Job Details

Associate Consulting Arborist

Location: Portland, OR
Salary: 104,000.00 + (Depending on experience) | Negotiable

About Teragan & Associates

Teragan & Associates is a leading consulting firm specializing in arboriculture and urban forestry. Our expert team partners with clients to provide innovative, scientifically grounded solutions for the management, preservation, and enhancement of trees and green spaces in urban and rural environments. We are committed to environmental stewardship, technical excellence, and client service.

Position Overview: Associate Arboricultural Consultant

As an Associate Arboricultural Consultant, you will serve in a project management role, overseeing the planning and execution of assigned projects with professionalism and attention to detail. Your daily responsibilities will include  conducting arboricultural assessments, performing tree risk evaluations, preparing comprehensive tree protection plans, and delivering environmental consulting services in alignment with Teragan & Associates’ standards. You will report directly to senior associates and the principal of the firm, contributing to a range of projects such as tree inventories, construction impact assessments, tree health evaluations, and urban forestry planning initiatives. This position requires active participation in fieldwork and project support, as well as a commitment to continuous professional development through company-sponsored opportunities. You are expected to demonstrate initiative and a positive impact through your contributions. Employment in this role will offer valuable practical experience and opportunities for career advancement within the organization, contingent upon performance and business requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork which may be in difficult terrain and during inclement weather. Data collection will include but not necessarily limited to tree identification, measurements, health assessments, and risk evaluations for public and private clients.
• Assist with the preparation of arborist reports, tree protection plans, and technical documents in line with industry standards and municipal requirements.
• Support urban forestry and landscape planning projects by collecting, managing, and analyzing tree and site data.
• Research municipal by-laws, regulations, and best practices related to tree protection, removal permits, and development applications.
• Create and/or contribute to client proposals, project plans, and presentations.
• Collaborate with landscape architects, planners, engineers, and environmental scientists to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Participate in client meetings, site visits, and community consultations as required.
• Maintain accurate records and data management systems for project tracking and compliance.
• Stay informed about new technologies, pests, diseases, and arboricultural methodologies.

Job Expectations

• Demonstrate comprehensive expertise in arboricultural science, including advanced tree biology, species identification, and modern assessment methodologies applicable to both fieldwork and project oversight.
• Consistently adhere to professional arboricultural standards, such as ISA Best Management Practices and all pertinent local, state, and municipal regulations, ensuring legal and ethical compliance throughout all project phases.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail and accuracy as required in collecting field data and preparing technical reports, supporting sound decision-making and project integrity.
• Demonstrate the ability to work efficiently, both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, contributing arboricultural expertise to integrated landscape and urban forestry projects.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, project stakeholders, and team members, delivering clear verbal and written updates, technical findings, and recommendations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Exhibit strong project management skills by effectively managing time, prioritizing tasks, and balancing multiple assignments and deadlines using company-provided project management systems and tools.
• Uphold the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and confidentiality on all assignments, promoting responsible arboricultural practices and ensuring the protection of sensitive project information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, environmental science, biology, or a related field, or proven knowledge through work experience.
• ASCA and/or ISA Certified Arborist designation (or willingness to obtain within the first year).
• Experience with tree surveying tools (GPS, GIS, diameter tapes, etc.) is a plus. Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite;
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites with a personal vehicle as required.
• Previous consulting, municipal, or fieldwork experience in arboriculture or a related discipline is an asset but not mandatory.

Opportunities for Growth

• Mentorship from senior arborists and consultants.
• Ongoing in-house and external training on arboricultural science, disciplines, tree risk assessment, and urban forestry planning.
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects impacting communities and ecosystems.
• Support for professional certification and continuing education.