Lead Arborist: Tree Care, Safety & Field Ops

The Morton Arboretum; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL is seeking an experienced arborist to perform a broad range of tree care and maintenance tasks across 1,700 acres, including pruning, removals, hazard evaluation, and installation of support and lightning protection systems.

The role requires ISA certification within 12 months, IL Pesticide Operator license within 3 months, CDL within 9 months, and TRAQ within 3 years, along with strong climbing and communication skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of demonstrable arboricultural work experience required.
• Must obtain ISA Certified Arborist within 12 months of hire and Illinois Pesticide Operator's license within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to identify common tree species and major insect/disease problems in the Midwest.
• Ability to climb trees using required equipment and perform various types of tree work.
• Must obtain Class B CDL within 9 months of hire, subject to insurability and MVR.

Responsibilities

• Prune and groom trees and shrubs for health, safety, and appearance.
• Remove dead and hazardous trees; clean debris after removal.
• Install and maintain lightning protection systems; brace trees with defects.
• Apply pesticides as needed using tree injection equipment.
• Participate in winter clearing and snow removal operations.
• Provide assistance for events, exhibitions, and wood reutilization.
• Support Arboretum scientists in ongoing research projects.

Skills

ISA Certified Arborist

Tree climbing

Safety standards

GIS mapping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Illinois Pesticide Operator's license

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

Class B CDL

First Aid & CPR certification

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Google apps

Job description

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL is seeking an experienced arborist to perform a broad range of tree care and maintenance tasks across 1,700 acres, including pruning, removals, hazard evaluation, and installation of support and lightning protection systems.

The role requires ISA certification within 12 months, IL Pesticide Operator license within 3 months, CDL within 9 months, and TRAQ within 3 years, along with strong climbing and communication skills.