Senior Arborist & Urban Forestry Leader

Bismarck, City of (ND); Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bismarck is seeking a Lead Arborist responsible for planning, supervising, and performing care and maintenance of city trees along streets. This role leads full-time and seasonal staff, coordinates daily workloads, and ensures pruning, planting, and removal are completed safely and to standard.

Responsibilities include equipment operation (bucket trucks, knuckle booms, wood chippers), stump removal, tree planting, pest diagnosis, and contributing to snow removal operations as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires specialized forestry training and basic high school education.
• Arborist certification or ability to obtain within 1 year is required.
• CDL or ability to obtain within 6 months is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate full-time and seasonal staff; plan and assign daily work.
• Prune and remove trees using equipment like bucket trucks and knuckle booms.
• Plant trees and perform stump removal and site repairs.
• Assist with snow removal operations as needed and operate related equipment.
• Perform daily vehicle and equipment inspections and safety checks.
• Diagnose tree health issues and participate in pest inspections.
• Educate staff and enforce safety procedures and city forestry standards.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Safety procedures

Forestry knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ISA Arborist Certification or willingness to obtain

ND Pesticide Applicator’s License or willingness to obtain

CDL Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 6 months

Tools

ArcGIS

Bucket truck

Knuckle boom

Wood chipper

Stump router

Chainsaw

Job description

The City of Bismarck is seeking a Lead Arborist responsible for planning, supervising, and performing care and maintenance of city trees along streets. This role leads full-time and seasonal staff, coordinates daily workloads, and ensures pruning, planting, and removal are completed safely and to standard.

Responsibilities include equipment operation (bucket trucks, knuckle booms, wood chippers), stump removal, tree planting, pest diagnosis, and contributing to snow removal operations as needed.