Arborist Assistant

The Horticulture & Collections department seeks an Arborist Assistant who will use sound horticultural principles to assist in maintaining and improving the plant collections at the Holden Arboretum, to ensure plants are grown and cared for under optimal conditions. The Arborist Assistant will assist in the overall improvement of over 5500+ individual specimen trees throughout the Arboretum Core and Outer Collections. The responsibilities will include sharing knowledge with colleagues and guests, on social media and blog writing while working collaboratively with HF&G colleagues in other departments. Occasional work may be required at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus. We are seeking a professional who will present a positive 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 Assistant include, but are not limited to: 

• Learning through on-the-job training to safely preform all aspects of arboriculture
• Structural pruning of young trees
• Planting and maintaining trees and shrubs e.g.: mulching, watering, staking, caging and weeding 
• Mowing around various collections 
• Assist with removals as needed
• Operate a variety of equipment including mini excavator, skid steer loader, tractor, dump truck, utility vehicles, chain saws, pruners, shears, weed eaters, sprayers and push & riding mowers
• Properly maintaining and operating equipment including, but not limited to, hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts
• Assisting with driving, backing, dumping and parking duties

• Remove invasive and unwanted brush in and around specimen trees
• Collaborate with various Holden Forests & Gardens department initiatives 

• Use of pesticides may be required
• Assisting arborist climbers and crew leaders working on the ground as requested
• Learning, understanding, and adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies
• ID and control weeds plant pests and diseases using sustainable practices
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills: 

• High school graduate or equivalent, required
• A Bachelor’s degree in arboriculture, horticulture, botany, biology or related field is preferred or experience in the green industry   
• Ability to plan and communicate requests to a team
• Be able to work effectively in a team 
• 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 
• 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
• Must pass a criminal background check 

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.)