Arborist Climber

The Horticulture & Collections department seeks a skilled, professional climbing arborist, based at Holden Arboretum, to use sound arboricultural principles to identify, renovate, enhance, maintain, and overall improve over 5500+ individual specimen trees throughout the Arboretum Core and Outer Collections. The role will ensure the woody and tree collections are grown and cared for under optimal conditions, for our guests, for our research teams, and for conservation value. Occasional work may be required at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus, including in the Costa Rica and Madagascar biomes.

 The Arborist Climber will primarily be identifying and implementing climbing works required to run successful projects to identify hazard trees impacting guest experience and to appropriately maintain specimen trees as they establish and mature. This person will work closely and regularly with a ground-based Arborist Assistant, along with other members of the Horticulture & Collections divisions, to plan tree maintenance and pruning schedules. The Arborist Climber will communicate with the Collections Maintenance Supervisor and Plant Records Curator for accurate record keeping within Collections and reporting of damage to rare and threatened trees. Horticulture & Collections team members contribute to sharing knowledge with guests and colleagues through HF&G education and social media streams. We are seeking a professional with a positive can-do attitude that leads to successful teamwork, superb customer service and a high-quality aesthetic.

 When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work.   

 Key responsibilities of the Arborist Climber include, but are not limited to:

• Identify, document, and implement tree works on the Core and Outer Areas
• Safely perform and supervise all aspects of arboriculture, including, but not limited to pruning, cabling & bracing, rigging, removals, and waste management
• Work with Collections Maintenance Supervisor to complete projects 

• Relay and report work performed on specimen trees to the Plant Records Curator 
• Remove invasive and unwanted brush in and around specimen trees
• Maintain proper operation of equipment including, but not limited to hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts
• Supervise Arborist Groundworker and seasonal employees, as needed
• Communicate with employees of daily activities 
• Collaborate with various Holden Forests & Gardens department initiatives 
• Ensure each crew member is trained appropriately for each designated job assignment
• Ensure all tree care work is performed in accordance with industry and organizational standards

• Use of pesticides may be required

• Liaise with Arboretum stakeholders regarding tree works and potential impact on guest experience and safety, horticultural team works, and curatorial, nursery & research needs 
• Other duties as assigned  

Qualifications and Skills: 

• At least 3 years climbing experience, required
• Tree Climber Specialist certification, preferred 
• ISA certified arborist or ability to be able to certify within one year of start date
• A Bachelor’s degree in arboriculture, horticulture, botany, biology, related field or a minimum of 3 years experience in the tree care industry 
• Ability to plan, budget and communicate requests to a team
• Be able to work in a team or independently as needed
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive, preferred 
• An observant initiator and self-starter
• A passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors with interest in working outdoors year-round performing manual labor in all weather conditions
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team
• Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record
• Criminal background check pass required 

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Working primarily outdoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit

• Willing and able to operate small power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions

• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky
• Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing and lifting
• carrying (up to 50 lbs.)