Position Purpose 

To fulfill the tree care responsibilities of the Arboricultural  team in accordance with best practices in arboriculture as defined by  the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); with a special  emphasis on ensuring the long-term health, aesthetic beauty, site functionality, safety, and collections’ value of the Garden’s tree and shrub populations.  

Position Information

Job Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Mon.-Fri., 40 hours a week, occasional weekends and holidays. 

Pay:  $23.08–$32.31/hr

Essential Duties 

• Carries out structural pruning, training of young trees, plant separation pruning for trees and shrubs, safety mitigation pruning, and any other specialized pruning techniques or arboricultural related practices (cabling, bracing, anchoring, etc.) under the direction of the Tree and Shrubs Plant Form Specialist.   
• Participates in tree planting and removals alongside the Trail Horticulture team. 
• Assists in any tree or shrub related seed collection, fertilizing, pesticide application, data collection, and IPM monitoring and mitigation.  
• Works and coordinates with the Trail Horticulture team to support them in their pruning needs; assess feedback; serves as a knowledge source regarding trees; and communicates work that is being done in their areas.  
• Adheres to all ISA and ANSI safety standards in arboriculture including approved PPE, proper operation of equipment, and securing a safe working space.    
• Properly maintains all equipment (saws, loppers, chainsaws and chains, etc.) used in arboricultural activities.  
• Provide support for all departmental activities including plant sales, bed installations and renovations, collecting trips and Garden activities. 
• Work with volunteers if needed.  
• Participates in departmental, Garden, and planning meetings; assists with reports and proposals; continues professional education.  
• Maintains ISA certification for the duration of employment. 

Competencies 

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, life sciences, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience a plus.  
• Is an ISA certified arborist or has the ability to become one within three years of employment.  
• Knot tying as used in arboricultural and rigging operations, or can learn these techniques within a year of employment. 
• Exceptional time management, communication and organizational skills. 
• The ability to solve problems using discretion and good judgment, high levels of personal motivation and professionalism. 
• Climbing experience a plus and/or the willingness to train as an ISA certified Tree Climber.  
• Able to work independently and in a team setting.  
• Valid Arizona Driver’s license for cart training and use. 
• Ability to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays when needed.  

Equipment Used 

Chainsaws, loppers, handsaws, pool saws and other small tools (pickaxe, shovels, sharp shooter, etc.) and some construction equipment (scissor lift, fork lift, trencher) used in landscape maintenance and care.   

Internal Communication 

Regular communication with Garden staff and volunteers. 

External Communication 

Interaction with Garden visitors, plant sale customers and vendors. 

Working Conditions 

Must be able to walk, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, see, hear, speak, read, and type. Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer. Occasionally  ascends/descends a ladder or scissor lift to 15’-20’. Frequently moves  and lifts materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Consistently works in  outside conditions that include inclement weather, humidity and extreme heat during summer months. The Horticulture department implements a summer schedule to support the safety and well-being of staff working outside.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Desert  Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all  applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity  and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age,  national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status  protected by law. 

The  Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion  to honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all,  to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional  excellence. 

All employees will help add to the Garden’s diversity and fully embrace it.  

This  job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties,  responsibilities, and deliverables of the role. This is not a contract  and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be assigned by  supervisor and/or his/her/their designee.