Urban Arborist

General Description:
Latent is a woman of color led firm spanning the disciplines of architecture and urban design. Sometimes successfully, sometimes stumbling, but always pushing a vision of design equity forward. Our firm is working at the intersection of design and community development to create social, economic, and environmental impact. We are currently seeking an experienced Arborist to join our firm and work directly and embedded within a City Department focused on Streetscape Design. 

The work involves performing a wide variety of projects and tasks relating to public works/private development project design, tree layout, planning, tree selection and planting; tree risk assessment and maintenance of trees on City property. The work involves the identification and treatment of tree diseases and insect pests; the provision of technical assistance for tree concerns for other City agencies and the public; the preparation of necessary reports and informational materials; and providing inspection and direction to City Department Engineering, private developers, or general contractors for proper construction practices near city trees. The work is performed independently under the direction of the City Department Forester who reviews activities for technical accuracy and compliance with established policies and procedures. The work does not include direct construction supervision, construction participation, installation, or tree planting. The Candidate will have day to day coordination and supervision with the City Department and weekly coordination with Latent.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of responsible specialized experience in an urban forestry program involving activities such as tree disease inspection; tree pest and disease control; tree layout planning; and the provision of technical assistance in these areas.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in urban forestry, landscape architecture, ecology, botany, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Ability to visually identify common Chicago street trees species and genus, installation methods, and tree disease identification.
• Understanding of urban tree planting and landscape environments and the impacts of extreme seasonal weather conditions.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and working vehicle. Mileage and gas will be reimbursed per GSA standards.
• Possession of a smart phone with the ability to access Salesforce based app for field reporting and documentation.
• ISA Certification or plan to become Certified within 1 year of employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to walk or traverse varied terrains.
• Ability to lift, stand, kneel, and bend for long periods of time, identify or distinguish colors, talk, hear, and work outdoors.
• Comfort and cultural awareness to travel between the range of Chicago’s 77 unique neighborhoods.

Salary + Benefits: 

• Full time position 40 hrs / week
• Salary range between $65,000 – $70,000 BOE
• Health, Dental, Vision insurance PPO plans
• 401k employer match up to 5%
• Hybrid work office / field / home environment
• 4 weeks PTO which includes (2) 1 week office-wide PTO during summer and winter breaks
• City holidays off
• Professional development stipend up to $500

BIPOC / WOC candidates are encouraged to apply.