Plant Health Care Specialist

Plant Health Care Specialist

Employment Type: Salaried, Non-Exempt Working Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Employment Classification: Non-Exempt Apply by: Open until filled; applications review and interviews on a rolling basis Reports to: Plant Health Care Supervisor Salary: $43,000

Benefits: Partial work apparel, Professional Development opportunities, PTO, some paid Holidays including your Birthday, Subsidized Medical and Dental insurance, Ancillary Insurance (Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, Life, and Legal), 403(b) Retirement account (matched up to 3% after one year)

Trees Atlanta is a nationally recognized non-profit community group committed to protecting and improving Atlanta's urban forest through planting, conserving, and educating. Founded in 1985, Trees Atlanta works tirelessly to address Atlanta's tree loss, protect its forests, and create new greenspace. Empowered by its wonderful community of volunteers, Trees Atlanta serves the metro Atlanta area, and has grown to become one of Atlanta's most widely known and supported non-profit organizations.

Job Description

Plant Health Care (PHC) within the Community Forestry program is focused on a systematic approach to providing routine pruning maintenance for Trees Atlanta tree plantings. Trees Atlanta is looking for a Plant Health Care Specialist who is versatile, and can work in both the office with administrative tasks as well as field work. The role requires planning and facilitating tree pruning projects for a long-lasting and healthy canopy that serves the community with staff and volunteers. This individual will also serve as an instructor for Pruning Classes throughout the year. The Plant Health Care Specialist will be expected to be a current ISA certified Arborist or be able to obtain this credential within the first year of employment.

The Plant Health Care Specialist will:

• Prune trees for good structure and clearance according to ANSI A300 Standards.
• Possess an administrative role when implementing pruning maintenance with an emphasis on facilitating logistical planning, scouting, and project development.
• Design and execute volunteer pruning maintenance projects.
• Lead groups of volunteers to assist with pruning and tree maintenance tasks.
• Obtain a foundational understanding of standardized pruning practices through continued educational development.
• Educate volunteers and the public on proper pruning practices and techniques by teaching Trees Atlanta pruning classes.
• Lead and coach Forestry Technicians (seasonal staff) who can rotate to different departments on a monthly basis.
• Work with other like-minded individuals in a non-profit setting.
• Carry out all aspects of arboriculture care and tree maintenance tasks, including, but not limited to mulching, weeding, pruning, pest control, and invasive vegetation management throughout the city of Atlanta and other neighboring municipalities.
• Remove invasive plants and other weeds from planted areas, using both manual and chemical methods.
• Apply insecticides to trees as needed and assigned.
• Utilize ArcGIS, ArcGIS Tree Management Solutions, and Field Maps daily to plan and facilitate projects.
• Log completed fieldwork each day using a smartphone and upload to our server and database through Survey123.
• Review, follow up on, and complete public Tree Care inquiries submitted to our CRM database, Salesforce.
• Safely operate a wood chipper and other heavy power equipment as needed.
• Assist with care and security of all buildings and gardens, cleaning, removing trash, locking/unlocking, and arming/disarming, according to organizational protocols.
• Safely operate Trees Atlanta vehicles (trucks and utility vehicles) and a variety of hand and gas-powered equipment, including but not limited to string trimmer, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, shovel, rake, and backpack sprayer.
• Interface with the public as a responsible ambassador to communicate Trees Atlanta's mission.
• Other duties, as assigned.

What You Need:

• At least 21 years old with a valid driver's license (minimum of three-year history) with a clean record.
• Be able to pass both a criminal history background check and drug screening (includes Marijuana/THC screening).
• Become ISA Certified Arborist within 6 months - 1 year of employment.
• Proficiency in using ArcGIS, ArcGIS Tree Management Solutions, and Field Maps
• Effectively balance work schedule to accommodate fieldwork and office work.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and effectively communicate with other team members.
• Detail-oriented, willing to do repetitive tasks, and able to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to work an 8-hour workday outdoors in various weather conditions, crouch, bend, and maneuver heavy items (ability to lift 50 lbs or more) and work on uneven terrain in various weather conditions
• Be able to work a 5-day schedule from 7am - 3:30pm.
• Willingness to interact with the public in a professional, positive manner.
• Updated tetanus shot.
• 2 years of related experience or a degree in a related field preferred.

To Apply: Complete this application. Applicants must upload a resume and questionnaire responses to complete and submit the application. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and only candidates who have the desired experience and skills will be contacted for interviews. This posting will be removed when the acceptable number of qualified applicants has been received.

• All final candidates will be required to pass both a criminal background check and drug screening; adverse results could impact hiring (Trees Atlanta is a participant in the Federal Drug Free Workplace Program).
• Final candidates applying for positions that require driving company-owned vehicles will also have to pass a Motor Vehicle Report review to determine eligibility. Eligible drivers must also pass a DOT physical.
• All new hires will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States of America. Trees Atlanta complies with regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security. Trees Atlanta is a registered E-Verify employer.