Arborist Supervisor

Reston Association; Virginia; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Reston Association seeks an Arborist Supervisor to lead tree care across RA facilities and natural areas in Reston, VA. The role requires overseeing pruning, removals, inspections, hazard mitigation, and emergency responses with advanced climbing techniques and specialized equipment.

The position requires a minimum of 10 years in tree management with supervisory experience, plus knowledge of local species, pests, and disease management. On-site work four days/week at RA Central Services Facility.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
• Minimum of 10 years of tree management experience, including supervisory experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience performing basic engine and hydraulic system repairs.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience reading property maps and locating boundaries.
• Knowledge of local tree species, pests, diseases, and tree health management practices.
• Experience with ANSI Z133 and A300 Standards for Tree Work.
• Ability to lead hazardous tree removal and advanced rigging safely.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform complex tree care operations including pruning, removals, inspections, hazard mitigation, and emergency response.
• Oversee tree health programs and manage contracted tree work within budgets.
• Coordinate staff and contractor activities; develop operational plans and supervise maintenance records.
• Support storm recovery, disaster response, and snow removal operations.

Skills

Tree management

Supervisory experience

Hazardous tree removal

Equipment operation

Customer service

Problem solving

Team leadership

Map-reading

Communication

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial lifts

Climbing systems

Brush chippers

Maps software

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Location

12250 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA 20191

This is an on-site position requiring a minimum of four days per week at Reston Association’s Central Services Facility.

Position Overview

Are you passionate about tree care maintenance and making a difference in the community? At Reston Association (RA), we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for Reston residents through outstanding programs, exceptional services, and dedicated stewardship of the community’s natural and recreational resources. As the community steward, RA is responsible for maintaining the quality of life in Reston, chiefly by caring for and administering the community's most precious asset - its real property.

At RA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are actively seeking an Arborist Supervisor to join our team! This position is responsible for the care and management of native and ornamental trees throughout Association recreational facilities and natural areas, helping protect public safety, preserve natural resources, and support environmental stewardship.

The Arborist Supervisor leads and performs complex tree care operations, including pruning, removals, inspections, hazard mitigation, and emergency response activities. Using advanced climbing techniques, aerial lifts, chainsaws, rigging systems, brush chippers, and other specialized equipment, this role ensures work is completed safely and in accordance with ANSI standards. Responsibilities include evaluating tree maintenance needs, prioritizing and assigning work, developing operational plans, and overseeing tree health, disease, pest, and invasive species management programs.

This role serves as a technical resource for residents and staff, responding to tree-related inquiries, providing recommendations, coordinating property boundary reviews, and maintaining accurate tree care records. The Arborist Supervisor also manages contracted tree work, including developing specifications, monitoring budgets and expenditures, overseeing contractor performance, and recommending equipment purchases and replacements.

As designated Emergency Services Personnel, the Arborist Supervisor supports storm recovery, disaster response, and snow removal operations. The position is responsible for maintaining tools, equipment, climbing gear, and life-support systems to ensure safe and effective operations.

The Arborist Supervisor directly supervises assigned staff, providing work direction, coaching, training, performance management, and employee development while fostering a safe, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.

What You’ll Bring

• Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
• Minimum of 10 years of tree management experience, including supervisory experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience performing basic engine and hydraulic system repairs.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience reading property maps and locating boundaries.
• Comprehensive knowledge of local tree species, pests, diseases, and tree health management practices.
• Expertise in ANSI Z133 and A300 Standards for Tree Work.
• Demonstrated skill in hazardous tree removal, advanced rigging, aerial rescue techniques, and safe equipment operation.
• Strong leadership, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and map-reading tools.
• Ability to train and mentor employees in safe work practices and technical tree care operations.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• ISA Arborist Certification (preferred).
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) (preferred).
• First Aid and CPR Certification (preferred).
• Pesticide/Herbicide Certification (preferred).
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions and environments, including exposure to heights, loud noise, moving mechanical equipment, and chemicals.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining specialized tree care equipment, including chainsaws, brush chippers, aerial lifts, climbing systems, trucks, and related machinery, with availability to support emergency response, storm recovery, and snow removal operations.

What You Can Expect from Reston Association

At RA, we are leading the model community where all can Live, Work, Play and Get Involved, and we strive to preserve and enhance the Reston community through outstanding leadership, service and stewardship of our resources. Our Core Values of Service, Collaboration, Stewardship, Innovation and Leadership guide everything we do, and we are proud to prov