Job Details

Arborist

Location: Durango, CO
Salary: Not specified

The City of Durango is seeking an ISA Certified Arborist to serve as a working crew lead supporting the care and management of Durango’s urban forest. This is a field-based role, where you’ll spend the majority of your time performing and leading tree work—including pruning, removals, planting, and plant health care—while guiding a small crew.

Reporting to the Arborist Supervisor, you’ll apply your expertise in arboriculture to diagnose pests and diseases, perform tree risk assessments, and implement best practices that support a healthy, resilient urban canopy. This role is ideal for an arborist who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in high-quality tree care, and is ready to grow within a municipal forestry program.

What You’ll Do

• Perform and lead structural pruning, removals, and general tree care operations in alignment with industry standards
• Conduct tree risk assessments and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies
• Diagnose and treat insect and disease issues using integrated pest management practices
• Lead and participate in tree planting and establishment efforts to support long-term canopy health
• Guide, train, and work alongside assigned crew members in the field
• Operate and maintain equipment used in urban forestry work, including aerial lifts, chainsaws, chippers, and related tools
• Interact with community members and provide information about tree care and the urban forest
• Support snow removal operations as part of the broader public works team

You Have: 

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent. 
• ISA Certified Arborist (ICA) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certifications 
• Two years of progressively responsible related experience in park development, horticulture and urban forestry. 
• The ability obtain and maintain the following within six months of hire: 
  • Pesticide License through State of Colorado 
  • Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Certified Flagger certification 
  • Valid state Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) 

If you do not have a CDL or all certifications, please apply—we are willing to consider applicants who otherwise meet the minimum experience requirements. 

You Will Succeed in This Role If You: 

• Apply your knowledge of grounds maintenance and urban forestry practices, methods, and materials. 
• Lead and communicate effectively with team members and the public. 
• Prioritize safety by consistently following standard practices. 

What We Can Offer You: 
We believe in cultivating a work environment where our employees can succeed. In this role, you’ll experience the joy of working in nature while also receiving the following benefits and perks. 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.  
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.  
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.  
• Long-term disability coverage. 
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). 
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area. 
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being. 
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.  
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.  
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations. 

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

**PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE AT DURANGOCO.GOV/JOBS**