Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

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 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact [email protected]. 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.

Essential Responsibilities:

• 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 (VacAll 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.

Minimum Requirements:­­­­­­_­

• 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 (Municipal, Climbing, Aerial Lift Operator, or other ISA Specialist).
• Tree Care Industry Safety Specialist.

NOTE:  This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.