ArborPro, Inc.
Inspector & Arborist Career Path – All Tiers
About the Role
ArborPro, Inc. is a national leader in urban forestry consulting, providing professional services to municipalities, universities, and government agencies across the United States. We perform GPS-based tree inventories, tree condition assessments, pest and disease diagnostics, and comprehensive Urban Forest Management Plans.
We’re seeking motivated professionals who want to build a technical career in arboriculture and urban forestry—not just a job. This opportunity is part of ArborPro’s non-leadership technical development path, advancing through clearly defined tiers from Inspector I–III to Arborist I–III.
Progression within this program is based on verified experience, proven field performance, and demonstrated technical competence. Certifications are respected and often required, but they’re not a substitute for applied skill, accuracy, and professionalism.
At ArborPro, advancement and pay are earned through demonstrated ability — consistency, accountability, and attention to detail are what define true professionals in this field.
Travel & Work Location
This is a traveling field position with projects in the Chicago Metro Area and nationwide. ArborPro provides all travel expenses, lodging, work vehicles, and per diem for business travel.
We strive to keep staff within a consistent regional rotation, though assignments vary based on project needs.
Travel Pay Policy Highlights:
- Travel time is paid up to 10 hours per day, with approval required up to 12 hours.
- No travel beyond 12 hours per day; overnight lodging and per diem are provided.
- Travel after hotel check-in or during personal time is unpaid unless directed.
Our travel policy prioritizes safety, rest, and legal compliance, ensuring all employees are fairly compensated and supported while on the road.
Schedule and Flexibility
ArborPro offers three structured schedule options designed to balance travel, productivity, and time at home while maintaining consistent project coverage. Employees select a schedule before deployment and may request changes with advance notice and management approval.
All leave weeks under these schedules are unpaid, unless accrued paid time off (PTO) is available to supplement them.
Schedule Options:
- Schedule 1 – Minimum: 8 hours/day, 5 days (Mon–Fri).
Eligible for 1 week of unpaid leave after 9 consecutive work weeks.
Option A – 10 hours/day, 5 days (Mon–Fri)
Option B – 8 hours/day, 6 days (Mon–Sat).
Eligible for 1 week of unpaid leave after 4 consecutive work weeks.
- Schedule 3 – Maximum: 10 hours/day, 6 days (Mon–Sat).
Eligible for 1 week of unpaid leave after 3 consecutive work weeks.
These structured rotations help field staff plan home time, maintain focus, and avoid burnout, while ensuring ArborPro continues to deliver the highest quality work to clients nationwide.
Career Levels Available
Inspector I (Entry-Level)
Pay Range: $24 – $27.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Collect tree inventory data and basic health assessments.
- Identify common species and record accurate GPS/GIS data.
- Uphold ArborPro’s standards for data accuracy, safety, and efficiency.
Qualifications
- Minimum 6 months of verified field data collection or related tree work.
- Attention to detail and consistent data quality.
- Basic GPS/GIS proficiency and ability to meet production targets.
- Coursework in Forestry, Urban Forestry, or Environmental Science preferred.
Placement and advancement depend on demonstrated field ability, reliability, and accuracy — not simply tenure or education.
Inspector II (Intermediate)
Pay Range: $28 – $32.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Perform large-scale inventory and advanced health assessments.
- Review data for accuracy and completeness.
- Mentor and support junior field staff.
- Maintain daily production and quality benchmarks.
Qualifications
- Minimum 1 year of professional tree inventory or related field experience.
- Proven ability to work independently with accuracy and efficiency.
- Strong GIS, mapping, and data-review proficiency.
- FAA UAV Drone License preferred.
Candidates must consistently demonstrate accuracy, initiative, and high productivity in field operations.
Inspector III (Senior / Drone Pilot)
Pay Range: $33 – $37.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Lead complex or multi-site inventory projects.
- Conduct advanced diagnostics and QA/QC reviews.
- Train, coach, and mentor inspection staff.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of verified arboriculture or inspection experience.
- Demonstrated leadership and accuracy in data quality and efficiency.
- Advanced diagnostic and GIS mapping proficiency.
- ISA Certified Arborist and/or FAA UAV Drone License preferred.
Tier III inspectors are evaluated on leadership, precision, and mentorship — not just years of experience.
Arborist I (Certified Specialist)
Pay Range: $38 – $43.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Perform technical tree diagnostics and risk assessments.
- Identify structural defects, decay, and pest or disease activity.
- Support QA/QC reviews and mentor inspection staff.
Qualifications
- ISA Certified Arborist (Required).
- Minimum 3 years of full-time professional arboriculture experience beyond coursework.
- Proven ability to apply ANSI A300 and ISA BMP standards accurately in the field.
- ISA TRAQ or degree in Forestry preferred.
Certification opens the door — but performance, judgment, and accuracy determine placement and pay.
Arborist II (Risk Assessment Specialist)
Pay Range: $44 – $49.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Conduct TRAQ-based risk assessments for complex or high-profile sites.
- Perform detailed structural and diagnostic evaluations.
- Mentor and review work of other arborists and inspectors.
Qualifications
- ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ (Required).
- Minimum 4 years of verified arboricultural or consulting experience.
- Demonstrated excellence in field diagnostics, reporting, and communication.
- ISA Urban Forest Professional or FAA UAV License preferred.
Arborist II represents professionals who pair advanced credentials with consistently excellent, field-proven results.
Arborist III (Urban Forestry Consultant)
Pay Range: $50 – $54.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Lead advanced diagnostic, risk-assessment, and consulting projects.
- Develop professional recommendations for municipalities and private clients.
- Mentor field teams and uphold ArborPro’s standards for quality and professionalism.
Qualifications
- ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ, and Municipal Specialist or Urban Forest Professional (Required).
- Minimum 5 years of verified consulting or advanced field experience.
- Proven ability to produce client-ready analyses and manage technical challenges.
- ISA Master Arborist or RCA preferred.
Arborist III professionals are trusted technical experts whose tier reflects verified mastery, reliability, and real-world experience — not just certification.
What We Offer
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Structured advancement through ArborPro’s technical career ladder
- Flexible, rotation-based schedules with defined unpaid leave cycles
- Company-provided vehicle, fuel card, lodging, and travel support
- All required safety equipment and field technology provided
- 401(k) with company match
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- 48 hours of sick time after 90 days
- Holiday pay after 1 year
- Projects in major U.S. cities and desirable regions
Job Type
Full-Time
Schedule
- 8- or 10-hour shifts depending on selected schedule
- Monday–Friday or Monday–Saturday
- Travel required (90–100%)
- Regional consistency is prioritized when possible, though specific assignments are not guaranteed.
Willingness to Travel
Required – 100%
Application Question
This position requires extensive travel and consistent production. How will you manage the demands of frequent travel while maintaining safety, accuracy, and work quality? How will you balance this with home life?
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 - $54.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Safety equipment provided
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a valid and current drivers license with an insurable drive record.
Experience:
- Urban forestry: 1 year (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road
