Arborist & Equipment Operator

Posted Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7:00 AM | Expires Friday, February 6, 2026 at 6:59 AM

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact . For submitted application inquiries please contact (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

Please note:

an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Arborist & Equipment Operator

Milwaukee County Parks

Hourly Pay Rate: $22.56 - $33.85

Closing Date: 2/5/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Parks Equity Statement
:
Milwaukee County Parks is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County Parks leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Job Summary: The Arborist & Equipment Operator is responsible for many aspects of day to day land management essential to public safety within the 15,000 acres of the Milwaukee County Parks. While a majority of the work consists of attention to the 1.5 million trees in the system, the Arborist & Equipment Operator is also responsible for maintaining the park system's hard surfaces, natural areas, playgrounds, landscaping, and general construction.

• Plant, remove, and maintain trees throughout the Milwaukee County Parks System. Maintenance consists of pruning, fertilizing, and treating for disease and insects. Respond to damage and hazardous situations due to storms and other natural events, or any other accidents.
• Perform installation, repairs, and maintenance of parks infrastructure, including but not limited to footbridges, storm water laterals, catch basins, golf course drainage, and benches. Rough and finish grading. Establish turf and hardscapes.
• Repair and maintain the hard surfaces of the Milwaukee County Parks System, which include roads, parkways, parking lots, paths, trails, and walks. Maintenance includes crack filling, cutting, and milling. Repair consists of cutting, removing, and replacing with hot patch.
• Inspect, maintain, and operate equipment (skid steers, tractors, front end loaders), vehicle and trailers small to CDL Class A, and specialty equipment (lift trucks, tree spades, backhoe, and excavators). Includes snow and ice removal.
• Supervise or act as lead worker of seasonal crews responsible for plant health care, planting, hedging and playgrounds. Crew will consist of peers and seasonal staff. Responsibilities include daily staff and vehicle assignments and reporting status updates.
• Provide cyclical maintenance by removing accumulated debris from hard surfaces and catch basins utilizing specialized equipment (Vac All and Street Sweeper) to 120 lane miles of parkways/roads and 126 parking lots.
• Assist Natural Areas Staff by implementing large scale aspects of a management plan through heavy equipment operations or the need for multiple trained personnel.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Current resident of Wisconsin.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, able to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One (1) or more years of Natural Resources, Arboriculture, or Horticulture experience.
• Willing and able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 100 lbs.
• Able to obtain DATCP Pesticide Certification Category 3.0 and 6.0 within six (6) months of start date.
• Able to obtain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within six (6) months of start date.
• Able to obtain CDL Class A, B, D, and Endorsement N – Tanker within six (6) months of start date.
• Able to obtain OSHA 10 certification within six (6) months of start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of an Associate Degree or higher in Urban Forestry, Conservation, or a related field.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certification…