Arborist

Description Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Description Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Job Title: Eastern Region Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 In-Training) Location: East Wenatchee, WA Closes: Open until filled, first review of applications will be on August 6th. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time after the first review. Position Status: Permanent full-time. Position may be filled at the Natural Resource Specialist 1, 2, or 3 level depending on qualifications. Candidates hired at the Natural Resource Specialist 1 or 2 level will be required to successfully complete an in-training program prior to promoting to the goal class of Natural Resource Specialist 3. Completion of the in-training program varies by employee and can take between 6 and 30 months. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an experienced Arborist (NRS 3 In-Training) for our eastern region. Trees in Washington State Parks are among our most treasured natural resources, serving and shaping the character, ecology, and intrinsic value of over 124 parks statewide. In this role you will be an integral member of our six-person agency team of experts on highly technical tree felling and pruning, tree risk management, plant health care, and specialized forestry, arboriculture, and horticulture services. This position serves as one of two highly trained and proficient Arborists for the Eastern Region Arbor Crew, based in East Wenatchee, WA. The Regional Arbor Crew works closely together to support parks staff and manage Washington State Parks' trees and forests for current and future generations. Our ideal candidate has a passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors. We are looking for someone with proven initiative, and a positive attitude, who is team-oriented, and self-motivated. This is a unique opportunity to share your experience in tree care while enhancing the knowledge and skills of on-site park's staff throughout the state. This position is not eligible to telework, as physical in-office and /or park presence is required to perform the essential functions. Duties Some Of What You Will Do This position practices all aspects of arboriculture in Washington State Parks' trees and forests through selective high risk tree identification and removal, staff training, tree planting, pruning, and insect and disease identification and integrated treatment techniques. Duties Include But Are Not Limited To Plans, schedules, organizes, coordinates, and directs arboricultural field work in eastern Washington. Maintains records on tree assessment, maintenance, monitoring, pruning and removal activities. Assesses tree risk to guide management decisions and performs tree care operations on the ground and aloft. Works in close coordination with crew members to expertly remove trees to reduce hazardous conditions, promote tree health, and protect people and property. Operates heavy equipment including heavy trucks, aerial lifts, skid steers, log skidders, chippers and masticators. Maintains arboriculture equipment fleet including aerial lift, brush chipper, spray equipment, stump grinder, chainsaws, rigging equipment, climbing equipment, winch, and various hand tools related to tree and plant care. Upholds agency rules and policies for the conservation of State Parks' natural resources. Working Conditions This position works primarily outdoors which may include strenuous walking through undeveloped areas with no trails up to 10 hours a day in all weather conditions. This position functions at a high physical level - climbing trees for pruning and rescue purposes, felling trees, and lifting heavy objects in excess of 40 pounds. Travel is essential to address tree-related issues across the assigned region and occasionally other parts of the state park system. Frequency of travel will vary based on business and operational needs, often two weeks per month. Safe vehicle operation for long distances and occasional driving on unimproved roads is required. Working hours are generally Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm. Some weekend and evening work may be required to address interagency work request schedules and respond to emergency tree work requests. Work requires the use of various types of office equipment, including computer, telephone system, printer, copier, Microsoft Office products, GIS/GPS software. Qualifications Required qualifications- depending on the entry- level into the series: Natural Resource Specialist 1: Salary range $48,048 - $64,512 annually Two (2) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations. Valid driver’s license. The ability to obtain State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment. First Aid/CPR card or obtain within the first 12 months of employment. Natural Resource Specialist 2: Salary range $54,204 - $72,900 annually Three (3) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations. Valid driver’s license. A Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment. First Aid/CPR card or ability to obtain within 12 months. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or the ability to obtain within the first 12 months of employment. Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (or equivalent) or the ability to obtain within 18 months. Natural Resource Specialist 3: Salary range $61,332 - $82,440 annually Four (4) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations. Valid driver’s license. Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). First Aid/CPR card International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (or equivalent) Please note: Position may be filled at the Natural Resource Specialist 1, 2, or 3 level depending on qualifications. Candidates hired at the Natural Resource Specialist 1 or 2 level will be required to successfully complete an in-training program prior to promoting to the goal class of Natural Resource Specialist 3. Completion of the in-training program varies by employee and can take between 6 and 30 months. Job Competencies Tree Risk Assessment & Diagnosis: Evaluate tree health, identify hazards (structural defects, pathogens, insects), and prescribe actions that minimize agency risk while promoting forest longevity. Advanced Arboricultural Field Techniques: Proficiently perform technical tree care operations, including directional felling, climbing, and complex rigging. Heavy Equipment Operations & Maintenance: Safely operate and maintain specialized machinery like aerial lifts, chippers, skid steers, and various chainsaws while conducting routine tool inspections. Job Site Safety & Compliance: Adhere to and enforce strict safety protocols, agency directives, and permitting laws, with the authority to halt unsafe work. Project & Resource Management: Plan, schedule, and coordinate fieldwork with interagency partners and park staff, while maintaining accurate records on tree monitoring and maintenance. Instruction & Stewardship: Assist in training park staff on tree risk and safe equipment use, while actively supporting conservation efforts, pest management, and the protection of historic trees. The ability to take action to learn and grow: Considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives. Practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases. Taking responsibility for learning and adapting, rather than relying on others to fill gaps. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals. Welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives. Increasing access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others. Preferred Qualifications College coursework or degree in forestry, arboriculture, plant pathology, entomology, natural resource management, or related field. Supplemental Information To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach: Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement. Current resume. To take advantage of veteran preference , please do the following: Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment. This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information: About Parks Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state’s winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here. Diversity Policy Statement The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. For information about this recruitment and the hiring process, please contact Wendy Vandel at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. For information about this position and job duties, please contact Adam Airoldi at View email address on click.appcast.io All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply. Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. Read About Our Benefits The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. . Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr