What are the responsibilities and job description for the ARBORIST position at Longwood Gardens?
As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.
Longwood Gardens is seeking a full-time Arborist to join our experienced team in maintaining a magnificent collection of historic trees, on Longwood’s 1,100 acres, which includes the formal gardens and natural areas. Our collections include 203 champion trees (44 which are currently first place), the largest number of champion trees in Pennsylvania. The Arborist team is responsible for applying proper pruning techniques, executing safe removals, cabling and bracing, and practicing all aspects of tree care as outlined in the ANSI A300 standards while complying with OSHA and ANSI Z133 safety protocols. The Arborist team is also responsible for installing Longwood’s well-known Christmas light display which involves a rewarding collaboration amongst the Arborist, horticulture and facilities teams.
This position reports directly to the Arborist Manager. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with managing trees within a specific section of the property, as assigned.
- Supporting team members in various projects, such as pollarding our Linden Hedge, installing our Winter Christmas display using climbing techniques, bucket trucks, and ladders, and installing tree cables, brace rods, and lightning protection.
- Pruning at heights (crown cleaning, crown/weight reduction, structural, pollarding, and shearing) via rope, bucket trucks, spider lifts, and/or cranes.
- Supporting Plant Healthcare initiatives such as root collar excavations, root zone invigoration, and spraying or injecting.
- Performing removals via rope, spikes, bucket trucks, spider lifts, and/or cranes.
- Supporting storm damage clean up.
- Assisting in Spring and Winter assessments in the gardens.
- Supporting snow clearing operations using plows, brooms, blowers, and shoveling.
We seek an individual who is safety driven and will wear appropriate PPE while performing their work. This individual will also need to think outside the box and work well in groups where collaboration is required.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- 1-3 years of climbing experience as an Arborist.
- Experience in Arboriculture, Forestry or Horticulture fields preferred.
- Basic knowledge of plant health care preferred.
- A desire for continued learning and professional development.
- An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification preferred.
- A Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License preferred.
- General computer literacy including knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
- The ability to work in all weather conditions and be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs.
- The ability to work evenings and weekends, on occasion, for snow removal and storm clean-up.
If a selected candidate is not an ISA Certified Arborist, Longwood will provide the support to obtain this certification within the first year of employment.
Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.