Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: W1008 / Arborist
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 07

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Maintains trees and woody plants to ensure their healthy, safe, and attractive condition including chemical applications, repairing, cabling, fertilizing, watering, pruning, and removal of any dead, diseased or declining trees, or other woody plants.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Repairs, cables, fertilizes, waters, and prunes trees and other woody plants; removes dead, diseased or declining trees and woody plants.
  2. Plants and transplants woody plants to include hole preparation, backfilling, staking, pruning, watering, and mulching.
  3. Recognizes disease and insect problems of trees and woody plants and applies appropriate treatments.
  4. May assist in various maintenance activities as required.
  5. Maintains records of work performed.
  6. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
  7. Assists in maintaining tree inventory records.
  8. Identifies potentially hazardous trees and other tree-related problems.
  9. May perform snow removal as required.
  10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment.
  • Knowledge of horticulture methods and materials, landscaping and cultivation of trees and woody plants.
  • Ability to identify and deal with hazardous and problem trees.
  • Records maintenance skills.
  • Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to trade.
  • Knowledge of horticultural practices, plant taxonomy, and insect/disease control.

Distinguishing Characteristics

    Position requires: a) Planting, transplanting, repairing, fertilizing, watering and pruning of trees and other woody plants; b) Recognizing diseases and insect problems and applying appropriate treatment; c) Removing of dead or diseased trees and plants.

Conditions of Employment

  • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
  • Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
  • ISA Arborist certification required within 1 year of hire.
  • NM Pesticide License in Ornamental and Turf Pest Control must be obtained within 6 months of date of hire.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
  • All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
  • Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.
  • Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 05/04/2021