Arborist – Tree Care Specialist

About the role

The Arborist will oversee the health and appearance of more than 5,000 large trees across roughly 470 acres. This role combines hands‑on tree care, crew leadership, and coordination with landscape superintendents to ensure safe and effective tree maintenance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and schedule a crew of arborists and laborers for pruning, fertilization, aeration, mulching, removal, and replacement activities.
• Plan and document Live Oak protection efforts, including material acquisition and inter‑department communication.
• Supervise the use, preventative maintenance, and training on arborist equipment such as boom trucks, chipper trucks, stump grinders, chainsaws, and spray rigs.
• Identify tree diseases and pests, and oversee herbicide and pesticide applications in compliance with regulations.
• Manage a tree stock nursery for propagation and replacement planting.
• Perform additional related duties as required.

Required profile

• Current Louisiana Arborist license issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, plus at least two years of tree‑care experience, OR six semester hours in a related field.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass motor‑vehicle record checks and drug screenings.
• Commitment to safety and security protocols for a safety‑sensitive position.

Required skills

• Boom truck operation
• Chipper operation
• Stump grinder operation
• Chainsaw operation
• Spray rig operation
• Herbicide application
• Pesticide application
• Tree disease identification

What we offer

• Opportunity to manage a large, diverse urban forest.
• Access to specialized arborist equipment and training.
• Collaborative work environment within LSU’s landscape services department.