Arborist

Salary: $66,961.48 - $83,701.86 Annually

Location : Huntersville, NC

Job Type: Full time

Job Number: 202500153

Department: PLANNING

Opening Date: 12/18/2025

Job Description

Performs professional and technical work providing guidance, interpretation, and management of town tree and landscape ordinances and practices. This position also responds to citizens, contractors, developer and other professionals about tree and landscape management and permitting. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Assistant Planning Director.

Essential Duties of the Position

The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

Researches and recommends ordinances and related text amendments for planting standards, specimen and heritage tree definitions and health standards, and other landscape management standards.

Enforces tree and planting ordinances through education and issuance of notices of violations.

Coordinates with departments on tree and landscape planning, including review and inspection of capital development plans.

Reviews and provides feedback on right-of-way trees during land development process, street tree selection and maintenance, and stormwater measures.

Assists with bid specifications for tree and landscape installation and maintenance contracts.

Advises on appropriate pruning, planting, and protecting trees and vegetation on town-owned property, including pest and disease identification and prevention or remediation.

Advises on appropriate pruning for electric service operations.

Inspects for and identifies heritage, specimen, treasure trees throughout the town.

Performs various landscape maintenance tasks as required, including irrigation and soil maintenance, plant care, and pesticide management.

Engages with homeowners, businesses, or other government entities to provide advice on plant selection, landscaping, and maintenance.

Assists developers, businesses, and other community partners on appropriate tree planting strategies and techniques.

Responsible for tree canopy management and educational initiatives throughout the community.

Coordinates with Environmental Sustainability Committee and departments on public programming efforts.

Identifies and pursues specialized grants or recognition for tree and landscape management efforts.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Knowledge of horticulture, arboriculture, and landscape management practices in the southeast; knowledge of Town's zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes; knowledge of landscape management and maintenance practices, including disease and pest identification and treatment; skill in reviewing and understanding landscape construction and maintenance plans; skill in conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and public presentations; ability to enforce codes with firmness and tact; ability to perform manual labor needed in planting or maintaining plantings; ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies; ability to learn geography of Town; ability to express ideas effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, other governmental entities, and the general public.

Bachelor's degree with coursework in urban forestry, landscaping architecture or related field and, at least two years of experience. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. A certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture is required; have or ability to obtain NC pesticide application license within 1 year of employment.

Supplemental Information

This position's physical requirements involve medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and/or walking.

Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderate noisy location (i.e. office setting).

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.

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