Do you want a job that contributes to the beauty of our community in a tangible way? Join us! We are currently accepting applications for an Arborist I position in the Community Services Department. This position is a tree care specialist, which requires pruning, planting, removing, diagnosing, treating, and protecting the urban forest within City limits. It also requires climbing trees and working with ropes and safety harnesses to perform tree work. This position requires knowledge of tree species, the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs, operation of bucket trucks, and other mechanical and safety equipment. This position may occasionally perform weekend and evening work as necessary.
Requirements
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.) with three years of professional arboricultural experience (including climbing, pruning, planting, pest control, etc.)
Ability to pass a climbing skills and written test
Possess or obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Class B CDL with no air brake restrictions
Possess or obtain (within 1 year of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator certification in category 3.0 Turf and Landscape or 6.0 R-O-W and Natural Area
Possess or obtain (within 1 year of hire) and maintain the ISA Certified Arborist credential
Possess or obtain and maintain other certifications, such as, First Aid, CPR and Electrical Hazard Awareness, as provided by the City
Preferred Qualifications
Associate degree or higher in Urban Forestry or related field
Possess a Class A CDL
Journeyman Arborist from an accredited program
Application Deadline Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Interviews expected to take place Friday, February 27, 2026. Candidates will be notified via email if selected to interview.
Arborist I Recruitment Snapshot
Job Description Position Scope Under general supervision, this position is responsible for diagnosing and managing common tree diseases and insect pest problems affecting trees within city limits. The position is also responsible for pruning, removing, and planting trees within city limits and on City property. This position requires a good working knowledge of ANSI A300 horticultural and arboricultural practices such as pruning, removal, planting, and treating tree health issues. This position requires knowledge of tree species, the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs, operation of bucket trucks, and other mechanical and safety equipment.
Essential Functions Plant, prune, spray, cultivate, water, and care for trees and shrubs following ANSI Z133 Safety Standards under the authority of the City of Eau Claire.
Cut down and remove diseased, dead, and hazardous trees.
Perform tree care work such as injections.
Inspect trees and shrubs for insects and disease pests. Treat these problems with appropriate controls.
Inspect trees and shrubs for hazardous conditions; apply the appropriate measures for abating the hazardous condition.
Utilize, maintain, and adjust Division equipment, such as chain saws, edged tools, power tools, ropes, and safety equipment.
Operate all other City and Division equipment, such as but not limited to, aerial bucket truck, boom truck, brush chippers, tractor/loader, stump router, watering truck, and pickup trucks/winches, in a safe and effective manner.
Must be able to climb trees and work from heights in precarious positions to perform assigned tree work through the skilled use of ladders, ropes, knots, hooks, riggings, rope and saddle, and/or aerial bucket device and other tools and equipment necessary to the safe performance of the job.
Respond to emergency situations for tree work on public property. This includes storm emergencies during unscheduled work periods.
Utilize and maintain all safety equipment provided by the City. Requires considerable knowledge of safety practices to be followed while performing all job requirements.
Serve as a lead person with the ability to guide and lead the work of helpers and subordinates.
Utilize asset management software (Cartegraph) to track work orders; internal and external requests; update data; and record equipment, labor, and materials logs.
Maintain the physical stamina, strength, agility, and ability to perform assigned tasks in all weather conditions. Must be able to lift logs, materials, and equipment.
Non-Essential Functions Operates City equipment used for snow and ice control.
Performs related duties as required.
Education / Experience / Certifications A High School diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.) with three years of professional arboricultural experience that includes climbing with rope and saddle, pruning, planting, pest control, removals and propagation is required.
An associate degree or higher in urban forestry or a related field is preferred. A Journeyman Arborist from an accredited program is preferred.
Must possess or obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Class B CDL with no air brake restrictions and no restrictions on standard transmission. A Class A CDL is preferred.
Must possess or obtain (within one year of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Certification in category 3.0 Turf and Landscape or 6.0 R-O-W and Natural Area.
Must possess or obtain (within 1 year of hire) and maintain ISA Certified Arborist credential.
Must possess or obtain and maintain other certifications, such as, First Aid, CPR and Electrical Hazard Awareness, as provided by the City.
Skills / Abilities Must have good knowledge of tree pruning, treatment and removal methods, techniques, and practices.
Must have good knowledge of tree species and cultivars commonly used in Parks and on streets including pertinent characteristics and culture.
Must have good knowledge of ANSI A300 planting techniques and procedures.
Must be able to work aloft comfortably and in adverse conditions.
Must have excellent customer service skills, de-escalation skills, written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and computer and office skills. Experience and proficiency in providing customer service to residents of different and socioeconomic backgrounds is preferred.
Must have the ability to effectively manage multiple projects at the same time.
Ability to pass a written exam and climbing skills test.
Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.
Must be able to take direction and work well with others.
Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.
Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
Must be able to back-up fellow co-workers.
Supervision / Direction Received City Forester; Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries Manager
Supervision / Direction Exercised May direct temporary/seasonal laborers/apprentices or act as crew leader.
