Township Arborist

FERGUSON TOWNSHIP; Bloomsdorf (PA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferguson Township in State College, PA is seeking a full-time Arborist to care for public trees and green spaces, collaborating with a dedicated team to enhance community aesthetics and safety.

You will perform planting, maintenance, and removal of trees within rights-of-way and parks, using modern equipment. The role offers hands-on outdoor work, safety training, and opportunities to contribute to environmental health and local forestry initiatives.

Qualifications

• Two years of arboriculture or related field experience.
• Ability to operate and maintain arboriculture equipment safely.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assessing tree health and identifying treatment or removal needs
• Executing pruning, removal, cabling, planting, and preservation tasks
• Operating aerial lifts, chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and related equipment
• Supporting community forestry initiatives and assisting with storm response
• Maintaining detailed records and adhering to safety protocols

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Class B CDL with no air brake restriction

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Registered Pesticide Technician Credential

PADOT-approved Temporary Traffic Control/Flagger Certification

Tools

Aerial lifts

Chainsaws

Chippers

Stump grinders

Job description

Join Ferguson Township as a full-time Arborist and immerse yourself in the beauty of outdoor work in State College, PA. This role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to community aesthetics and environmental health through tree management and care. You'll collaborate with a dedicated team, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Township's green spaces.

Working onsite, you'll experience the satisfaction of seeing your efforts directly impact the local ecosystem and community. With a competitive pay rate of $25.43 per hour, you'll be rewarded for your expertise and passion for arboriculture, and you'll receive training in the latest industry safety standards and arboricultural techniques. If you enjoy working outdoors, value craftsmanship, and want your work to truly make a difference, this is an excellent opportunity.

FERGUSON TOWNSHIP: Who We Are

Ferguson Township is a community deeply connected to its natural environment, with a landscape that blends rolling farmland, thriving neighborhoods, and expansive views of the surrounding mountains. Located in Centre County near the heart of Happy Valley, our region is known for its outdoor recreation, strong agricultural roots, and commitment to environmental stewardship. As a proud Tree City USA community for more than two decades, Ferguson Township invests in the long-term health, diversity, and sustainability of its urban forest. Our Urban Forester and Arborists play a key role in this effort, caring for the Township's trees, parks, and green spaces using modern equipment and science-based practices. When you join our team, you'll work alongside professionals who value teamwork, safety, and craftsmanship-and who take pride in maintaining one of the region's most respected and well-managed urban canopies.

What's your day like AS A TOWNSHIP ARBORIST?

As an Arborist with Ferguson Township, you'll perform skilled work focused on the planting, maintenance, preservation, and safe removal of trees located within public rights-of-way, parks, and Township-owned lands. Your knowledge and judgment will help ensure that our green spaces remain healthy, attractive, and safe for residents.

Daily work may include:

• Assessing tree health and identifying treatment or removal needs


• Executing pruning, removal, cabling, planting, and preservation tasks


• Operating aerial lifts, chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and related equipment


• Supporting community forestry initiatives and assisting with storm response


• Maintaining detailed records and adhering to safety protocols

This role provides a meaningful opportunity to apply your arboricultural expertise in a dynamic outdoor environment, directly shaping the Township's landscape and public spaces.

Does this sound like you?

To thrive as an Arborist at Ferguson Township, you will need a minimum of two (2) years of arboriculture and/or related field experience.

Preferred/able to obtain within 12 months of hire:

• Class B CDL with no air brake restriction


• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Registered Pesticide Technician Credential


• PADOT-approved Temporary Traffic Control/Flagger Certification

Excellent communication skills will enable you to collaborate with team members and engage with the community regarding tree care initiatives. Problem-solving abilities are crucial for assessing tree health and determining the best course of action for maintenance or removal.

Additionally, ability to work at excessive heights using aerial lifts, ropes and harnesses, physical stamina, and a comfort level with manual labor are necessary, as the job involves outdoor work in various weather conditions. A commitment to safety and adherence to best practices will also be vital in ensuring the well-being of both the team and the community you serve.

Please review the job description for additional information.

CLIMB HIGHER - IN EVERY WAY!

We would be excited to welcome you to our team and support your continued growth as an arboriculture professional.

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What are current and past employees saying about working for Ferguson Township?

\"A great culture of professionalism and friendliness to support the work being done.\"

\"Yes, [I feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help from colleagues] and I am encouraged to get to know more about what my colleagues do so we can collaborate.\"

\"What do I like most about working here? I enjoy my coworkers and working with the community/public.\"

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Ferguson Township does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Ferguson Township is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We seek to recruit and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy, parental status, sex (including gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation), disability, marital status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, past or present military service, or other non-merit factor.

A conditional offer of employment will be made to the successful candidate pending a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check.