Arborist Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Department: City Planning

Posting Expires: 9/9/2026

Salary: $69,000.00

General Description and Classification Standards
The purpose of the Field Arborist position in the Department of City Planning is to enforce the City's tree ordinance and to assist citizens with tree-related problems and questions. Duties include, but are not limited to: evaluating tree health per City Code; issuing removal permits when trees are dead, dying, or hazardous; inspecting construction sites to determine compliance with approved construction plans; inspecting construction sites for compliance and issuance of final certificates of occupancy; posting public notice of potential tree removal; issuing fines and fees for failure to meet tree preservation requirements of City Code; entering details of inspections and status updates in database; and representing Arborist Division in tree conservation commission appeal hearings. The incumbent must ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and embrace, support, and promote the City's core values, beliefs, and culture.
 

Supervision Received
Works under very general supervision and reports to the Lead Field Arborist. May work
independently or with other skilled or semi-skilled workers with responsibility for completion of
assigned tasks.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field and one-year
experience as an Arborist, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that
provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must have International Arborist
Association (ISA) certification. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
Licensures and Certifications
Position would be expected to have licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position.
Required:
Required: Valid Georgia Driver's License (must drive a motor vehicle and maintain a valid
Georgia Driver's License)
Preferred:
Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings and plans;
Experience or certification in hazard tree evaluation; and
Experience working as part of a team or in direct contact with the public.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should
not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.
Administrative Duties:
Issue permits and inspection reports to customers in a timely manner, and respond to customer
inquiries via letter, email, and telephone.
Follow proper protocol when nuisance trees are identified.
Maintain detailed work logs and status updates in City computer database.
Able to calculate and explain to customers methods for assessing critical root zone impact.
Accurately access fines and fees as needed.
Represent the Arborist Division in Tree Conservation Commission appeal hearings.
Attend Municipal Court with City Solicitor and serving as expert witness when ordinance has been
violated.
Communication:
Work with developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners to comply with Tree
Protection ordinance.
Collaborate with Arborist Division staff members and other City Divisions to ensure high quality
customer service.
Address civic groups, schools, garden clubs, and neighborhood groups regarding the rights and
responsibilities of citizens and tree care.
Exhibit excellent customer service and human relations skills.
Field Duties:
Evaluate tree health and risk to determine whether trees are dead, dying, or hazardous per City
code.
Issue tree removal permits.
Review site plans during site inspections to ensure conditions in the field are accurately depicted.
Post public notice of potential construction impact on trees.
Inspect active construction sites for compliance with approved and stamped tree protection plans.
Conduct final inspection of construction sites for compliance and issuance of final certificates of
occupancy.
Issue fines and fees for failure to meet tree preservation requirements of City Code.
Decision Making
Applies organizational policies. Follows standardized procedures and written instructions to
accomplish assigned tasks. Must be able to process information on hand and decide on next steps
to complete tasks and/or resolve issues. Determines when to escalate issues to upper/senior
management.
Leadership Provided
Provides guidance and training as required to lower level, interns, temporary employees, etc. May
exercise supervisory duties in absence of supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities
required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.
Knowledge:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of best-in-class customer service.
Knowledge of the City's overall permitting operations, codes, services, and procedures.
Knowledge of arboricultural practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of
daily responsibilities.
Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to
tree-related issues and other responsibilities in serving as City Arborist.
Skills:
Perform a variety of difficult and complex permit related tasks with minimal supervision.
Performing mathematical calculations
Perform duties through using independent judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with
established procedures and policies. Use of discretion in the handing of emergency situations.
Ability:
Ability to learn the principles, practices, and procedures of the City and various department
operations and functions.
Ability to assist in the developing and implementing of long-term goals for the Department to
promote effectiveness and efficiency.
Ability to keep abreast of changes in policy, methods, operations, and standards of practice, etc. as
they pertain to Departmental operations.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, and members of the
public.
Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and
effective manner.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in handling emergency situations.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations and related information.