Aborist

Job Description

The Arborist will be engaged in contemporary scientific methodology and practices to grow, preserve and maintain a wide variety of tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and historical trees at the full performance level. Provides leadership for the implementation of a complete arbor care program for the entire USBG public campus and production facility.

About Us

This position is at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG). The USBG is a public garden in the legislative branch and was established by Congress in 1820. The Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. We provide educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, present horticultural displays and exhibits, strive to break down barriers to inclusion, and advance the exchange of ideas and information. Learn more: U.S. Botanic Garden

Duties & Responsibilities

Prunes and assists in removal of diseased, dead, hazardous and otherwise unwanted trees. Also prunes trees and ornamental shrubs to obtain proper balance between roots and top growth and to modify or retain natural form.

Performs specialized pruning on tropical tree species such as palms and ficus located within the conservatory. Many conservatory plant species are over 50 feet tall and will often grow to reach the conservatory glass ceiling and mechanical systems at nearly 90 feet. These specimens require advanced skilled climbing, pruning and rigging techniques not often used in the trade. Therefore, the incumbent must be able to safely ascend living arbor specimens without damaging the tree and without the use of aerial lifts. The incumbent must be able to comfortably work at height while learning to overcome challenges aloft.

Creates precedent setting and artistically unique horticultural designs and exhibits and is responsible for the production of the required display crops.

Expands and/or develops large and complex living tree collections. Performs collections studies including the exchange of materials, ideas, and information with other conservatories, museums, and botanic gardens.

Adjusts the nutrient content of soil based on prescribed soil test recommendations. Propagates, grows and plants a wide variety of trees. Makes decisions with Plant Curator on which species to propagate, number of propagules and plans for long term care. Works with the Plant Recorder to ensure all plant information is accurately entered into the USBG living collection database.

Works with the Plant Health Care Specialist to diagnose and control pest infestations and diseases by selecting the proper Integrated Pest Management strategy. Many pest challenges are unique and not common to the trade.

Follows all relevant safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Complies with all OSHA safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner. Adheres to all ISA and ANSI Best Management Practices Ensures the use of any required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education and Experience

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You must be able to pass a drug test.
• Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements.
• A valid, unexpired driver’s license is required.
• ISA certification or an accredited tree expert license is required.
• Must possess a DC Pesticide Applicator’s License in 3A, 3B, and 3C.

– A valid, unexpired driver’s license is required.

– Must possess a valid, unexpired District of Columbia Pesticide Applicator’s License (or a valid State license reciprocal with D.C.) for pesticide license categories 3A, 3B and 3C to apply pesticides in D.C.

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY PESTICIDES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Title 20, require each employee that performs pest control activities in the District of Columbia, including governmental and state agencies, progress from being a Registered Technician to a Certified Applicator and subsequently a “Licensed Pesticide Applicator”.

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2016 must submit an application to become a Registered Technician to the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) within 30 days of the effective date of employment.

A Registered Technician is required to take two exams in order to become a fully Licensed Pesticide Applicator as follows:

The Registered Technician is required to take a general core exam within 180 days after submitting the application to DOEE. Registered AOC employees hired before October 1, 2014 are not required to take the “general core” exam. Employee will have the opportunity to take the test two times.

A second exam called a Category Exam must be taken within 3 years of becoming a Registered Technician. This is a requirement to become a fully Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Employee will also have the opportunity to take the test two times.

A Registered Technician who is unable to pass the category exam within a subsequent 3 year period will be ineligible to apply pesticides.

Employee will have the opportunity to re-test twice for both exams.

Within one year after becoming a Certified Applicator, an employee can apply to become a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Employees who possess this license must complete refresher training and renew the license each year in order to retain the license.

Qualifications
You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT:

— Ability to do tree work with little to no supervision.

Qualification at the WG-10 level: Is an advanced Arborist able to independently perform tree maintenance work such as pruning, trimming, removing trees and shrubs and has knowledge of ropes and knots for rigging limbs and branches and the ability to operate a bucket truck to reach large trees.

Application Instructions

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/818469200?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=