Washington State Parks is governed by a board of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the Governor. Commission members serve staggered six-year terms, setting public policy and guiding the agency. The Washington state park system includes more than 100 developed parks, recreation programs, trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

This announcement is for a full-time Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 In-Training) position, with the Southwest Arbor Crew, located in Tumwater, WA.

Please Note: Position may be filled at the Natural Resource Specialist 1, 2, or 3 level depending on qualifications. Candidates hired at the Natural Resource Specialist 1 or 2 level will be required to successfully complete an in-training program prior to promoting to the goal class of Natural Resource Specialist 3.

DUTIES:

This position serves as one of two highly trained and proficient arborists on a region arbor crew. The position acts as one of six agency experts on highly technical tree felling and pruning. In addition, the position researches, analyzes, recommends, and carries out specialized forestry/arboriculture/horticulture services. The Natural Resource Specialist 3 in-training reports to the Arbor Program Supervisor and coordinates with the Natural Resources Program Manager and Agency Forester to prioritize and manage Washington State Parks' trees and forests through selective high risk tree identification and removal, training, tree replacement strategies, pruning, and insect and disease identification and treatment techniques.

• Plans, schedules, organizes, coordinates, directs and controls the arboricultural field work in multiple parks as well as with interagency partners.  
• Maintains records on tree assessment, maintenance, monitoring, pruning and/or removal activities.
• Assesses tree risk and performs tree care operations.
• Works in close coordination with crew members to expertly remove trees to reduce hazardous conditions, promote tree health, and protect people from property.  
• Maintains arboriculture equipment including: aerial lift, brush chipper, spray equipment, stump grinder, chainsaws, rigging equipment, climbing equipment, winch, and various hand tools related to tree and plant care.
• Upholds agency rules and policies for the conservation of State Parks' natural resources.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Natural Resource Specialist 1

• High school diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture or tree care maintenance or in a logging operation.
• Valid (unrestricted except for corrective lenses) driver's license.  
• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment
• First Aid/CPR card must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment.  

Natural Resource Specialist 2

• High school diploma or GED
• Three (3) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture or tree care maintenance or in a logging operation.
• Valid (unrestricted except for corrective lenses) driver's license.  
• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• First Aid/CPR card.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor certification or the ability to obtain within 18 months of employment. 

• High school diploma or GED
• Four (4) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture or tree care maintenance or in a logging operation.
• Valid (unrestricted except for corrective lenses) driver's license.  
• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• First Aid/CPR card.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.
• Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor.

• College coursework or degree in forestry, arboriculture, plant pathology, entomology, natural resource management, or related field from an accredited college or university.

• This position works primarily outdoors that may include strenuous walking through undeveloped areas with no trails up to 10 hours a day.  This position functions at a high physical level climbing trees for pruning and rescue purposes, felling trees, and lifting heavy objects in excess of 40 pounds.  
• Travel is essential, including multiple overnight stays and occasional travel out of state for conferences and trainings.  

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Use reference number 04325 when searching for the job announcement. You must attach or embed in your application the following:

You must attach or embed in your application the following:

• Letter of interest specifically addressing the qualification listed in this announcement.
• Current Resume.
• Three Professional references.