Arborist Trainee

The Arborist Trainee assist in the daily maintenance of Colonial Williamsburg trees and performs landscape tasks in accordance with department standards. This position is deemed as essential personnel and is required to report whether the Foundation is closed or not, regardless of the emergency weather related, or otherwise.

Responsibilities

Assists in daily maintenance of Colonial Williamsburg trees and performs landscape tasks in accordance with department standards; Works in a safe manner at all times to protect self, coworkers, the public, guests and property. Stays current on all safety regulations and procedures and performs work tasks in compliance with regulations and procedures. Enforces safety policies, regulations and procedures. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing for each job; Performs all arboricultural practices and clean-up work in a safe and professional manner, including rigging, pruning, take down, cabling, bracing, lightening protection, stump removal, aeration, fertilization, injection and other related duties; Operates and maintains all hand and powered equipment normally used in the tree care and landscape industry, such as, but not limited to saws, chippers, drills, blowers, etc.; Ability to operate and maintain large equipment such as dump trucks, front end loaders, forklifts, bucket trucks, tractors, snow plows, and similar machinery; Demonstrates a general knowledge of tree identification and cultural requirements, and ability to recognize common disease symptoms and structural defects; Participates in seminars or other Colonial Williamsburg sponsored educational programs related to tree care; Assists in support operations for landscape and other departments; Performs other landscape maintenance duties as required; Ability to interact positively with the public; to answer questions and represent the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Requirements

Knowledge and basic skills of arboriculture practices; 1-3 years’ experience in the tree care industry; Valid drivers license; Able to take direction; Ability to read instructions and write reports; Able to work a flexible schedule, to include being on standby at the manager’s request on evenings, weekends and holidays; The driver’s license must be maintained current and valid; Capable of operating large equipment, ie. skid steer and loader

Nice to have

Ability to climb using SRT or DRT arboriculture methods.