Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 (In-Training) NW Region

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Washington; On-site; USD 61,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Clothing stipend $200/yr

Boot stipend $250 every 2 yrs

Job summary

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission seeks an Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 In-Training) to oversee tree risk assessment, pruning, and forest management for the Northwest region. The role emphasizes hands-on arboriculture, coordination with program managers, and maintaining detailed records.

This full-time position is outdoors, requiring physical work, travel across the state, and adherence to safety protocols. Uniforms are provided with stipends for clothing and boots.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain Washington State Class A CDL within 12 months.
• First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate arboricultural field work across multiple parks.
• Maintain records on tree assessment and maintenance activities.
• Assess tree risk and perform tree care operations.
• Operate and maintain arboriculture equipment.
• Use GIS/GPS and Office software for reporting.
• Uphold agency policies for conservation of State Parks' resources.
• Work outdoors up to 10 hours a day in all weather conditions.
• Travel across the region as needed.

Skills

Tree risk assessment

Arboriculture

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Project management

Staff training

Communication

Leadership

Education

Forestry/Arboriculture degree

Tools

GIS

GPS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 In-Training)

Location: Burlington, WA

Closes: This job posting has been extended and will remain open until filled. The hiring manager serves the right to make a decision at any time.

Position Status: Permanent full-time. Position may be filled at the Natural Resource Specialist 1, 2, or 3 level depending on qualifications. Candidates hired at the Natural Resource Specialist 1 or 2 level will be required to successfully complete an in-training program prior to promoting to the goal class of Natural Resource Specialist 3. Completion of the in-training program varies by employee and can take between 6 and 30 months.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an experienced Arborist (NRS 3 In-training) for our Northwest region. Trees in Washington State Parks are among our most treasured natural resources, serving and shaping the character, ecology, and intrinsic value of over 124 parks statewide. In this role you will be an integral member of our seven-person agency team of experts on highly technical tree felling and pruning, tree risk management, plant health care, and specialized forestry, arboriculture, and horticulture services.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors. We are looking for someone with proven initiative, and a positive attitude, who is team-oriented, and self-motivated. This is a unique opportunity to share your experience in tree care while enhancing the knowledge and skills of on-site park's staff throughout the state.

This position is not eligible to telework, as physical in-office presence is required to perform essential functions.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

The Natural Resource Specialist 3 in-training reports to the Arbor Program Supervisor and coordinates with the Natural Resources Program Manager and Agency Forester to prioritize and manage Washington State Parks' trees and forests through selective high risk tree identification and removal, training, tree replacement strategies, pruning, and insect and disease identification and treatment techniques.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Plans, schedules, organizes, coordinates, directs and controls the arboricultural field work in multiple parks as well as with interagency partners.
• Maintains records on tree assessment, maintenance, monitoring, pruning and/or removal activities.
• Assessures tree risk and performs tree care operations.
• Works in close coordination with crew members to expertly remove trees to reduce hazardous conditions, promote tree health, and protect people and property.
• Maintains arboriculture equipment including aerial lift, brush chipper, spray equipment, stump grinder, chainsaws, rigging equipment, climbing equipment, winch, and various hand tools related to tree and plant care.

• Work requires the use of various types of office equipment, including computer, telephone system, printer, copier, Microsoft Office products, GIS/GPS software.

Upholds agency rules and policies for the conservation of State Parks' natural resources.

This position works primarily outdoors, which may include strenuous walking through undeveloped areas with no trails up to 10 hours a day in all weather conditions. This position functions at a high physical level -climbing trees for pruning and rescue purposes, felling trees, and lifting heavy objects in excess of 40 pounds.

Travel is essential to address tree-related issues across the assigned region and occasionally other parts of the state park system. Frequency of travel will vary based on business and operational needs, often two weeks per month.

Safe vehicle operation for long distances and occasional driving on unimproved roads is required.

Working hours are generally Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm. Some weekend and evening work may be required to address interagency work request schedules and respond to emergency tree work requests.

Uniform Information

All Natural Resource Specialists are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of the Arborist crew and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee.

Arborists will receive 6 shirts within the first year (2 shirts per calendar year after the first year), 1 jacket every 3 years, 1 baseball cap every year, 1 safety vest every 3 years, and a clothing stipend of $200 per year, and a $250 boot stipend every 2 years. Uniform stipends are intended to offset the cost of clothing worn in the workplace such as pants, boots, raingear, etc.

Qualifications

Natural Resource Specialist 1: Salary range $48,048 - $64,512 annually

• Two (2) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations.
• Valid driver's license.
• The ability to obtain State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment.
• First Aid/CPR card or obtain within the first 12 months of employment.

Natural Resource Specialist 2: Salary range $54,204 - $72,900 annually

• Three (3) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• A Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• First Aid/CPR card or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or the ability to obtain within the first 12 months of employment.
• Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (or equivalent) or the ability to obtain within 18 months.

Natural Resource Specialist 3: Salary range $61,332 - $82,440 annually

• Four (4) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL).
• First Aid/CPR card
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
• Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (or equivalent)

Job Competencies:

• Tree Risk Assessment & Diagnosis: Evaluate tree health, identify hazards (structural defects, pathogens, insects), and prescribe actions that minimize agency risk while promoting forest longevity.
• Advanced Arboricultural Field Techniques: Proficiently perform technical tree care operations, including directional felling, climbing, and complex rigging.
• Heavy Equipment Operations & Maintenance: Safely operate and maintain specialized machinery like aerial lifts, chippers, skid steers, and various chainsaws while conducting routine tool inspections.
• Job Site Safety & Compliance: Adhere to and enforce strict safety protocols, agency directives, and permitting laws, with the authority to halt unsafe work.
• Project & Resource Management: Plan, schedule, and coordinate fieldwork with interagency partners and park staff, while maintaining accurate records on tree monitoring and maintenance.
• Instruction & Stewardship: Assist in training park staff on tree risk and safe equipment use, while actively supporting conservation efforts, pest management, and the protection of historic trees.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow: Considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives. Practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases. Taking responsibility for learning and adapting, rather than relying on others to fill gaps.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals. Welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives. Increasing access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College coursework or degree in forestry, arboriculture, plant pathology, entomology, natural resource management, or related field.

Supplemental Information

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information: https://wfse.org/

About Parks

Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state’s winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. For more information on Washington State Parks, click https://wfse.org/

Diversity Policy Statement

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about this recruitment and the hiring process, please contact Wendy Vandel at [e-mail] or call 360-902-8688.

For information about this position and job duties, please contact Adam Airoldi at [e-mail].

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.