Job Description

About the Position

The Arborist is responsible for maintaining trees to Mt. Cuba Center's standards of care for safety, health, design function, aesthetics, and ecology. While aerial work is the central component of this position, skilled participation in all phases of tree care is expected. Daily supervision of the Arborist's work is provided by the Head Arborist, and general administrative supervision is provided by the Arboriculture Manager. The Arborist is responsible for safe and efficient direction of ground workers during tree pruning and removal operations. The Arborist will also be responsible for coordinating work related to the Resilient Canopy Project, including volunteer management, data collection, and reporting.

Essential Functions of the Role

The following outlines key responsibilities of the role:

Assessment & Planning

• Check trees for safety, health, and aesthetic issues through regular inspection. 

• Monitor the performance of trees included in the Resilient Canopy Project. 

• Keep records of tree care activities performed. 

Tree Maintenance 

• Perform tree care activities, including planting, pruning, emergency pruning of storm-damaged trees, and removal through tree climbing and from the ground 

• Install, inspect, and update cabling and tree lightning protection systems. 

• Maintain tools and equipment in good working order. 

• Assist with directing vendors during tree maintenance and removal projects performed for the organization. 

Support Guest & Organizational Programs Related to Arboriculture 

• Participate in existing classes and outreach activities conducted by the department and the development and delivery of new programming.

• Support guest and organizational initiatives related to the profession of arboriculture. 

• Train and guide employees, interns, and/or volunteers in performing related work. 

OTHER: Carry out other such duties as may be assigned or requested. Contribute to MCC activities as required. Actively participate as a member of Mt. Cuba Center's community 

Major Objectives/Projects for the First 6-12 Months

The incoming Arborist will be expected to make significant impacts in the following key areas during their first year:

• Become proficient in performing ecological arboriculture in a public garden setting
• Complete qualification on tree risk assessment 
• Become familiar with the Resilient Canopy Project and related volunteer and data management

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of 3 years of experience in arboriculture is required. 

• Existing International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist® credential is preferred or must be acquired within 1 year of employment. 

• ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualification® or comparable training in tree risk assessment must be acquired within 1 year of employment. 

• Must possess a valid driver's license in good standing. 

Qualifications and Skills

• Practical knowledge of OSHA, ANSI, and ISA regulations, standards, and best practices pertaining to arboriculture. 

• Demonstrated skills in planning and performing tree maintenance procedures, specifically those that involve climbing trees. 

• Ability to safely operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and equipment, including the operation of chain saws, a brush chipper, and automatic, hydrostatic, and manual transmissions. 

• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with the staff and the public 

• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision. 

• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed. 

About the Role: Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

• Salary commensurate with experience with a starting range of $25 - $28 per hour
• Non-Exempt, full-time position, fully on-site 
• Generally, regular hours are: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM with occasional evenings, weekends and early mornings depending on events
• Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S.
• Benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with up to 8% employer contribution, PTO, free garden admission, and professional development opportunities
  
• Provided Certifications or MCC Training Courses 
  • First Aid/CPR/AED, Stop the Bleed, Flagger training, ISA Certified Arborist® recertification, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification® (or requalification)

Application and Hiring Process

To apply, please submit:

• Resume
• Responses to our application questions

Interview Process:

• Application Review
• Candidate Screening Questionnaire 
• Video screen with HR 
• Virtual Panel Interview
• Final In-Person Panel Interview with an On-Site Hiring Assignment

Timing:

• Application review begins November 10th. We recommend that interested applicants submit their applications prior to this date.
• Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in early to mid January 2026.
• All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed.

Commitment to Diversity: Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.

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