Arborist - Disaster Recovery & Damage Assessment

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced ISA Certified Arborists for immediate deployment to support wildfire response and disaster recovery efforts in the Spokane, Washington area .

Arborists will assist with field assessments of trees and vegetation impacted by wildfire conditions, identifying hazards, documenting damage, and supporting safe access and recovery operations. This is a field-based position requiring strong knowledge of tree assessment, hazard identification, and accurate field documentation.

• Conduct field assessments of trees and vegetation affected by wildfire and disaster conditions
• Identify potentially hazardous, damaged, unstable, or compromised trees
• Evaluate tree conditions and document findings
• Measure tree diameter/DBH and collect accurate field data
• Use GPS and mapping technology to document tree locations and assessment areas
• Utilize laser rangefinders and other field equipment to obtain measurements
• Photograph and document site conditions and tree damage
• Identify hazards and communicate findings to project leadership
• Assist with prioritizing trees or areas requiring further evaluation, mitigation, or removal
• Follow all HAZWOPER, site safety, respiratory protection, and PPE requirements
• Maintain accurate field notes, measurements, maps, and assessment records
• Work safely around wildfire-affected structures, vegetation, debris, and other potential hazards
• Coordinate with other field personnel, safety staff, and project management as needed

Work Environment

This is a field-based wildfire response position . Work may involve exposure to

• Wildfire-affected areas
• Burned and damaged vegetation
• Unstable trees and limbs
• Debris and uneven terrain
• Dust, smoke, and potentially contaminated environments
• Damaged structures and infrastructure
• Other hazards associated with disaster recovery operations

Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in changing conditions and following strict safety protocols.

Deployment Requirements

• Candidates must be ready for immediate deployment to Spokane, Washington.
• Due to the emergency-response nature of the project, candidates should be prepared to mobilize quickly and work according to project and site requirements.

Requirements

• ISA Certification required
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification required
• 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher required if the 40-hour HAZWOPER certification was not completed within the past 12 months
• Bloodborne Pathogens training required
• First Aid/CPR certification required
• Current medical clearance from a physician/medical provider required
• Must be able to successfully pass a respiratory fit test
• Must have and be prepared to use required PPE
• Previous wildfire, disaster response, emergency response, or hazardous-site experience strongly preferred
• Ability to work safely in outdoor, potentially hazardous environments
• Ability to work extended hours and varying schedules based on project needs
• Must be physically capable of performing field inspections and walking through potentially uneven, debris-filled, or hazardous areas

Required Personal Equipment & Field Tools

Candidates must provide their own appropriate personal field equipment and tools , including

• Personal PPE appropriate for the work environment
• Field assessment tools
• GPS tracking/mapping device
• Laser rangefinder
• Tree/DBH diameter tape
• Other standard arborist field equipment necessary to safely and accurately perform tree assessments

Required Documentation

Candidates must be able to provide proof of

• ISA Certification
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER
• 8-Hour HAZWOPER refresher, when applicable
• Bloodborne Pathogens training
• First Aid/CPR
• Medical clearance
• Respiratory fit-test clearance
• Any other required safety training or credentials

Wildfire/disaster response experience is highly preferred.