Arborist (Seasonal)
What you'd do
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.
Major 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.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of materials Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Vehicle Operation SCREEN OUTS: Minimum Qualifications (must be able to complete the following duties without more than normal supervision): Operates 1/2 ton and 3/4-ton pickups, stake trucks, van trucks, platform trucks, bucket truck and/or dump truck which typically have an approximate GVW of not more than 32,000 pounds. Consistently operates chainsaws to fell trees with significant lean or defects. Has some knowledge of rigging tools and operations to utilize for felling trees and removing limbs over structures. Knowledge of tree identification and best trimming or felling practices. Has operated manlift or boom trucks to accomplish technical tree work under close supervision. Has operated a range of equipment including but not limited to skid steer loaders, towable chippers, front end loaders and backhoes, farm style equipment with various attachments, ride on mowers (zero-turn and articulating deck) to complete tasks not limited to mowing, earth moving, clearing debris within high traffic roadways, excavating holes to rough specs, etc. under close supervision. Maintains tools and equipment according to manufacturer's specifications and operating manuals. Driver's License (Screen-Out): You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also 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 disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Tractor Operator (Screen-Out): Operates gasoline and diesel-powered tractors up to 70 H.P. Tractors are field/farm type with towed or attached equipment such as rotary and flail mowers, augers, tillers, backhoe, or skid steer. If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.