Arborist

Grow with us! The City of Durango is looking for an experienced arborist who is ready to lead city maintenance crews in the care of Durango’s vibrant urban forest. With your expertise in park development, horticulture, and/or natural resources management, you’ll oversee and participate in planting and maintaining a diverse system of trees, shrubs, and other foliage.

Reporting to the Arborist Supervisor, you will guide and train assigned staff in all tree trimming, pruning, removal, installation, treatment, and urban forestry practices. You’ll provide technical authority and correct diagnoses of tree pests and diseases and implement appropriate treatment to protect the health of forestry plants and trees.

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Tree, shrub, and other foliage planting, maintenance, cultivation, and treatment, including tree trimming, pruning, removal, and installation
• Lead and train co-workers assigned to your work team
• Operate and maintain light, moderate, and heavy power-driven equipment
• Lead and participate in snow removal
• Educate the public about Durango’s urban forest

You Have: 

• An Associate Degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources Management or related field
• Three years of progressively responsible related experience in park development, horticulture and urban forestry
• Knowledge of practices, methods, and materials used in grounds maintenance and urban forestry maintenance trades
• Strong leadership and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of and commitment to following standard safety practices

*ISA Arborist Certification, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ), Colorado Pesticide Applicator License, CDOT Certified Flagger Certification, and valid state CDL are preferred. 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.

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 benefits
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling and work-life balance
• Retirement perks: 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Disability support: FMLA/short term and long term disability
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Commitment to employee wellness: Free access to Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area
• Free transit pass and family member discounts
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning
• Community engagement: 16 hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations

Belong at the City of Durango:

The City of Durango believes in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.

The City is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, projective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.