Job Title: Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 In-Training)Location: Burlington, WA
Closes: September 16th, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. PDT
Position Status: Permanent full-time. Position may be filled at the Natural Resource Specialist 1, 2, or 3 level depending on qualifications. Candidates hired at the Natural Resource Specialist 1 or 2 level will be required to successfully complete an in-training program prior to promoting to the goal class of Natural Resource Specialist 3. Completion of the in-training program varies by employee and can take between 6 and 30 months.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an experienced Arborist (NRS 3 In-Training) for our Northwest region. Trees in Washington State Parks are among our most treasured natural resources, serving and shaping the character, ecology, and intrinsic value of over 124 parks statewide. In this role you will be an integral member of our seven-person agency team of experts on highly technical tree felling and pruning, tree risk management, plant health care, and specialized forestry, arboriculture, and horticulture services.
The Arborist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 In-Training) serves as one of two highly trained and proficient arborists on the Northwest region arbor crew, based in Burlington, WA. The two-person regional arbor crew works closely together to support parks staff and prioritize and manage Washington State Parks' trees and forests for current and future generations.
Our ideal candidate has a passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors. We are looking for someone with proven initiative, and a positive attitude, who is team-oriented, and self-motivated. This is a unique opportunity to share your experience in tree care while enhancing the knowledge and skills of on-site park's staff throughout the state.
This position is not eligible to telework, as physical in-office presence is required to perform essential functions.
Some of what you will do:
The Natural Resource Specialist 3 in-training reports to the Arbor Program Supervisor and coordinates with the Natural Resources Program Manager and Agency Forester to prioritize and manage Washington State Parks' trees and forests through selective high risk tree identification and removal, training, tree replacement strategies, pruning, and insect and disease identification and treatment techniques.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Plans, schedules, organizes, coordinates, directs and controls the arboricultural field work in multiple parks as well as with interagency partners.
- Maintains records on tree assessment, maintenance, monitoring, pruning and/or removal activities.
- Assesses tree risk and performs tree care operations.
- Works in close coordination with crew members to expertly remove trees to reduce hazardous conditions, promote tree health, and protect people and property.
- Maintains arboriculture equipment including aerial lift, brush chipper, spray equipment, stump grinder, chainsaws, rigging equipment, climbing equipment, winch, and various hand tools related to tree and plant care.
Upholds agency rules and policies for the conservation of State Parks' natural resources.
Working Conditions:- This position works primarily outdoors, which may include strenuous walking through undeveloped areas with no trails up to 10 hours a day in all weather conditions. This position functions at a high physical level -climbing trees for pruning and rescue purposes, felling trees, and lifting heavy objects in excess of 40 pounds.
- Travel is essential to address tree-related issues across the assigned region and occasionally other parts of the state park system. Frequency of travel will vary based on business and operational needs, often two weeks per month.
- Safe vehicle operation for long distances and occasional driving on unimproved roads is required.
- Working hours are generally Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm. Some weekend and evening work may be required to address interagency work request schedules and respond to emergency tree work requests.
Work requires the use of various types of office equipment, including computer, telephone system, printer, copier, Microsoft Office products, GIS/GPS software.
Uniform Information:
All Natural Resource Specialists are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of the Abororist crew and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. Arborists will receive 6 shirts within the first year (2 shirts per calendar year after the first year), 1 jacket every 3 years, 1 baseball cap every year, 1 safety vest every 3 years, and a clothing stipend of $200 per year, and a $250 boot stipend every 2 years. Uniform stipends are intended to offset the cost of clothing worn in the workplace such as pants, boots, raingear, etc.Natural Resource Specialist 1: Salary range $48,048 - $64,512 annually- Two (2) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations.
- Valid driver’s license.
- The ability to obtain State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment.
- First Aid/CPR card or obtain within the first 12 months of employment.
Natural Resource Specialist 2: Salary range $54,204 - $72,900 annually
- Three (3) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations.
- Valid driver’s license.
- A Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
- First Aid/CPR card or ability to obtain within 12 months.
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or the ability to obtain within the first 12 months of employment.
- Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (or equivalent) or the ability to obtain within 18 months.
Natural Resource Specialist 3: Salary range $61,332 - $82,440 annually
- Four (4) years of full-time experience felling and pruning trees in arboriculture/tree care maintenance-logging operations.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Washington State Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- First Aid/CPR card
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
- Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (or equivalent)
Job Competencies:
- Tree Risk Assessment & Diagnosis: Evaluate tree health, identify hazards (structural defects, pathogens, insects), and prescribe actions that minimize agency risk while promoting forest longevity.
- Advanced Arboricultural Field Techniques: Proficiently perform technical tree care operations, including directional felling, climbing, and complex rigging.
- Heavy Equipment Operations & Maintenance: Safely operate and maintain specialized machinery like aerial lifts, chippers, skid steers, and various chainsaws while conducting routine tool inspections.
- Job Site Safety & Compliance: Adhere to and enforce strict safety protocols, agency directives, and permitting laws, with the authority to halt unsafe work.
- Project & Resource Management: Plan, schedule, and coordinate fieldwork with interagency partners and park staff, while maintaining accurate records on tree monitoring and maintenance.
- Instruction & Stewardship: Assist in training park staff on tree risk and safe equipment use, while actively supporting conservation efforts, pest management, and the protection of historic trees.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow: Considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives. Practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases. Taking responsibility for learning and adapting, rather than relying on others to fill gaps.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals. Welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives. Increasing access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others.
Preferred Qualifications:
- College coursework or degree in forestry, arboriculture, plant pathology, entomology, natural resource management, or related field.
- Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
- Current resume.
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
- Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
- For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.
This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information: https://wfse.org/
About Parks:
Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state’s winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.
Diversity Policy Statement:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
For information about this recruitment and the hiring process, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.vandel@parks.wa.gov or call 360-902-8688.
For information about this position and job duties, please contact Adam Airoldi at Adam.airoldi@parks.wa.gov.
All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
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