizing advanced rope and harness climbing techniques or operating from an aerial lift. This position is responsible for a range of tasks including pruning, removals, rigging, and installation of tree support systems and lightning protection systems. This position must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in workmanship and possess a deep understanding of technical matters related to proper tree care, particularly concerning the historic gardens and plantings on the Estate. Interacting with Biltmore guests and other staff in alignment with Biltmore's core values is essential. Additionally, the Arborist 2 provides general support to the Arborists crew and Horticulture team, leadership, company, and assists with special projects an initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required. Additional education, training, and /or certifications strongly preferred


• A minimum of two (2) years of professional tree climbing experience


• Must have basic tree identification skills


• Proficiency in tree removal with ropes, knots, and rigging


• Ability to be a team player in a quality focused, efficient group setting delivering world class internal/external guest service


• Familiarity with ANSI Z133 and A300 standards


• Proficiency with chain saw, chipper, skid steer, loader, aerial lift and other equipment

Required Certifications (if Any)

• ISA Certified Arborist or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hiring. ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) desired, but not required.


• CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to get certification with in two (2) months.


• Must have a NC Commercial Drivers license Class A or B

Essential Job Duties

• Operates hand tools, chainsaws, tractors, loaders, grapples, winches, chippers, stump cutters, skid steers, and other arborists vehicles and equipment as directed in a safe and responsible manner


• Climbs trees with and without climbing hooks/spikes in order to perform pruning or tree removal.


• Utilizes required personal protective equipment and performs all work safely.


• Maintains and keeps track of tools and equipment, ensuring that all equipment and keys are properly stored at day's end.


• Makes accident prevention and safety a primary focus of daily work


• Assist in preparing the truck and materials needed for the day's work per the direction of the Crew Leader or Manager.


• Works with the Crew Leader to perform all aspects of the daily activity.


• Works outside during inclement weather and to be called on in emergency situations to include after hours, weekends, and/or holidays


• Attends appropriate training and demonstrates commitment to improving professional and technical skills.


• Maintains a clean, uncluttered, and safe work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, reach below and overhead.


• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis


• Must be able to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding as needed


• Ability to safely operate small equipment and machinery


• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions