SME - Arborist

IEM is seeking a Part-Time Arborist Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our continued growth. The Arborist SME for wildfire claims is responsible for providing expert guidance and evaluation on tree and vegetation damage resulting from wildfires. This role requires in-depth knowledge of arboriculture, wildfire impact assessment, and insurance claim processes. The SME will collaborate with claims adjusters, insurance teams, and property owners to assess losses, determine restoration requirements, and support accurate claim settlements. Primary Location: Live within the United States including any US territory Work from a personal/home office location Travel Requirements: This position may require travel to complete work assignments or attend meetings/trainings. Essential Functions: Conduct on-site and remote assessments of wildfire-related tree and vegetation damage for insurance claims. Prepare detailed reports documenting findings, restoration recommendations, and cost estimates. Advise claims teams on arboricultural best practices and standards for wildfire recovery. Interpret and apply relevant regulations, guidelines, and industry standards in claim evaluations. Provide expert testimony or consultation for dispute resolution and litigation support as needed. Stay current with developments in wildfire management, arboriculture, and insurance industry practices. Minimum Qualifications: Certification: Certified Arborist (ISA) or an equivalent industry‑recognized credential. Experience: Ten (10) years of experience in arboriculture with extensive background in wildfire‑related damage assessment. Strong understanding of insurance claim processes and documentation requirements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams. Experience in preparing expert reports and providing testimony is preferred. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex damage scenarios, interpret technical data, and develop defensible conclusions. Skilled in the use of digital tools and software applications for documentation, reporting, mapping, and photo analysis. Strong commitment to ethical conduct, impartiality, and adherence to industry and program guidelines. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in environmental science, hydrology, geology, civil engineering, or a related field. Additional Information: Personal Office / At Home Locations: All personal office/at home work environments require the ability to maintain minimum Internet speeds of 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download, as well as a ping rate of 100 ms or less during working hours, regardless of the type and number of devices using your Internet connection. You must also have account privileges and access to your Internet service provider account during working hours for the purpose of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed. Benefits and more: Hourly rate based on location and experience: $48.00 - $59.42 / hour. Equal Employment Opportunity: All IEM employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment, if necessary, are made without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Reasonable Accommodation: IEM is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or employment process, please email [email protected] with specific details about the requested accommodation. All accommodation requests are reviewed case-by-case in compliance with applicable law.