Arborist (Seasonal)

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Summary

Open to the first 100 applicants or until 07/20/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. 1039 Hours; The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is October 2026-March 2027, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is for Mid-West Region. Please refer to the "Location" section to see which National Parks are included on this announcement. All US Citizen, ICTAP/CTAP eligibles.

Duties

  • Performs annual and comprehensive condition assessment of trees to determine the health & vigor, and structural stability of trees through the knowledge of tree identification, components, and structure. Provides treatment recommendations to improve the health & vigor and maintain the structural stability. Documents assessment and treatment recommendations using a condition assessment report.
  • Responsible for maintaining the overall tree inventory and performing arboricultural duties for three offsite locations; James A Garfield National Historic Site, First Ladies National Historic Site and Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. Coordinates tree care with site managers for all tree operations.
  • Performs risk (hazard) assessment of trees to determine the presence of tree defects that have the potential to fail, resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. Rates the tree's potential risk of failure, provides treatment recommendations, and documents assessment and recommendations using a tree risk assessment report.
  • Develops basic rigging plans that identify the methods and techniques that will be used to lower tree parts to prevent damage to adjacent objects or to dismantle trees that do not have adequate room for felling. Executes the rigging plan using ropes, slings, and mechanical devices to remove limbs, dismantle trees, and generate mechanical advantage.
  • Performs "bucking" (cutting a tree into moveable sections), "limbing" (cutting limbs off of a tree), "Felling" (the process of downing individual trees), and "slashing" (cutting tree parts to lay flat on the ground) techniques.
  • Prunes trees and shrubs in accordance with industry standards to achieve desired objectives (e.g., reduce the risk of failure, improve fruit and flower production, etc.) using handsaws, pole saws, and chainsaws.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males
  • Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work
  • Incidental Driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
  • Uniform: You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • Government Housing: may be available but it is not guaranteed.
  • Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Qualifications

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