# Arborist - Disaster Recovery & Damage Assessment

> Essel · Spokane, United States · — · Posted 2026-08-17

**Salary:** USD 40–40

**Workplace:** on_site

## Description

### 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.**

## Apply

[Apply at Essel](https://apply.workable.com/esselenvironmental/j/FF47F2772A/apply)

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