UTS - Temporary Field Lead Arborist

Essential Job Duties

The Temporary Field Lead provides advanced technical expertise and operational oversight. This role is responsible for directing crew activities, ensuring the highest standards of safety, and maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic value of the campus canopy across 2,240 acres of infrastructure.

Is Time Limited

Yes

If Yes, Appointment Length: 11 months recurring

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perksdesigned to enhance your personal and professional well-being.
What we offer:

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare discounts, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Job City & State

Raleigh, NC

Classification Title

Temporary-Skilled Trades

Working Title

UTS - Temporary Field Lead Arborist at NC State

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday (6:00 am - 2:30 pm)

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Mandatory Personnel: This is a critical role designated as essential personnel. You must report to work during adverse weather or emergency events, even if the University is closed.
• Availability: May require occasional rotating weekends or overtime during peak seasons and emergency tree care situations.

Minimum Experience/Education

• Degree in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, environmental science, or related field; and/or 5 years direct field experience with ISA certification.

Department Required Skills

Physical Requirements & Certifications

• Strenuous Physical Labor: Ability to lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 lbs with or without reasonable accommodations
• Mobility: Must be able to walk long distances across campus and perform repetitive movements, including stooping, bending, climbing, and reaching for prolonged periods.
• Heights: Comfortable working at heights while operating aerial lifts or climbing trees using ropes and harnesses.
• Environmental Exposure: Ability to work outdoors for full shifts (8+ hours) in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, sun, wind, rain, and snow.
• Certification Requirement: Must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and or 5 years of direct field experience.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

Leadership & Staff Training

• Crew Lead: Lead a collaborative team in the execution of complex pruning, removals, and tree care operations.
• Skills Development: In collaboration with the Operations Manager, train staff on advanced arboricultural techniques, including proper pruning, rope rigging, and the safe operation of heavy machinery.
• Policy Enforcement: Encourage all team members to adhere to University policies regarding safety, personnel, and professional conduct.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced Tree Care: Perform and oversee crown cleaning, thinning, reduction, and raising on mature trees.
• Diagnostics: Identify pests, nutrient deficiencies, and structural diseases; implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and fertilization plans.
• Emergency Response: Lead high-stakes removals of failed trees/limbs resulting from weather or accidents, requiring extreme precision and risk assessment.
• Chemical Application: Ensure 100% accuracy and safety in the application of horticultural chemicals and fertilizers.

Safety & Risk Management

• Hazard Assessment: Identify and mitigate risks (e.g., power lines, structural instability) before and during operations.
• Work Zone Control: Oversee the setup of traffic control, barricades, and flagging to protect the crew and the public.
• Equipment Oversight: Manage the inspection and maintenance of ropes, rigging, aerial lifts, and cutting tools to prevent mechanical failure.

Licenses & Certifications

• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License): Possession of a Class B CDL highly preferred for operating aerial lifts, bucket trucks, and grapple trucks.
• Pesticide License: North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator license preferred for IPM and chemical application duties.

Required License or Certification

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license is required
• Must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.

Valid NC Driver's License required?

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No