What are the responsibilities and job description for the Arborist Trainee position at Michigan State University College of Engineering?
Position Summary
Pay Rate: $22.89 - $24.09 upon meeting probationary period requirements.
MSU Benefits: Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular, in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.
MSU Landscape Services has been maintaining campus as a living, learning laboratory since 1905. We are responsible for all aspects of landscape construction and maintenance including snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course mainten ance, tree care, and general repair on the campus of Michigan State University.
This position will assist in performing responsibilities related to maintaining and perform maintenance work for general tree and plant care, preservation, treatment, and additional landscape maintenance operations. Responsibilities include climbing and trimming trees, identifying and treating tree and plant diseases, insects, and other related problems, conducting tree and plant removals, mixing and applying fertilizer and pesticide for injections and spraying, installing fencing, signage, and barricades for tree protection, documenting and main taining databases and inventory logs, operating and maintaining tools and equipment, and performing additional campus landscape tasks. This position will require participation in MSU Football tailgate clean up and participation in the Campus Snow Removal Plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, applying ice-melt products, and other related responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities Are As Follows
40% - Receives practical training in and assists with tree and plant care, preservation, treatment, removal, general maintenance and pruning operations, equipment use, climbing, safety techniques, and the identification and treatment of tree diseases, insect, and other tree related problems. Assist in cabling, bolting, guying, and bracing designated trees. Assists with tree care and maintenance including tree and shrub trimming and removal, soil amendment, stabilizing, and mixing, spraying, and applying fertilizers and pesticides. Assists in collecting, hauling, and disposing of plant refuse and debris. Operates various hand tools, power tools, power equipment, and heavy equipment/machinery to perform job responsibilities such as ropes and safety saddles, ladders, spurs, handsaws, pole pruners, chainsaws, gas powered brush cutters, stump grinders, aerial tower trucks, hydraulic sprayers, mist blowers, compressors, brush chippers, articulated loaders, grapple trucks, tree spades, and other vehicles and related equipment. Cleans and maintains work areas, vehicles, power equipment, and hand tools.
35% - Receives practical training in and assists with the installation of tree protection fencing, barricade and sign installation, root pruning, and other preservation methods used to protect trees during construction activities. Assists with planning, documentation, and work to update and maintain databases and inventory logs, such as ArcGIS applications.
15% - Assist in football tailgate cleanup. Participate in snow plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equip ment and applying ice melt products.
10% - Correspondence through email, training, meetings and professional development. Identifies and mitigates health hazards associated within the working environment. Provides customer service to MSU Community and the public. Responds or informs supervisory staff of complaints, comments and/or unmet service needs.
Minimum Requirements
One to three years of experience in tree trimming, maintenance, removal, and treatment.
A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Special Instructions
Please list or provide copies of any required licensure/certifications you possess within your application as they pertain to this position.
Work Hours
M-F from 6am-2:30pm with significant after-hours, weekend, & holiday wo rk. Shifts may vary depending on seasonality of work requirements or em ergency situations e.g. snow removal, parking ramp maintenance, football cleanup, or other even
Building Location
LANDSCAPE SERVICES
Website
ipf.msu.edu
Summary of Physical Demands
Duties associated with this position involve exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions, working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas, ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions, frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
Summary of Health Risks
Duties associated with this position involve exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions, working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas, ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions, frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
Bidding eligibility ends April 21, 2026, 11:55 PM
Pay Rate: $22.89 - $24.09 upon meeting probationary period requirements.
MSU Benefits: Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular, in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.
MSU Landscape Services has been maintaining campus as a living, learning laboratory since 1905. We are responsible for all aspects of landscape construction and maintenance including snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course mainten ance, tree care, and general repair on the campus of Michigan State University.
This position will assist in performing responsibilities related to maintaining and perform maintenance work for general tree and plant care, preservation, treatment, and additional landscape maintenance operations. Responsibilities include climbing and trimming trees, identifying and treating tree and plant diseases, insects, and other related problems, conducting tree and plant removals, mixing and applying fertilizer and pesticide for injections and spraying, installing fencing, signage, and barricades for tree protection, documenting and main taining databases and inventory logs, operating and maintaining tools and equipment, and performing additional campus landscape tasks. This position will require participation in MSU Football tailgate clean up and participation in the Campus Snow Removal Plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, applying ice-melt products, and other related responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities Are As Follows
40% - Receives practical training in and assists with tree and plant care, preservation, treatment, removal, general maintenance and pruning operations, equipment use, climbing, safety techniques, and the identification and treatment of tree diseases, insect, and other tree related problems. Assist in cabling, bolting, guying, and bracing designated trees. Assists with tree care and maintenance including tree and shrub trimming and removal, soil amendment, stabilizing, and mixing, spraying, and applying fertilizers and pesticides. Assists in collecting, hauling, and disposing of plant refuse and debris. Operates various hand tools, power tools, power equipment, and heavy equipment/machinery to perform job responsibilities such as ropes and safety saddles, ladders, spurs, handsaws, pole pruners, chainsaws, gas powered brush cutters, stump grinders, aerial tower trucks, hydraulic sprayers, mist blowers, compressors, brush chippers, articulated loaders, grapple trucks, tree spades, and other vehicles and related equipment. Cleans and maintains work areas, vehicles, power equipment, and hand tools.
35% - Receives practical training in and assists with the installation of tree protection fencing, barricade and sign installation, root pruning, and other preservation methods used to protect trees during construction activities. Assists with planning, documentation, and work to update and maintain databases and inventory logs, such as ArcGIS applications.
15% - Assist in football tailgate cleanup. Participate in snow plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equip ment and applying ice melt products.
10% - Correspondence through email, training, meetings and professional development. Identifies and mitigates health hazards associated within the working environment. Provides customer service to MSU Community and the public. Responds or informs supervisory staff of complaints, comments and/or unmet service needs.
Minimum Requirements
- Casual knowledge of tools, methods, materials, and equipment u sed in gardening, grounds, and tree maintenance.
- One year of satisfactory landscape maintenance and installation experience or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
- One year of commercial snow removal experience operating a licensed plow vehicle.
- Ability to climb safely and effectively using ropes and other safety equipment while working at heights.
- Possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in categories Ornamental (3B) and Right of Way (6).
- Possession or attainment of a MSU Forklift, Loader, Tractor, and Toolcat Operators Permits prior to completion of applicable probation or trial period.
- Possession of a valid state vehicle operator's license.
- Must drive University vehicle to perform job duties of this classification and must meet the Universities rigorous safe driving standards.
- Ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions.
- This position requires significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.
- Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.
One to three years of experience in tree trimming, maintenance, removal, and treatment.
A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Special Instructions
Please list or provide copies of any required licensure/certifications you possess within your application as they pertain to this position.
Work Hours
M-F from 6am-2:30pm with significant after-hours, weekend, & holiday wo rk. Shifts may vary depending on seasonality of work requirements or em ergency situations e.g. snow removal, parking ramp maintenance, football cleanup, or other even
Building Location
LANDSCAPE SERVICES
Website
ipf.msu.edu
Summary of Physical Demands
Duties associated with this position involve exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions, working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas, ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions, frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
Summary of Health Risks
Duties associated with this position involve exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions, working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas, ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions, frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
Bidding eligibility ends April 21, 2026, 11:55 PM
Salary : $23 - $24