Field Arborist I

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlanta is seeking a Field Arborist in the City Planning Department to enforce the city’s tree ordinance and help residents with tree-related questions and issues.

The role includes issuing permits, inspecting sites for compliance, evaluating tree health, and representing the division in hearings, with a focus on delivering best-in-class customer service to internal and external customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field.
• ISA certification.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license.
• One year experience as an Arborist, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Issue permits and inspection reports to customers in a timely manner.
• Evaluate tree health and risk to determine hazardous conditions.
• Inspect construction sites for compliance with tree protection plans and approvals.
• Represent Arborist Division in Tree Conservation Commission hearings.
• Maintain detailed work logs and status updates in City systems.

Skills

Customer service

Permitting operations

Arboriculture practices

Regulatory knowledge

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field

ISA certification

Valid Georgia driver’s license

Job description

Department: City Planning

Posting Expires: 9/9/2026

Salary: $69,000.00

General Description and Classification Standards

The purpose of the Field Arborist position in the Department of City Planning is to enforce the City's tree ordinance and to assist citizens with tree-related problems and questions. Duties include, but are not limited to: evaluating tree health per City Code; issuing removal permits when trees are dead, dying, or hazardous; inspecting construction sites to determine compliance with approved construction plans; inspecting construction sites for compliance and issuance of final certificates of occupancy; posting public notice of potential tree removal; issuing fines and fees for failure to meet tree preservation requirements of City Code; entering details of inspections and status updates in database; and representing Arborist Division in tree conservation commission appeal hearings. The incumbent must ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and embrace, support, and promote the City’s core values, beliefs, and culture.

Supervision Received

Works under very general supervision and reports to the Lead Field Arborist. May work independently or with other skilled or semi-skilled workers with responsibility for completion of assigned tasks.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

Administrative Duties

• Issue permits and inspection reports to customers in a timely manner, and respond to customer inquiries via letter, email, and telephone.
• Follow proper protocol when nuisance trees are identified.
• Maintain detailed work logs and status updates in City computer database.
• Able to calculate and explain to customers methods for assessing critical root zone impact.
• Accurately access fines and fees as needed.
• Represent the Arborist Division in Tree Conservation Commission appeal hearings.
• Attend Municipal Court with City Solicitor and serving as expert witness when ordinance has been violated.

Communication

• Work with developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners to comply with Tree Protection ordinance.
• Collaborate with Arborist Division staff members and other City Divisions to ensure high quality customer service.
• Address civic groups, schools, garden clubs, and neighborhood groups regarding the rights and responsibilities of citizens and tree care.
• Exhibit excellent customer service and human relations skills.

Field Duties

• Evaluate tree health and risk to determine whether trees are dead, dying, or hazardous per City code.
• Issue tree removal permits.
• Review site plans during site inspections to ensure conditions in the field are accurately depicted.
• Post public notice of potential construction impact on trees.
• Inspect active construction sites for compliance with approved and stamped tree protection plans.
• Conduct final inspection of construction sites for compliance and issuance of final certificates of occupancy.
• Issue fines and fees for failure to meet tree preservation requirements of City Code.

Decision Making

Applies organizational policies. Follows standardized procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks. Must be able to process information on hand and decide on next steps to complete tasks and/or resolve issues. Determines when to elevate issues to upper/senior management.

Leadership Provided

Provides guidance and training as required to lower level, interns, temporary employees, etc. May exercise supervisory duties in absence of supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of best-in-class customer service.
• Knowledge of the City’s overall permitting operations, codes, services, and procedures.
• Knowledge of arboricultural practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
• Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to tree-related issues and other responsibilities in serving as City Arborist.

Skills

• Perform a variety of difficult and complex permit related tasks with minimal supervision.
• Performing mathematical calculations
• Perform duties through using independent judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies. Use of discretion in the handing of emergency situations.

Ability

• Ability to learn the principles, practices, and procedures of the City and various department operations and functions.
• Ability to assist in the developing and implementing of long-term goals for the Department to promote effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ability to keep abreast of changes in policy, methods, operations, and standards of practice, etc. as they pertain to Departmental operations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, and members of the public.
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in handling emergency situations.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations and related information.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field and one-year experience as an Arborist, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must have International Arborist Association (ISA) certification. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Licensures and Certifications

Position would be expected to have licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position.

Required

Required: Valid Georgia Driver’s License (must drive a motor vehicle and maintain a valid Georgia Driver’s License)

Preferred

• Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings and plans;
• Experience or certification in hazard tree evaluation; and
• Experience working as part of a team or in direct contact with the public.