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Campus Arborist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of New Mexico

Arborist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Arborist Requisition ID req37541 Working Title Arborist Position Grade 07 Position Summary The ... UNM's campus is home to more than 5,000 trees representing 235 species, creating a living ...

University of New Mexico

Arborist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

As an Arborist, you will play a key role in preserving and enhancing these valuable campus ... UNM's campus is home to more than 5,000 trees representing 235 species, creating a living ...

University of New Mexico

Arborist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

As an Arborist, you will play a key role in preserving and enhancing these valuable campus ... UNM's campus is home to more than 5,000 trees representing 235 species, creating a living ...

Elon University

Arborist

Elon, IA

Elon Main Campus Categories: Facilities Title: Arborist Position Type: Staff Full-Time Days Per Week: Monday - Friday 6:00AM-2:30PM. Hours Per Week: 40 VP Area: Finance and Administration Department:

Washington University of St. Louis

Campus Grounds, Arboretum & Public Realm Stewardship: * Plans, coordinates, and oversees the daily maintenance and operation of campus grounds, landscapes, streetscapes, hardscapes, irrigation ...

Dartmouth College

Groundsworker B

Hanover, NH · On-site

$21 - $26.50/hr

Assists Campus Arborist and Tree Worker in tree maintenance operations as needed. * Maintains and repairs campus roads, driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, pathways, and exterior stairs using hand ...

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Campus Arborist information

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$15

$29

$50

How much do campus arborist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for campus arborist in the United States is $29.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a campus arborist?

Campus arborists are professionals responsible for the care and maintenance of trees and woody plants on educational institution grounds. Their duties include planting, pruning, disease management, and ensuring the safety and health of campus greenery. They also help develop tree management plans, respond to emergencies like storm damage, and educate the campus community about tree care. By maintaining a healthy urban forest, campus arborists contribute to the beauty, safety, and ecological sustainability of the campus environment.

What is the difference between Campus Arborist vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectCampus ArboristTree Trimmer
CertificationsCertified Arborist, Climbing and Safety CertificationsClimbing and Safety Certifications, sometimes Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentCampus grounds, parks, university campusesUrban and suburban trees, utility lines, commercial properties
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, municipal parksTree service companies, landscaping firms
Job FocusTree health, preservation, and managementTree pruning, trimming, and removal

The main difference is that a Campus Arborist focuses on maintaining and caring for trees on campus grounds, often with a broader scope including tree health and preservation. A Tree Trimmer primarily performs pruning and trimming tasks, often working on various types of trees in different environments. Both roles require climbing and safety certifications, but the Campus Arborist typically has additional responsibilities related to tree health management.

What are some common challenges faced by campus arborists, and how are they typically addressed?

Campus arborists often encounter challenges such as managing the health of diverse tree species, addressing pest infestations, and ensuring public safety around trees in high-traffic areas. They must balance aesthetic goals with ecological sustainability, especially when dealing with aging or storm-damaged trees. Regular collaboration with grounds crews, landscape architects, and university administrators is essential to develop management plans and prioritize maintenance. Ongoing professional development, such as staying informed about the latest arboriculture techniques, helps campus arborists address these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a campus arborist?

To thrive as a Campus Arborist, you need a solid understanding of tree biology, horticulture, and plant health care, often supported by a degree in arboriculture or a related field and relevant certifications like ISA Certified Arborist. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as chainsaws, aerial lifts, GIS mapping software, and tree risk assessment tools is typically required. Excellent observation skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for assessing tree needs and collaborating with campus stakeholders. These skills ensure the health, safety, and aesthetic value of campus landscapes while minimizing risk and fostering a sustainable environment.
More about Campus Arborist jobs
What job categories do people searching Campus Arborist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Campus Arborist jobs are:
Campus Arborist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Campus Arborist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,675 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Arborist Technician - Facilities Services - UTK

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Facilities Services Department is responsible for the maintenance and operations of all campus facilities, which includes buildings, grounds, and utility systems. The Arboriculture Group is responsible for the inventory, care and maintenance of all UT Knoxville campus trees. The Arborist Technician II performs tree maintenance and tree removal work in support of the UTK Campus Arborist and the Arboricultural mission of the UT Facilities Services Landscape Services Division.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.  

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community! 

Required Qualifications

  • Education
    • High School Diploma
  • Experience: 
    • 2+ years experience working on a tree crew as a climber and/or aerial lift operator.
    • Strong aerial lift, rope and saddle climbing and rigging skills. 
    • Knowledge of OSHA and ANSI Standards for tree care operations. 
    • The ability to perform hard, physical work for long periods in all types of weather. 
    • The ability to read and follow instructions. 
    • The ability to operate all types of power equipment, including aerial lifts, skid steer loaders, commercial chippers, leaf blowers, chain saws, and etc. 
    • The ability to lead others, enforce policies and procedures, and apply disciplinary actions when necessary.
  • Other Conditions: Valid Driver's license, TN Dept. of Agriculture Category 3 Pesticide Applicator Certificate (or attained within 6 months of employment)

Preferred Qualifications

  • International Society of Arboriculture Certified Tree Worker

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:  

Work Location

  • University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN Campus
  • This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR07
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville's largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute.  The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top. 

  • Performs general tree care work: including pruning and removal of trees using rope and saddle climbing and/or aerial lifts to access tree canopies. 
  • Operates chainsaws and various specialized tools necessary for the performance of tree care work such as ropes, saddles, pole saws, pole pruners, handsaws and advanced rigging equipment.
  • Implements daily work activities of the crew.
  • Ensures work is carried out safely and efficiently. 
  • Assists with training in the field regarding tree care operations, safety standards and organizational policies.
  • Drives trucks and operates various equipment such as aerial lifts, brush chippers, skid loaders and stump grinders.
  • Applies pesticides for control of diseases and insects of trees and shrubs and weed control.
  • Plants trees according to established standard methods.

Apply