Certified Arborist

The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC

Do you love trees? Like, really love trees?

Do you care about preserving trees, understanding them, and advocating for them on job sites where they may otherwise be overlooked? If so, keep reading. We need you!

The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC is a growing Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) based in Cuyahoga County, and we’re looking for the right person to grow with us!

We are seeking an ISA Certified Arborist for a seasonal full time position supporting tree care, Plant Health Care, construction monitoring and mitigation, field data collection, and related landscape projects throughout the Greater Cleveland region.

This role may be a good fit for someone early in their career, well established in the industry, or a seasoned professional in the later stages of their career who still values meaningful field work.

About the role

This is a 100% field-based position focused on field oversight, independent decision making, tree identification, tree health assessment, tree risk awareness, root zone protection, construction related tree preservation, data collection, and practical arboriculture.

A major focus of this role will be conducting and completing root disturbance impact assessments. No two days will look exactly the same, though that will be a primary responsibility.

The ideal candidate understands that good tree care starts below ground, has a strong working knowledge of tree risk and construction impacts, and values thoughtful, science-based decision making when working around trees affected by development, excavation, and changing site conditions.

This role also requires comfort with field technology, including Microsoft Excel, electronic field devices, and digital inventory or documentation systems.

You will work closely with the owner, team members, contractors, municipalities, institutions, and private clients to help deliver practical, high quality arboricultural recommendations and preservation strategies.

No climbing experience is required.

Key responsibilities

The following is intended to describe the general nature of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties.

Identify tree species in the field
Assess tree health, root health, and site conditions
Recognize tree risk factors and construction related impacts
Conduct and complete root disturbance impact assessments
Support tree preservation planning, construction monitoring, and mitigation before, during, and after construction
Perform tree inventories and collect accurate field data
Accurately input and manage project data using Excel and electronic field devices
Maintain digital records and project documentation
Assist with root collar excavation, air spading, root investigation, and related preservation work
Assist with Plant Health Care services, including tree injections and related treatment applications, where applicable
Communicate clearly and professionally with homeowners, contractors, municipalities, and project partners
Support project coordination and field oversight across multiple job sites
Assist with related landscape installation, maintenance, and other tree care work as assigned
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

ISA Certified Arborist credential required
Demonstrated proficiency in tree identification and tree health assessment
Understanding of arboriculture principles and tree care practices
Knowledge of tree biology, root physiology, tree risk, and construction impacts
Strong knowledge of root physiology and construction mitigation practices around trees preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Prompt, professional communicator with strong follow through and customer service skills
Ability to accurately manage and organize project data using Microsoft Excel, electronic field devices, and digital platforms
Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and perform physical field work
Valid driver’s license required
Must have a reliable, insured personal vehicle for transportation to and from job sites throughout the Greater Cleveland region
Previous green industry experience preferred
Horticulture experience preferred
Plant Health Care experience, including tree injections and related treatments, preferred
Associate degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, or a related field is a plus
Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator License is a plus
ISA TRAQ is a plus

Physical requirements and work environment

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and occasionally more with assistance
Must be able to walk, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, and work for extended periods outdoors
Must be able to traverse uneven terrain, wooded areas, construction sites, slopes, and other challenging landscapes safely
Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, mud, and dusty environments
Must be able to use hands and tools effectively for field assessment, root investigation, treatment support, and related arboricultural work
Must be able to observe site conditions, identify hazards, and communicate effectively in active field environments

Employment requirement

Maintaining a current ISA Certified Arborist certification is a condition of employment. Failure to renew or maintain certification during employment may result in suspension or termination.

You may be a good fit if you are

Passionate about preserving trees and plants!
Detail oriented and observant
Dependable, punctual, and self-motivated
Comfortable working independently in the field
Organized and able to manage both physical work and project information
A prompt and proactive communicator
Willing to learn, grow and be flexible in a small business environment
Professional in the field, with a good sense of humor, candor, and honesty

Position details

Seasonal Full Time Position

Company

The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC

Location

Greater Cleveland Region, Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Dates

Mid-March through approximately November 1

Schedule

40 hours per week, Monday through Friday

Pay

$25 to $35 per hour, depending on experience

Work setting

100% field-based position, not a remote or primarily office-based role

About The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC

Founded in 2023 by Andrew Pratt, The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC provides tree and landscape services across Northeast Ohio with a strong emphasis on tree preservation & protection, tree health, and science-based management. The company works across residential, municipal, institutional, and consulting related projects and is committed to protecting trees and supporting long term landscape health.

To apply

Please send your resume, relevant experience, a cover letter outlining your background and interest in the position, and three professional references to:

Andrew Pratt

The Dirty Horticulturist, LLC

dirtyhorticulturist@gmail.com

440-477-9648

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