Campus Arborist - Virginia Tech

International Society of Arboriculture; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Campus Arborist to lead tree care on the Blacksburg campus. Reporting to the University Urban Forester, you will guide staff arborists and contractors, manage training, schedules, and safety programs, and maintain the campus tree inventory.

Your work includes high-level pruning, plant health care, and risk assessment, with 24/7 availability for emergencies. A strong background in arboriculture and ISA credential is required.

Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist credential.
• Registered Pesticide Technician with ability to obtain Commercial Pesticide License (3A) within 1 year of hire.
• Knowledge of ANSI A300 tree care standards and ANSI Z133 safety requirements.
• GIS and tree inventory software knowledge.
• Minimum 3 years in tree care with pruning, removal, and plant health care specialization.
• Must cope with heights up to 50–70 feet.
• Ability to verify utility locates before starting work.
• Able to perform heavy manual labor and work in various weather conditions; wear PPE.
• Bachelor or 4 years of equivalent experience in arboriculture; ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor student interns, apprentices and staff arborists.
• Schedule, supervise, and audit all tree-care work orders.
• Develop and deliver training for crews, interns, and apprentices.
• Maintain campus tree inventory and assist in strategic management planning.
• Coordinate with academic departments and other units; inspect trees and assist with designs.
• Be available for emergencies and events as designated as Emergency Personnel.

Skills

Height work

Manual labor

Safety standards

Communication

Education

Bachelor in Forestry/Urban Forestry/Natural Resource Management or related field

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

Tools

GIS

Tree inventory software

Stump grinders

Tree injection systems

Air spades

Chippers

Bucket trucks

Job description

All users are invited to browse the job listings below, however the posting of new positions can only be done by ISA Members. To take advantage of this and other great benefits of an ISA Membership, join today !

Campus Arborist -- Virginia Tech

Job Description

The Campus Arborist, reporting to the University Urban Forester, serves as the university’s lead tree‑care technician and field arborist. In this role the Arborist guides both staff arborists and contracted specialists, providing advanced guidance on Integrated Pest Management, pruning science, root‑zone management, species selection, and safety standards. Responsibilities include developing and delivering training for tree crews, urban‑forestry interns, and apprentices; scheduling, assigning, supervising, and auditing all tree‑care work orders—ranging from routine maintenance and emergency response to plant‑health programs—and ensuring compliance with current industry and University standards. The Arborist maintains the campus tree inventory, conducts regular asset analyses for strategic management planning, and assists the Urban Forester with construction‑site assessments, inter‑departmental consultations, tree inspections, planting designs, and overall program development. Additionally, the position leads and mentor’s student interns, apprentices, and the broader student body while coordinating with academic departments. Designated as “Emergency Personnel,” the Arborist must be available 24/7 to support planned events or emergency situations (e.g., inclement weather) and be on‑site when required. Proficiency with equipment such as stump grinders, tree‑injection systems, air spades, chippers, bucket trucks, and single‑axle dump trucks, as well as hand and power tools (chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers, shovels, rakes), is essential. The overarching goal is to provide proactive, science‑based stewardship that preserves and expands a sustainable campus canopy.

The incumbent also performs other duties as requested; takes initiative to support a healthy work environment; strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Conduct; exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; and supports the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Required Qualifications

• Current ISA Certified Arborist credential.
• Current Registered Pesticide Technician and ability to obtain Commercial Pesticide License Category 3A within one year of hire.
• Working knowledge of the ANSI A300 tree care standards and ANSI Z133 safety requirements for arboricultural operations.
• Working knowledge of GIS and tree inventory software.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the tree care industry with specialization in technical pruning, removal, and plant health care.
• Must be able to cope with heights which may typically reach 50-70 feet above ground.
• Ability to apply safety standards and procedures in the operation of equipment and performance of work tasks including verification that utility locates have cleared prior to work commencing when required.
• Must be able to perform heavy manual labor, including safely moving and handling greater than 50 pounds; climb and work from elevated work stations such as ladders and scaffolds; work for long periods of time sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing/pulling; and work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
• Must wear employer provided uniforms as instructed by supervisor or lead. As situation dictates, must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Bachelors in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, horticulture or related field or 4 years equivalent experience and training in the arboriculture field.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Experience in a large commercial, public sector, or institutional setting.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$60,000-$66,000

40

Review Date

September 11, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto,Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College .The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes .A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contactFacilities [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.