Design Arborist - Fairfax, VA

Short Description

Bowman has an opportunity for a Design Arborist to join our team in Fairfax, VA.

At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That's why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients

Purpose

Contribute arboricultural knowledge to the planning and design of land development and infrastructure projects. Apply tree health, risk, and preservation principles to support sustainable site design, regulatory compliance, and successful project delivery. Serve as a technical resource to design teams, clients, and regulatory stakeholders on tree assessment, protection, and integration within the built environment. The Arborist is responsible for the documentation and evaluation of forests and landscapes with the ultimate goal of ensuring the health, safety, and preservation of trees serving a wide variety of clients including property owners, municipalities, contractors, insurance professionals, landscape architects, developers and engineers. The Arborist performs technical activities required on assigned projects

Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Act as the technical resource on arboricultural considerations during planning, permitting, and design stages.
• Demonstrate a positive and safety-focused attitude, supporting a respectful and productive team environment.
• Take initiative to learn from senior team members and follow instructions with diligence and professionalism.
• Uphold company values in client interactions, site conduct, and environmental care.

At the Operational and Company Level

• Interpret tree survey data, inventory outputs, and health/risk ratings to inform design decisions.
• Prepare tree protection plans, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies in alignment with local and state codes.
• Review and mark trees in the field to support permit submittals, layout, and construction fencing.
• Collaborate with landscape architects, civil engineers, and planners to integrate trees into site layouts and infrastructure plans.
• Provide technical documentation for submittals, including spreadsheets, GIS layers, and plan markups.
• Work closely with senior staff members to perform arboriculture/urban forestry work on assigned projects within multiple jurisdictions and under various code compliance requirements

Do the Work

• Conduct field investigations to assess tree condition, species, size, and location.

• Draft tree protection notes, legends, and overlays in CAD, GIS, or Bluebeam as part of plan sets

• Under the supervision of a Certified Arborist;

• Support engineering and landscape architectural projects with arboricultural related services.

• Prepare tree and plant inventories and evaluations.

• Prepare tree and plant preservation plans for construction projects.

• Prepare Invasive Species management plans.

• Diagnosis of tree and landscape problems.

• Prepare Tree risk assessments and surveys.

• Insect and disease identification and management.

• Prepare Tree and plant appraisals.

• Carry out technical and administrative assignments, tabulations, etc.

• Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state and local codes and permitting requirements.

• Participate in training sessions and field exercises as required to build knowledge and skill level.

Success Metrics and Competencies

• Ability to work independently and effectively in the field.
• Strong technical knowledge of tree care practices, equipment operation, and safety standards.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with clients, supervisors, and peers.
• Ability to assess site conditions and tree health and make informed recommendations.
• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality, safe work.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Dependable and motivated to grow professionally within the organization.
• Effective working relationships with internal teams, leaders, and external clients.
• Commitment to a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Strong sense of urgency and responsiveness to safety concerns and client needs.
• Positive feedback from design teams and regulators on technical clarity and constructability.
• Proficiency with GIS, CAD, and common report production tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Forestry, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, or related field preferred.
• ISA Certified Arborist or progress to attain, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) preferred.
• Entry Level professional position, 1 year supporting land development or site design projects, a plus.
• Basic knowledge of ANSI A300 and Z133 standards.
• Understanding of industry safety standards, PPE use, hazard identification, and emergency procedures.
• First Aid/CPR certification required.
• Must hold a valid state driver's license and successfully pass a motor vehicle check.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD required.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is a balance of in-office production and field investigations.
• Mobility around an office environment.
• Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machine.
• Mobility around a forested site.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions such as falling branches, insects, chemicals, loud noise, heat and cold.
• Frequent lifting or carrying of up to 50 pounds.
• Strict adherence to safety protocols and use of PPE is required at all times.

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