Arborist

Full Job Description

This position is at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG). The USBG is a public garden in the legislative branch and was established by Congress in 1820.

The Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally.

We provide educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, present horticultural displays and exhibits, strive to break down barriers to inclusion, and advance the exchange of ideas and information.

Learn more: U.S. Botanic Garden. You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT: Ability to perform the work independently and without close supervision To qualify at the WG-10 level: Independently conducting advanced pruning, cabling, bracing, and removal of large trees using skilled climbing, rigging, and rope access techniques.

Major Duties:

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG), Horticulture Division, Collections Section.

The incumbent serves as an Arborist at the full performance level, providing technical and curatorial leadership for the arbor care program supporting the USBG Conservatory, Gardens, and Production Facility.

The Arborist applies contemporary scientific arboricultural methods to grow, preserve, maintain, and protect a globally significant living tree collection that includes tropical, subtropical, temperate, historic, rare, and endangered species.

The Arborist plays a critical role in ensuring public safety, historic preservation, and plant health, while supporting the USBG mission to inspire and educate visitors through exemplary horticulture.

Important: This position is essential--Employee is required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather situations.

Tour of duty will be other than Monday through Friday and may include weekends, evenings and holidays on a regular and recurring basis. Valid, Unexpired Driver's License (required).

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification or an accredited Tree Expert license (required).

Valid, Unexpired District of Columbia Pesticide Applicator's License (or a valid state license reciprocal with D.C.) for pesticide license categories 3A, 3B and 3C to apply pesticides.

*********************************************************************************** The Arborist performs a full range of advanced arboricultural, horticultural, and curatorial duties, including: Implements and leads a comprehensive arbor care program for the U.S.

Botanic Garden (USBG) Conservatory, Gardens, and Production Facility.

Performs advanced tree risk assessments in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards; evaluates tree health, identifies hazards, and develops mitigation and long-term maintenance plans.

Conducts advanced pruning, cabling, bracing, and tree removals using skilled climbing, rigging, and rope-access techniques in complex and historic environments.

Provides specialized care for large tropical, subtropical, temperate, rare, and historically significant trees, including species exceeding 50 feet in height.

Diagnoses and treats insect, disease, and root-related disorders using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and environmentally responsible practices.

Propagates, selects, plants, and maintains trees in accordance with current arboricultural best management practices.

Utilizes advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., resistographs, air spades) to assess internal decay, root structure, and soil conditions.

Operates and maintains arboricultural equipment, including aerial lifts, chippers, stump grinders, and associated vehicles and attachments.

Maintains accurate tree inventories, GIS records, and accession documentation in coordination with curatorial staff.

Collaborates with botanic gardens, conservatories, universities, and plant health networks to exchange plant material and technical expertise.

Provides horticultural education, tours, and technical information to staff, visitors, and external organizations. Serves as a professional representative of the U.S.

Botanic Garden; complies with all safety, OSHA, and AOC requirements and responds to emergency situations as required.