Arborist III

Facilities and Business Operations:

Facilities and Business Operations at UCF is dedicated to fostering a conducive educational environment for our faculty, staff, students, and the broader community. We are committed to excellence, providing unparalleled expertise, and maintaining a world-class standard in service.

Please visit us at: https://fs.ucf.edu/ or Facebook and Instagram: UCF Facilities

The Opportunity:

The Landscape and Natural Resources Department at Facilities and Business Operations is seeking an experienced Arborist III. This position will lead the Tree Care team, supervising and coordinating the workload of assigned employees to ensure the health, functionality, and aesthetics of the university’s tree canopy. As the lead Arborist, you will serve as a secondary point of contact for customers, representing the department and ensuring satisfaction through effective communication and high-quality service. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise the daily operations of the tree crew, ensuring tasks are performed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Responsibilities include tree installation, pruning, removals, stump grinding, root remediation, and disease management. Manage workflow, training, and employee development to maintain optimal performance.

• Maintain and oversee all tree care equipment, including chipper trucks, brush chippers, chainsaws, pole saws, aerial platforms, stump grinders, root pruners, air spades, and compressors. Ensure tools and machinery are safe, properly maintained, and functioning efficiently.

• Provide coaching and training on job assignments, standards, and customer service, demonstrating correct procedures and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Conduct quality checks to ensure services meet UCF standards and process guidelines.

• Coordinate and schedule safety and tree care-related training for the team. Ensure compliance with safety standards, address medical needs in case of injury, and document all accidents, injuries, and unsafe conditions. Promote and maintain a strong safety culture within the unit.

• Review work orders and projects for accuracy, ensuring all timelines and details are met. Act as a resource for technical guidance and problem resolution.

• Serve as a team leader for vegetative debris removal during natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, overseeing the safe and efficient removal of fallen trees, branches, and other vegetation.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school Diploma or Equivalent and 4+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4+ years of arboricultural experience overseeing tree care projects including pruning, removals, and disease management in an institutional or large-scale setting, such as a university, park system, or municipality.

• 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role overseeing tree care teams or related operations.

• Certified Arborist or Tree Risk Assessment Qualification through ISA a plus.

• Experience with advanced tree care techniques, such as cabling, bracing, and lightning protection systems.

• Proficiency in operating and maintaining specialized tree care equipment, including aerial lifts and root remediation tools.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for customer interaction, report preparation, and team coordination.

• Experience implementing safety protocols and conducting safety training sessions.

• Prior experience coordinating tree care or debris removal efforts during or after natural disasters, including hurricanes or tropical storms.

Health Assessment Required:  

UCF policy requires completion and passing of a physical exam for this position.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $23.33 to $31.21. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

Position requires a valid Class E driver’s license. The position may involve driving to various locations on and off campus to conduct University business.

If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!  UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program 

• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

• Retirement savings options 

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions 

• Education assistance 

• Flexible work environment 

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

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Veteran’s Preference:   

Preference will be given to eligible veterans and their eligible spouses in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes. Applicants claiming preference are responsible for providing required documentation by the closing date of the position. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit http://hr.ucf.edu/files/VeteransPreference.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets.  Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. 

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.