ARBORIST

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 support the maintenance of our magnificent collection of historic trees, across 1,100 acres of 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 also installs Longwood’s renowned Christmas light display in collaboration with other departments. Responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership to fellow arborist team members during projects within an area of responsibility.
• Supporting the training of Arborist Apprentices, interns, students, and volunteers.
• Managing trees within an area of responsibility which includes writing tree pruning specifications that promote tree longevity.
• Performing advanced pruning (crown cleaning, crown/weight reduction, structural, pollarding, and shearing) via rope, bucket truck, spider lift, and/or crane.
• Executing complex removals using rigging ropes and blocks via rope, spikes, bucket truck, spider lift, and/or crane.
• Performing installation and maintenance of lightning protection and cabling systems (static and dynamic). 
• Conducting basic tree risk assessments, including post-storm hazard evaluation and cleanup.
• Performing advanced risk assessments that include the use of traditional methods, in addition to advanced tools such as resistograph and sonic tomography.
• Supporting Plant Health Care initiatives such as root collar excavations, root zone invigoration, and spraying or injecting.
• Providing operational support to other departments in various projects including assisting with rigging in the conservatories during various display installs or assisting with utility excavations within tree root zones.
• Supporting snow clearing operations using plows, brooms, blowers, and shoveling as needed.

We seek a safety-driven, collaborative team member who thinks creatively. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive climbing experience in the arboriculture industry.
• A bachelor’s degree in the fields of Arboriculture, Forestry or Horticulture preferred. 
• An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification.
• A Pennsylvania CDL Class B driver’s license preferred.
• An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) TRAQ qualification preferred. 
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• A Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain within one year of hire date.
• An advanced knowledge of proper rigging and removal techniques. 
• A strong knowledge of plant health care preferred.
• The desire for continued learning and professional development.
• General computer literacy including knowledge of Microsoft Office products and plant database experience.
• The ability to work in varied weather conditions and lift a minimum of 50 pounds

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.