Work Environment This position is classified at the Very Heavy level. Job consists of a combination of sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, balancing and driving. Must have ability for frequent handling/finger dexterity; ability to repetitively bend, stoop, lift, reach, twist and climb; and ability to work at heights (without discomfort). There will be exposure to heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions. In addition, there will be exposure to dust, noise and chemicals. Work day/night under varied environmental conditions. A complete job demand analysis is available upon request.
The City of Eau Claire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Requirements
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.) with three years of professional arboricultural experience (including climbing, pruning, planting, pest control, etc.)
Ability to pass a climbing skills and written test
Possess or obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Class B CDL with no air brake restrictions
Possess or obtain (within 1 year of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator certification in category 3.0 Turf and Landscape or 6.0 R-O-W and Natural Area
Possess or obtain (within 1 year of hire) and maintain the ISA Certified Arborist credential
Possess or obtain and maintain other certifications, such as, First Aid, CPR and Electrical Hazard Awareness, as provided by the City
Preferred Qualifications
Associate degree or higher in Urban Forestry or related field
Possess a Class A CDL
Journeyman Arborist from an accredited program
Application Deadline Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Interviews expected to take place Friday, February 27, 2026. Candidates will be notified via email if selected to interview.
Arborist I Recruitment Snapshot
Job Description Position Scope Under general supervision, this position is responsible for diagnosing and managing common tree diseases and insect pest problems affecting trees within city limits. The position is also responsible for pruning, removing, and planting trees within city limits and on City property. This position requires a good working knowledge of ANSI A300 horticultural and arboricultural practices such as pruning, removal, planting, and treating tree health issues. This position requires knowledge of tree species, the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs, operation of bucket trucks, and other mechanical and safety equipment.
Essential Functions Plant, prune, spray, cultivate, water, and care for trees and shrubs following ANSI Z133 Safety Standards under the authority of the City of Eau Claire.
Cut down and remove diseased, dead, and hazardous trees.
Perform tree care work such as injections.
Inspect trees and shrubs for insects and disease pests. Treat these problems with appropriate controls.
Inspect trees and shrubs for hazardous conditions; apply the appropriate measures for abating the hazardous condition.
Utilize, maintain, and adjust Division equipment, such as chain saws, edged tools, power tools, ropes, and safety equipment.
Operate all other City and Division equipment, such as but not limited to, aerial bucket truck, boom truck, brush chippers, tractor/loader, stump router, watering truck, and pickup trucks/winches, in a safe and effective manner.
Must be able to climb trees and work from heights in precarious positions to perform assigned tree work through the skilled use of ladders, ropes, knots, hooks, riggings, rope and saddle, and/or aerial bucket device and other tools and equipment necessary to the safe performance of the job.
Respond to emergency situations for tree work on public property. This includes storm emergencies during unscheduled work periods.
Utilize and maintain all safety equipment provided by the City. Requires considerable knowledge of safety practices to be followed while performing all job requirements.
Serve as a lead person with the ability to guide and lead the work of helpers and subordinates.
Utilize asset management software (Cartegraph) to track work orders; internal and external requests; update data; and record equipment, labor, and materials logs.
Maintain the physical stamina, strength, agility, and ability to perform assigned tasks in all weather conditions. Must be able to lift logs, materials, and equipment.
Non-Essential Functions Operates City equipment used for snow and ice control.
Performs related duties as required.
Education / Experience / Certifications A High School diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.) with three years of professional arboricultural experience that includes climbing with rope and saddle, pruning, planting, pest control, removals and propagation is required.
An associate degree or higher in urban forestry or a related field is preferred. A Journeyman Arborist from an accredited program is preferred.
Must possess or obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Class B CDL with no air brake restrictions and no restrictions on standard transmission. A Class A CDL is preferred.
Must possess or obtain (within one year of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Certification in category 3.0 Turf and Landscape or 6.0 R-O-W and Natural Area.
Must possess or obtain (within 1 year of hire) and maintain ISA Certified Arborist credential.
Must possess or obtain and maintain other certifications, such as, First Aid, CPR and Electrical Hazard Awareness, as provided by the City.
Skills / Abilities Must have good knowledge of tree pruning, treatment and removal methods, techniques, and practices.
Must have good knowledge of tree species and cultivars commonly used in Parks and on streets including pertinent characteristics and culture.
Must have good knowledge of ANSI A300 planting techniques and procedures.
Must be able to work aloft comfortably and in adverse conditions.
Must have excellent customer service skills, de-escalation skills, written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and computer and office skills. Experience and proficiency in providing customer service to residents of different and socioeconomic backgrounds is preferred.
Must have the ability to effectively manage multiple projects at the same time.
Ability to pass a written exam and climbing skills test.
Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.
Must be able to take direction and work well with others.
Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.
Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
Must be able to back-up fellow co-workers.
Supervision / Direction Received City Forester; Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries Manager
Supervision / Direction Exercised May direct temporary/seasonal laborers/apprentices or act as crew leader.
Work Environment This position is classified at the Very Heavy level. Job consists of a combination of sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, balancing and driving. Must have ability for frequent handling/finger dexterity; ability to repetitively bend, stoop, lift, reach, twist and climb; and ability to work at heights (without discomfort). There will be exposure to heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions. In addition, there will be exposure to dust, noise and chemicals. Work day/night under varied environmental conditions. A complete job demand analysis is available upon request.
The City of Eau Claire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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