Job Description
Job DescriptionLocation: Worcester, MA & Surrounding Areas
Job Type: Full-Time / Seasonal Full-Time
Position Summary
Mother & Son Lawn Care LLC is seeking a Licensed Arborist to lead and perform advanced tree care operations throughout Worcester County. This role requires professional experience in tree pruning, removals, rigging, and hazard assessment. Applicants must hold a valid and active Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA) license or ISA Certification.
You will work on residential and commercial properties, ensuring that all tree work meets ANSI and industry safety standards while delivering exceptional service to our customers.
Key ResponsibilitiesTree Care & Technical Work
- Perform structural pruning, thinning, crown reduction, deadwood removal, and corrective pruning according to ANSI A300 standards.
- Safely remove trees of all sizes using advanced rigging, climbing, and cutting techniques.
- Assess tree health, structural stability, pests/diseases, and hazards.
- Diagnose tree diseases, pest infestations, stress symptoms, nutrient deficiencies, and structural defects.
- Recommend and perform treatments including soil amendments, fertilization, pruning strategies, pest management, and long-term tree-health plans.
- Conduct tree risk assessments and recommend corrective actions.
- Provide on-site recommendations for pruning, removals, or preservation.
- Use climbing gear, saddles, ropes, friction devices, lowering devices, and other arborist tools safely and efficiently.
- Operate chainsaws, pole saws, stump grinders, chippers, and related heavy equipment.
- Accurately quote jobs according to industry standards and company finances.
Leadership & Crew Management
- Lead and train groundsmen and junior crew members on proper techniques and safety.
- Delegate tasks efficiently during pruning and removal operations.
- Communicate clearly with the owner, team, and clients about job details and any unexpected obstacles.
- Ensure all work is completed to company standards and within scheduled timeframes.
Safety & Compliance
- Perform pre-job hazard assessments, including electrical line clearance awareness.
- Establish safe drop zones, rigging zones, and chipper zones.
- Ensure all crew members follow PPE, OSHA, and ANSI Z133 safety requirements.
- Maintain equipment logs, inspect climbing gear, and report repair needs promptly.
Customer Service
- Explain work scopes to clients when needed and answer basic tree-care questions.
- Represent Mother & Son Lawn Care with professionalism and respect on every property.
- Document before/after photos and provide accurate feedback on job completion.
Required Qualifications
- Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA) or ISA Certified Arborist (or proof you are actively pursuing certification).
- Minimum 2+ years of professional tree work experience.
- Proficient in climbing and rigging techniques.
- Strong knowledge of tree species common to Massachusetts.
- Knowledge of regional tree species, diseases, pests (e.g., borers, scale, fungal pathogens), and appropriate treatments.
- Ability to read and understand work orders, pruning standards, and safety guidelines.
- Valid driver’s license; CDL or hoisting license a plus.
- Reliable transportation to Worcester shop or job sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading a tree crew.
- Bucket truck operation experience (if applicable).
- Valid DOT Medical Card.
- First Aid/CPR Certification.
- Experience working around structures (fences, garages, houses, decks) in tight, residential spaces.
- Experience with stump grinders, mini skids, loaders, and cranes.
- Experience with soil testing, fertilization programs, and PHC (Plant Health Care) treatments.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 50–75 lbs regularly.
- Comfortable working at heights up to 100 ft.
- Ability to climb, lift, drag brush, and work on uneven terrain.
- Capable of working outdoors in heat, cold, rain, or snow.
Pay & Schedule
- Pay Range: $27 – $45 per hour, depending on certification, skill level, and experience.
- Schedule: Monday–Friday; occasional weekends during peak season.
- Overtime opportunities when available.
Benefits Package:
- Competitive pay with opportunities for advancement
- 401K with company match after 1 year of employment
- Emergency savings account to help offset financial difficulties and unexpected expenses after 6 months of employment
- Paid time off and holidays off
- Equipment loaner program
- Hands-on training and professional development
- A supportive and team-oriented work culture