Job Description

Arborist

Requisition ID
req37541
Working Title
Arborist
Position Grade
07
Position Summary

The University of New Mexico Facility Services is seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable, and safety-focused Arborist to join our Landscaping Services team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to help maintain and enhance one of New Mexico's most beautiful and diverse campus landscapes while supporting the health, safety, and sustainability of UNM's urban forest.

As an Arborist, you will play a key role in preserving and enhancing these valuable campus resources. Working alongside a team of dedicated landscape professionals, you will help maintain the health, safety, and beauty of UNM's tree canopy through expert arboricultural practices, including planting, pruning, hazard assessment, disease and pest management, and long-term tree care. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about arboriculture and committed to making a lasting impact on one of New Mexico's most distinctive and environmentally significant campus landscapes.

The University of New Mexico is proud to be recognized by ArbNet as a Level I Arboretum, reflecting the University's commitment to responsible tree stewardship, education, and environmental sustainability. UNM's campus is home to more than 5,000 trees representing 235 species, creating a living collection that supports educational, research, recreational, and community engagement opportunities. These trees provide numerous environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, stormwater runoff reduction, improved air and water quality, campus cooling through shade and transpiration, energy conservation, and wind reduction around campus facilities.

UNM was also recognized as a 2024 Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation. This designation recognizes colleges and universities dedicated to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and engagement. The recognition reflects UNM's commitment to maintaining a Campus Tree Advisory Committee, implementing a Campus Tree Care Plan, investing in tree maintenance, participating in Arbor Day observances, and supporting service-learning projects that promote environmental stewardship.

Facility Services consists of Building & Landscape Services, Facilities Design & Construction (FDC), Facilities Customer Services, Facilities Support Services, and Technical Services and is responsible for maintaining more than 10 million square feet of facilities and 680 acres of open space.

A New Mexico Pesticide License in Ornamental and Turf Pest Control is required to obtain within six (6) months of hire. An ISA Arborist Certification is required to obtain within one (1) year of hire.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Repairs, cables, fertilizes, waters, and prunes trees and other woody plants; removes dead, diseased or declining trees and woody plants.
2. Plants and transplants woody plants to include hole preparation, backfilling, staking, pruning, watering, and mulching.
3. Recognizes disease and insect problems of trees and woody plants and applies appropriate treatments.
4. May assist in various maintenance activities as required.
5. Maintains records of work performed.
6. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
7. Assists in maintaining tree inventory records.
8. Identifies potentially hazardous trees and other tree-related problems.
9. May perform snow removal as required.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why Join Us?

Working as a staff member at the University of New Mexico offers a rewarding career with exceptional benefits and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the campus environment.

1. Meaningful Work: Help preserve and enhance UNM's diverse tree canopy and landscape environment for future generations.
2. Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
3. Retirement Benefits: Pension and additional retirement plan options with generous employer contributions.
4. Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave accruals, plus 11 paid holidays annually.
5. Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification, career growth, and tuition remission benefits for employees and eligible dependents.
6. Supportive Team Environment: Work alongside experienced professionals committed to safety, sustainability, and excellence.
7. Job Stability: Enjoy the benefits of working for New Mexico's flagship institution with opportunities for long-term career advancement.

If you are passionate about arboriculture, enjoy working outdoors, and take pride in helping create beautiful and healthy landscapes, we encourage you to apply.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• ISA Arborist certification required within 1 year of hire.
• NM Pesticide License in Ornamental and Turf Pest Control must be obtained within 6 months of date of hire.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• ISA Arborist Certified
• New Mexico Pesticide License in Ornamental and Turf Pest Control
• Experience in tree care, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, or urban forestry.
• Knowledge of tree identification, planting, pruning, and maintenance best practices.
• Experience identifying and treating tree diseases, insect infestations, and environmental stress conditions.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power equipment, chainsaws, and related arboricultural equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining a positive customer-service approach.
• Experience maintaining records, inventories, and work documentation, via electronic devices.
• Excellent communication skills

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Landscape Services (825C3)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Regular - Full-Time
Term End Date
Status
Non-Exempt
Pay
Hourly: $17.56 - $22.29
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
8/21/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive
No
Eligible for Remote Work
No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through
the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

1. Complete the official UNMJOBS application; you must include all prior work experience, including the full dates of employment (month and year) for each position held, and the number of hours worked per week. 2. Attach your current resume with three professional references listed. 3. Attach your cover letter that addresses our preferred qualifications. 4. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.