Certified Arborist

The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC in Greater Cleveland is seeking a full-time ISA Certified Arborist to lead field-based arboriculture work, including tree health assessment and root disturbance evaluations. You will deliver practical preservation strategies across diverse sites.

You will collect field data, input it into Excel and digital inventory systems, and coordinate with homeowners, contractors, municipalities, and project partners. Climbing experience is not required.

Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist credential required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in tree identification and health assessment.
• Knowledge of arboriculture principles and construction impacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage project data using Excel and digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Identify tree species in the field.
• Assess tree health, root health, and site conditions.
• Recognize tree risk factors and construction related impacts.
• Conduct and complete root disturbance impact assessments.
• Support tree preservation planning, construction monitoring, and mitigation.
• Perform tree inventories and collect accurate field data.
• Input and manage project data using Excel and field devices.
• Maintain digital records and project documentation.
• Assist with root collar excavation and related preservation work.
• Assist with Plant Health Care services where applicable.
• Communicate clearly with homeowners, contractors, municipalities, and partners.
• Support field oversight across multiple job sites.

Skills

ISA Certified Arborist

Tree identification

Tree health assessment

Arboriculture knowledge

Site risk awareness

Effective communication

Education

Associate degree in Agriculture/Horticulture/Forestry or related field

Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator License is a plus

ISA TRAQ is a plus

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Electronic field devices

Digital platforms / inventory systems

Job description

Do you love trees? Like, really love trees?

Do you care about preserving trees, understanding them, and advocating for them on job sites where they may otherwise be overlooked? If so, keep reading. We need you!

The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC is a growing Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) based in Cuyahoga County, and we’re looking for the right person to grow with us!

We are seeking an ISA Certified Arborist for a full-time position supporting tree care, Plant Health Care, construction monitoring and mitigation, field data collection, and related landscape projects throughout the Greater Cleveland region.

This role may be a good fit for someone early in their career, well established in the industry, or a seasoned professional in the later stages of their career who still values meaningful field work.

About the role

This is a 100% field based position focused on field oversight, independent decision making, tree identification, tree health assessment, tree risk awareness, root zone protection, construction related tree preservation, data collection, and practical arboriculture.

A major focus of this role will be conducting and completing root disturbance impact assessments. No two days will look exactly the same, though that will be a primary responsibility.

The ideal candidate understands that good tree care starts below ground, has a strong working knowledge of tree risk and construction impacts, and values thoughtful, science based decision making when working around trees affected by development, excavation, and changing site conditions.

This role also requires comfort with field technology, including Microsoft Excel, electronic field devices, and digital inventory or documentation systems.

You will work closely with the owner, team members, contractors, municipalities, institutions, and private clients to help deliver practical, high quality arboricultural recommendations and preservation strategies.

Climbing experience NOT required.

Key responsibilities

• Identify tree species in the field
• Assess tree health, root health, and site conditions
• Recognize tree risk factors and construction related impacts
• Conduct and complete root disturbance impact assessments
• Support tree preservation planning, construction monitoring, and mitigation before, during, and after construction
• Perform tree inventories and collect accurate field data
• Accurately input and manage project data using Excel and electronic field devices
• Maintain digital records and project documentation
• Assist with root collar excavation, air spading, root investigation, and related preservation work
• Assist with Plant Health Care services, including tree injections and related treatment applications, where applicable
• Communicate clearly and professionally with homeowners, contractors, municipalities, and project partners
• Support project coordination and field oversight across multiple job sites
• Assist with related landscape installation, maintenance, and other tree care work as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist credential required
• Demonstrated proficiency in tree identification and tree health assessment
• Understanding of arboriculture principles and tree care practices
• Knowledge of tree biology, root physiology, tree risk, and construction impacts
• Strong knowledge of root physiology and construction mitigation practices around trees preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Prompt, professional communicator with strong follow through and customer service skills
• Ability to accurately manage and organize project data using Microsoft Excel, electronic field devices, and digital platforms
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and perform physical field work
• Must have a reliable, insured personal vehicle for transportation to and from job sites throughout the Greater Cleveland region
• Previous green industry experience preferred
• Horticulture experience preferred
• Plant Health Care experience, including tree injections and related treatments, preferred
• Associate degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, or a related field is a plus
• Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator License is a plus
• ISA TRAQ is a plus

Physical requirements and work environment

• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and occasionally more with assistance
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, and work for extended periods outdoors
• Must be able to traverse uneven terrain, wooded areas, construction sites, slopes, and other challenging landscapes safely
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, mud, and dusty environments
• Must be able to use hands and tools effectively for field assessment, root investigation, treatment support, and related arboricultural work
• Must be able to observe site conditions, identify hazards, and communicate effectively in active field environments

Employment requirement

Maintaining a current ISA Certified Arborist certification is a condition of employment. Failure to renew or maintain certification during employment may result in suspension or termination.

You may be a good fit if you are

• Passionate about preserving trees and plants!
• Detail oriented and observant
• Dependable, punctual, and self motivated
• Comfortable working independently in the field
• Organized and able to manage both physical work and project information
• A prompt and proactive communicator
• Willing to learn, grow and be flexible in a small business environment
• Professional in the field, with a good sense of humor, candor, and honesty

Position

Full-Time Position

Company

The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC

Location

Greater Cleveland Region, Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Schedule

40 hours per week, Monday through Friday

Pay

$30 to $35 per hour, depending on experience

Work setting

100% field based position, not a remote or primarily office based role

About The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC

Founded in 2023 by Andrew Pratt, The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC provides tree and landscape services across Northeast Ohio with a strong emphasis on tree preservation & protection, tree health, and science based management. The company works across residential, municipal, institutional, and consulting related projects and is committed to protecting trees and supporting long term landscape health.