Arborist - Disaster Recovery & Damage Assessment
Essel Environmental · Spokane
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.