Job Description

The Arborist is responsible for supervising, directing, and conducting work related to specimen trees, hazard tree mitigation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, and overall maintenance and resiliency of trees throughout Houston Zoo.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. 

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular evaluations of tree health, identifying pests, diseases, and other issues that may affect tree vitality.
• Lead implementation of best arboriculture practices, including pruning, fertilization, integrated pest management, and herbicide application to promote tree longevity.
• Safely operate specialized equipment such as chainsaws, pole saws, and aerial lifts, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and maintenance standards.
• Lead weekly Zoo-wide tree risk assessments, prioritizing tasks that minimize hazards and enhance safety for staff and visitors.
• Lead efforts on tree work and clean up, in emergency situations
• Train and mentor team members in safe operating procedures for tree maintenance equipment, including climbing techniques and equipment upkeep.
• Maintain detailed records of tree inventory, maintenance activities, and safety protocols, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Work with external contractors performing tree work, ensuring their compliance with Zoo standards and safety regulations.
• Assist the Horticulture Manager in tracking expenses related to arboriculture activities and contribute to the development of the annual arboriculture budget.
• Monitor tree-zoned irrigation systems, ensuring they are functioning properly and addressing any issues with the irrigation maintenance team.
• Safely utilize specialized equipment such as large trailers, skid steer, backhoe, fork and bucket lifts, chainsaws, pole saws, and stump grinder
• Engage with Zoo guests in a friendly and professional manner, providing information about tree care and Zoo initiatives.
• Enforce Zoo safety policies and procedures, ensuring the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among team members, this includes ensuring safety during daily practices such as climbing, rigging, and using a bucket lift
• Support the Horticulture Department with various landscape maintenance projects such as new tree installation and establishment and vegetation removal
• Perform various manual labor tasks, including climbing, rigging lifting, and operating equipment throughout the workday.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
• Contributes to other operational priorities as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ISA Arboriculture certification
• Certified Tree Climber
• Required 4-year minimum related work experience in arboriculture and tree work

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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