Lead Campus Arborist - Expert Tree Care & Training

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

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.