Arborist I

Princeton University, maintains the most diverse collection of trees and plants in central New Jersey and one of the finest of any college in the United States.  The Arborist I will be working with a crew leader, other arborists and helpers, has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide range of diverse trees and plants, including specimen materials, and has a primary responsibility for assuring the well-being of these university trees.

This position’s normal work week is Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 2:30 pm. Based on business needs, other work schedules may be assigned or required.  Position is considered Essential Services Personnel for emergency purposes and campus needs.

• Observes university and departmental safety regulations, uses appropriate personal protective equipment and performs all work in a safe manner. Ensures proper care in the safe use and maintenance of all vehicles, tools and equipment used.
• Working with a crew leader, and substituting for the crew leader in his absence, the incumbent has primary responsibilities for determining what trees and plants require care. This can include cutting, pruning, feeding, supporting, providing IPM control measures, or whatever else may be needed to assure the best presentation and long healthy lives of all plantings on the campus.  Work with the crew leader to plan and schedule all necessary work using both in-house and contract support.
• Work with the crew leader to develop solutions for protecting and saving damaged trees and rigging for safe removals. (Some work may be in close proximity to high voltage electric lines) Accept the responsibility for the safety of all employees, passerby, University property and assigned equipment during very high risk cutting and pruning operations.
• Operate service and provide operator maintenance for a wide range of tree and grounds equipment, including bucket truck, cherry picker, dump trucks, tractors, grinders and chippers, hydraulic sprayers, and snow fighting equipment. Do all work with appropriate consideration for campus environment and customer concerns.
• Using knowledge of tree variety and problems, conduct regular inspections of University plantings to identify problems and to recommend remedies.
• Prune and spray trees and plants using knowledge of IPM methods and schedules. Work with Senior Horticulturalist and other arborists following university IPM plan.
• Work both scheduled and emergency overtime as needed including on call availability.
• Perform snow and ice control operations by operating snow removal equipment and/or hand tools.
• As necessary, perform overtime and after-hours work assignments. May be required to carry a two-way radio or computer.
• Carry out all duties of Landscaper 1, 2 and 3 including snow and ice removal when needed.
• Provide regular feedback to staff; keep management informed; be responsive to directives from management; support the unit, departmental and institutional goals.
• Maintains records in software programs as directed.
• Must keep ISA certification in good standing by taking CEU course, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Possess a high school diploma or an equivalency.
• Excellent physical condition with the skills and ability to climb trees. Must have a minimum of two years of recent experience doing tree work. Ability to become a first-class climber, ISA certified arborist and NJ licensed tree expert.
• Potential to become a registered NJ certified pesticide operator, ISA arborist and LTE within 3 years.
• Must be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• As an essential employee, must be available to work overtime involving both early as well as late hours and weekends. Must be able to respond promptly to emergency call-ins during inclement weather including snow and ice conditions.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with strong operating and operator service experience in full range of equipment required of position (including dump truck and bucket truck in excess of 26,000 lbs.) including plow and sander. Possess a DOT/CDL license.
• Ability to comprehend instructions, learn plant care techniques, learn and stay current with industry standards including pesticide regulation. Must be a self-starter, capable of identifying and accomplishing needed work with little or no supervision.

Preferred Qualifications: Special consideration will be given to applicants with extensive arborist background, horticultural experience, equipment operation and/or experience planting large trees and diverse plant knowledge.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day;
• Sit for less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day, except while operating mowers or trimming operations, or during snow removal operations;
• During grass mowing or trimming operation or snow removal operations, sits for 2-4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day;
• During grass mowing and trimming operations or snow removal operations, operates motor vehicles (including mowers) and/or heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) constantly (over 67% of the workday);
• Lift or carry up to 50 pounds frequently (34 – 66% of the workday) and 75 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday);
• Lift up to 75 pounds to waist height and up to 50 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead:
• Frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday);
• Occasionally push or pull with forces up to 75 pounds, climb stairs or ladders, dig or pick, use jack hammer or air spade, crawl, lift overhead, lie down, or knee stand (less than 33% of the work day);
• Frequently push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, or reach overhead (34 – 66% of the work day);
• Work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions;
• Possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS