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Arborist

Employer
University Hospital_3
Location
Minneapolis
Salary
Competitive

View more

Industry
Agriculture
Role
Other
Job Type
Long-Term
Hours
Full Time
The University of Virginia is seeking an Arborist to work at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, VA. Blandy is a 700-acre University of Virginia ecological field station located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, about 10 miles east of Winchester and 60 miles west of Washington, D.C. Its mission is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education. The State Arboretum of Virginia, located within Blandy Experimental Farm, is a public garden displaying more than 5500 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in a diversity of habitats including woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and open fields.

The arborist oversees care and maintenance of all woody specimens of the State Arboretum of Virginia. The employee in this position is responsible for fostering a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach towards maintaining the collection, applying deep knowledge of proper techniques, utilizing integrated pest management, and maintaining accurate records of efforts. Through collaborative partnerships, the arborist will participate in the ongoing development and maintenance of the collection. The arborist manages a four-person team and supports the research, education, and outreach mission of Blandy Experimental Farm.

The arborist will:

  • Work with the curator to develop and expand the collection through the propagation of plants in the greenhouse and nursery
  • Develop and implement plans for improvement and maintenance of the woody collection of the State Arboretum of Virginia and the grounds of Blandy Experimental Farm
  • Maintain collection care and grounds maintenance records
  • Make and carry out emergency decisions regarding immediate pruning and removal needs of plants at the Blandy Experimental Farm to protect plants, facilities, and roadways
  • Identify large scale maintenance projects and work with the curator to find and supervise appropriate contractors
  • Provide enthusiastic leadership, supervision, and hands-on training to Blandy grounds crew
  • Plan, schedule, and perform human resource functions including hiring and performance evaluations
  • Inspect grounds and provide feedback to arboretum and landscaping staff
  • Foster a safe work environment by instructing and monitoring compliance of policies, procedures, and safety practices
  • In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

A well-qualified candidate will be a certified arborist, preferably with experience in a university affiliated arboretum or public garden. A bachelor's degree in horticulture, forestry, or a related scientific field is highly desirable, as is experience in the care of a diverse array of native and exotic trees and shrubs. To be successful, the incumbent must possess considerable knowledge of horticulture principles and the practices applicable to maintaining the arboretum collection. This should include extensive knowledge of soil and plant health and the ability to identify and care for trees and woody plants. The ability to operate landscaping and tree care equipment is necessary. A positive, professional attitude and good interpersonal and communication skills are critical, as is the ability to foster positive interactions with all staff, researchers and the visiting public. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak in the English language. Computer proficiency, i.e., the ability to type, use email, and interface with web-based systems for arboretum recordkeeping and performance management is essential. The ideal candidate will commit to making Blandy a safe and welcoming destination for the public, students, visiting researchers, and the Blandy staff.

This is a full-time position with paid vacation and holidays. Employees benefits package highlights include:

  • 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave
  • Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
  • Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year

Minimum Requirements:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: Four years of relevant experience
Licensure: Valid driver's license. Virginia pesticide applicators license. New employees will be required to obtain a certified pesticide applicator's license within the first year of employment.

Physical Demands:

The employee in this position will work outdoors and in the propagation greenhouse. The employee will be exposed to various weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, rain, and snow. The employee may be exposed to high noise levels from power equipment and machinery. The employee will be walking and working outdoors on uneven grass, gravel, and rock surfaces. This person will be exposed to pollen, poisonous plants, ticks, snakes, and stinging insects. The employee in this position must be able lift, climb ladders, bend, kneel, and use both hands to complete tasks involving repetitive motions. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.

Application Instructions:

Apply through Workday and search for R

Fully complete the online application, attaching the following required documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Contact information for three references.

Position will remain open until filled. Questions about the position? Contact

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

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