Arborist at Town of Front Royal – Front Royal, Virginia

The Town is seeking an ISA Certified Arborist to manage an Urban and Community Forestry grant funded program to promote the health, safety, and sustainability of the Town's urban forest. The scope of work includes a comprehensive inventory and assessment of all public trees to identify health risks and prioritize necessary actions; to include creation of a detailed maintenance plan for pruning, removal of hazardous trees, and ongoing care. The Arborist will design and implement a tree planting program that emphasizes the use of native species to enhance biodiversity. This involves close collaboration with the Town's Public Works Department, Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES), the Front Royal Tree Stewards, the Beautification Committee of Front Royal, and Shenandoah National Park Trust. The Arborist will lead public education initiatives, offering workshops and resources to help residents understand tree care, focusing on interactive and educational opportunities for youth, student engagement, and recruitment of volunteers. The Arborist will also host community tree-planting events where the public can learn, participate, and contribute to enhancing the Town's green spaces.

This is a full-time position with full benefits to include health insurance, supplemental insurance options, and retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. The position is considered temporary as it is solely based upon grant funding which is not guaranteed past January 2026. The salary is $24.98/hourly or $51,958.40/annual in accordance with grant funding approval.

• Comprehensive Tree Inventory: Fully documented assessment of all public trees in the Town, identifying species, health status, and any maintenance needs.
• Tree Maintenance Program: Implementation of a regular pruning and hazard mitigation schedule, addressing safety concerns and promoting long-term tree health.
• Tree Planting Initiative: Planting of a targeted number of native trees throughout the Town, enhancing urban biodiversity and increasing green spaces.
• Community and Youth Engagement: Successful involvement of volunteers from local schools and organizations with measurable participation in tree planting and maintenance activities.
• Educational Programs: Public workshops and educational events on tree care and environmental sustainability, reaching a wide audience and fostering community involvement.
• Collaboration with Partners: Strong partnerships with ACES, Front Royal Tree Stewards, Beautification Committee, Shenandoah National Park Trust, resulting in coordinated efforts that maximize resources and impact.
• Increased Public Awareness: Visible improvements in Town greenery and the communities understanding of the importance of urban forestry, supported by educational signage and public events.

Experience Required: Minimum of five (5) years of experience in arboriculture
Minimum Education Requirements: High School Diploma or GED
Certifications: ISA Certified Arborist

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of the practice of arboriculture; the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in dendrology and horticulture.
• Knowledge of best management practices for tree planting and maintenance.
• Knowledge of reading and interpreting landscape blueprints.
• Knowledge of proper pesticide usage.
• Knowledge of Virginia Work Zone Safety and Flagger Regulations.

Skills

• Tree and plant identification in all seasons.
• Plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals using best management practices.
• Strong coordination and organization skills.

Abilities

• Ability to disseminate information from landscape blueprints.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.

Work Environment

• Work is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

Physical Demands

• Mostly sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Tasks may require medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• Some tasks require the ability to perceive sounds and visual cues or signals.
• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and disseminate information.