What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Arborist (Motor Vehicle Operator) position at Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
The primary purpose of the position is to provide proper care and maintenance of specimen trees and shrubs located within maintained landscapes; and mitigate hazard tree conditions along roadways and trails, and within developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, etc., where the visiting public are invited to come; by performing standard arboricultural practices.
SCREEN OUTS:
Minimum Qualifications: Operates 1/2 ton and 3/4-ton pickups, stake trucks, van trucks, platform trucks, bucket truck and/or dump truck which typically have an approximate GVW of not more than 32,000 pounds. Consistently operates chainsaws to fell trees with significant lean or defects. Has some knowledge of rigging tools and operations to utilize for felling trees and removing limbs over structures. Knowledge of tree identification and best trimming or felling practices. Has operated manlift or boom trucks to accomplish technical tree work under close supervision. Has operated a range of equipment including but not limited to skid steer loaders, towable chippers, front end loaders and backhoes, farm style equipment with various attachments, ride on mowers (zero-turn and articulating deck) to complete tasks not limited to mowing, earth moving, clearing debris within high traffic roadways, excavating holes to rough specs, etc. under close supervision. Maintains tools and equipment according to manufacturer's specifications and operating manuals.
Driver's License: You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
Tractor Operator: Operates gasoline and diesel-powered tractors up to 70 H.P. Tractors are field/farm type with towed or attached equipment such as rotary and flail mowers, augers, tillers, backhoe, or skid steer.
If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Responsible for maintaining the overall tree inventory and performing arboricultural duties for three offsite locations; James A Garfield National Historic Site, First Ladies National Historic Site and Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. Coordinates tree care with site managers for all tree operations.
Performs risk (hazard) assessment of trees to determine the presence of tree defects that have the potential to fail, resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. Rates the tree's potential risk of failure, provides treatment recommendations, and documents assessment and recommendations using a tree risk assessment report.
Develops basic rigging plans that identify the methods and techniques that will be used to lower tree parts to prevent damage to adjacent objects or to dismantle trees that do not have adequate room for felling. Executes the rigging plan using ropes, slings, and mechanical devices to remove limbs, dismantle trees, and generate mechanical advantage.
Performs "bucking" (cutting a tree into moveable sections), "limbing" (cutting limbs off of a tree), "Felling" (the process of downing individual trees), and "slashing" (cutting tree parts to lay flat on the ground) techniques.
Prunes trees and shrubs in accordance with industry standards to achieve desired objectives (e.g., reduce the risk of failure, improve fruit and flower production, etc.) using handsaws, pole saws, and chainsaws.
This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications received by the initial cutoff date will be considered first. **INITIAL CUT OFF IS Tuesday, January 20, 2026** Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement however additional referral certificates will only be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled.
Located in Northeastern, Ohio Cuyahoga Valley National Park is situated along 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River Valley in a suburban setting between the cities of Akron and Cleveland . The park is predominately natural forest and meadow with some areas of agriculture and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Winters are moderately cold with average temperatures in the 20 to 30 degree ranges. Heavy snowfall is not unusual. Summers are moderately warm, average temperatures in the high 70's and 80's with occasional warm spells in the 90's. Rural, suburban, and urban communities are all within a reasonable commuting distance. Excellent K-12 schools, numerous colleges, universities, hospitals, and cultural attractions are available in the area.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Web Site
http://www.nps.gov/cuva
Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:- Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
- Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
- Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Dexterity and Safety
- Knowledge of materials
- Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
- Use of Measuring Instruments
- Vehicle Operation
SCREEN OUTS:
Minimum Qualifications: Operates 1/2 ton and 3/4-ton pickups, stake trucks, van trucks, platform trucks, bucket truck and/or dump truck which typically have an approximate GVW of not more than 32,000 pounds. Consistently operates chainsaws to fell trees with significant lean or defects. Has some knowledge of rigging tools and operations to utilize for felling trees and removing limbs over structures. Knowledge of tree identification and best trimming or felling practices. Has operated manlift or boom trucks to accomplish technical tree work under close supervision. Has operated a range of equipment including but not limited to skid steer loaders, towable chippers, front end loaders and backhoes, farm style equipment with various attachments, ride on mowers (zero-turn and articulating deck) to complete tasks not limited to mowing, earth moving, clearing debris within high traffic roadways, excavating holes to rough specs, etc. under close supervision. Maintains tools and equipment according to manufacturer's specifications and operating manuals.
Driver's License: You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
Tractor Operator: Operates gasoline and diesel-powered tractors up to 70 H.P. Tractors are field/farm type with towed or attached equipment such as rotary and flail mowers, augers, tillers, backhoe, or skid steer.
If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Responsibilities:
Performs annual and comprehensive condition assessment of trees to determine the health & vigor, and structural stability of trees through the knowledge of tree identification, components, and structure. Provides treatment recommendations to improve the health & vigor and maintain the structural stability. Documents assessment and treatment recommendations using a condition assessment reportResponsible for maintaining the overall tree inventory and performing arboricultural duties for three offsite locations; James A Garfield National Historic Site, First Ladies National Historic Site and Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. Coordinates tree care with site managers for all tree operations.
Performs risk (hazard) assessment of trees to determine the presence of tree defects that have the potential to fail, resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. Rates the tree's potential risk of failure, provides treatment recommendations, and documents assessment and recommendations using a tree risk assessment report.
Develops basic rigging plans that identify the methods and techniques that will be used to lower tree parts to prevent damage to adjacent objects or to dismantle trees that do not have adequate room for felling. Executes the rigging plan using ropes, slings, and mechanical devices to remove limbs, dismantle trees, and generate mechanical advantage.
Performs "bucking" (cutting a tree into moveable sections), "limbing" (cutting limbs off of a tree), "Felling" (the process of downing individual trees), and "slashing" (cutting tree parts to lay flat on the ground) techniques.
Prunes trees and shrubs in accordance with industry standards to achieve desired objectives (e.g., reduce the risk of failure, improve fruit and flower production, etc.) using handsaws, pole saws, and chainsaws.
This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications received by the initial cutoff date will be considered first. **INITIAL CUT OFF IS Tuesday, January 20, 2026** Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement however additional referral certificates will only be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled.
Located in Northeastern, Ohio Cuyahoga Valley National Park is situated along 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River Valley in a suburban setting between the cities of Akron and Cleveland . The park is predominately natural forest and meadow with some areas of agriculture and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Winters are moderately cold with average temperatures in the 20 to 30 degree ranges. Heavy snowfall is not unusual. Summers are moderately warm, average temperatures in the high 70's and 80's with occasional warm spells in the 90's. Rural, suburban, and urban communities are all within a reasonable commuting distance. Excellent K-12 schools, numerous colleges, universities, hospitals, and cultural attractions are available in the area.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Web Site
http://www.nps.gov/cuva
Salary : $29