General Summary: 

The Arborist is responsible for the maintenance of the trees in Audubon Zoo, and Audubon Park and Riverview spanning from St. Charles Avenue to the Mississippi River. They will also advise and support tree care at all Audubon facilities. They will oversee the preventative maintenance and proper use of tools, supplies and equipment including chainsaws, vehicles, and chemicals. They will implement plans for the preservation of Audubon’s historic live oak collection. They will manage a staff of Tree Care Technicians, promoting skill development, interdepartmental cooperation, and excellent customer service. They will personally engage in all department responsibilities by leading from the front. They are responsible for providing storm preparation and recovery, including serving as member of the storm-rider team.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Arborist will: 

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality

• Conduct weekly inspections of trees to identify issues such as dead or dying vegetation, diseases or pest issues, and invasive or harmful plant growth.  
• Demonstrate high safety standards including sounds tree risk assessment skills per ISA TRAQ standards. 
• Oversee annual tree projects such as palm pruning (for all palms over the working height of 15 feet) and health care, contracted large tree projects and other projects as required to ensure work is completed per the contract and to Audubon standards. 
• Strong commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience

• Maintain engaging landscape throughout Audubon Zoo that promotes an immersive and geographically accurate experience. 
• Keep trees lifted above pathways and roadways to city requirements. 

Preserve native Louisiana habitats.

• Oversee tree root protection efforts in the Zoo and Park including mulching of trees in high traffic areas and developing tree protection policies. 
• Maintain trees throughout the Zoo and Park (including historic live oaks) through proper pruning techniques, removal of deadwood and coordinating health care treatments including mulching, fertilizing and termite protection.
• Maintain internal mulch piles by ensuring the appropriate chipped trees are added, turning the piles, and distributing as requested. 

Provide opportunities for recreation in natural settings.

• Maintain a live oak canopy in Audubon Park that provides shaded recreation areas while preserving open spaces. 
• Guide Golf Course staff in the maintenance of trees in and around the course. 
• Ensure the health and safety of Park trees through routine inspections. 

Operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museums and parks.

• Manage the budget for trees including developing an annual budget for approval, monthly budget variance reports and purchasing card reconciliations. 
• Contribute to the develop of the annual bid tab for contracted tree work to maximize the budget. 
• Support development efforts to fundraise for the Audubon Conservancy and donor tree plantings. 

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis.  They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Arborist will:

Welcome

• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.
• Wear identification badge.
• Walk individual to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people who look confused.
• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).  Always have the camera-ready look.

Share

• Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).
• Coach coworkers on service expectations.
• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.
• Know when to involve management.

Inspire

• Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.
• Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).
• Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.
• Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.
• Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).

Supervision:  Manages the Tree Care Technicians including promoting a high functioning work ethic, safe equipment practices and proper body mechanics, supporting diversity, evaluating staff performance, and completing annual performance evaluations. 

Experience:

• Required hands on tree care experience. 
• Preferred climbing experience. 
• Preferred aerial lift experience. 

Education: Required high school diploma or GED.

Licensure/Certification:  

• Required Louisiana Arborist license, Louisiana drivers license. 
• Preferred ISA certification upon hire, or ability to become certified within 6 months of employment. 

Software Requirements: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to learn PlanIt Geo mapping software

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:  

• Required experience with chainsaws, pole saws, chippers, and blowers. 
• Preferred experience with or willingness to learn operation of bucket trucks, aerial lifts, forklift, backhoe and/or other utility vehicles. 
• Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine.

Physical Requirements:

1. This position is physically demanding, requiring working outside. 
2. Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 75 pounds.
3. Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
4. Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less required. 
5. Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required.
6. Verbal communication and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.
7. Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
8. Ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

1. Ability to work in New Orleans weather including hot, humid summers, and cold, wet winters.
2. Working long hours between breaks or meals required.
3. Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.
4. May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity.
5. Constant contact with co-workers required.
6. Affinity for animals preferred.
7. Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures may be required.
8. Exposure to outdoor conditions may be required.

To apply please visit Audubon's Career Center here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=4032e712-4da9-4a03-9a92-33a883a3c238&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter