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Arborist - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/2/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/2/2025
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The arborist performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. The Arborist under general supervision performs a variety of skilled work, maintenance and removal of the organization's owned trees and including but not limited to other duties as directed. This position reports to the Lead Arborist/Supervisor/Manager

This is a skilled position and performs tasks of moderate difficulty in tree trimming by working from elevated positions.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Pruning and Trimming:
  • Performing pruning and trimming operations to remove dead, diseased, or hazardous branches, as well as shaping the tree to promote healthy growth and maintain its appearance.
  • Tree Removal:
  • Safely removing trees that are dead, dying, hazardous, or interfering with infrastructure or other trees in the vicinity. This process requires the use of ropes, specialized rigging, chainsaws, and other equipment to ensure safety and prevent property damage.
  • Tree Inspection and Risk Assessment:
  • Conducting thorough assessments of trees to identify biotic and abiotic issues along with potential hazards.
  • Evaluating potential hazards posed by trees near buildings, walkways, roads, power lines, and other infrastructure, and recommending measures to mitigate risks.
  • Evaluation work involves climbing trees and using specialized equipment like binoculars, air spade and boom truck to examine trees from different angles.
  • Safety Compliance:
  • Adhering to safety standards and protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices while operating at heights or using dangerous equipment.
  • Safely use climbing systems in accordance with ANSI standards.
  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance:
  • Boom truck and chipper operation
  • Operates cutting tools and other small engine equipment.
  • Ensuring all tools and equipment used in tree care are properly maintained and in good working condition to ensure safety and efficiency.
  • Pest and Disease Control:
  • Implements treatment plans for trees affected by pests or diseases, including the application of appropriate pesticides or other remedies.
  • Tree Material Salvage and Reuse:
  • Salvages, shapes and installs enrichment, perching, and habitat furniture items.
  • Tree Conservation and Preservation:
  • Advocating for the protection and preservation of trees, in environments where construction and development can threaten their existence.
  • Administers trainings such as tree preservation and chainsaw safety trainings.
  • Record Keeping and Documentation:
  • Maintain detailed records of tree maintenance activities, and tree health assessments.
  • Create reports for management or clients on garden status, performance, and recommended improvements.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Some experience with pruning, shaping, rigging, take downs and removals with heavy equipment, ie: cranes, loaders, etc. preferred. Selected candidates must be able to move moderate to heavy objects, work from elevated positions, and operate assigned tools and equipment.

A valid driver license in good standing is required. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. This position requires successful completion of physical ability test.

JOB EXPERIENCE
  • Tree climbing and pruning experience that are set forth in the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards and/or an ISA certification is preferred
  • At least two years climbing and trimming experience is preferred
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • College Level Coursework required
  • California drivers license Upon Hire required
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:
  • Tree biology and identification
  • Basic methods, tools, equipment of tree care
  • Tree and stump removal methods and practices
  • Rigging methods for tree trimming and removal
  • Safety practices for tree work
Ability to:
  • Communicate and work effectively with others
  • Perform digital data management
  • Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
  • Competently perform the essential functions outlined above
SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Family Passes
  • Complimentary Tickets
  • Local and In-House Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
  • Location: San Diego, CA
  • Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
  • Hourly Rate: $29.73
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

Salary : $30

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