Arborist Climber - Leavenworth, WA

International Society of Arboriculture; Leavenworth (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Clifton Tree Service in Leavenworth, Washington, is seeking a full-time Certified Arborist/climber to join the team. This role involves real climbing work in demanding terrain with a focus on safe rigging, wildfire mitigation, and high-quality pruning of conifers and other trees.

The candidate will climb and perform removals while mentoring the ground crew, assess trees, and ensure safety standards are met during operations. CDL is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist or actively pursuing certification.
• Proven climbing and rigging experience on removals.
• Comfortable working in large conifers on sloped/wooded terrain.
• Working knowledge of ANSI Z133 safety standards and aerial rescue.
• Familiarity with wildfire mitigation/defensible-space work is a strong plus.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL a plus, not required.

Responsibilities

• Climb and perform conifer removals using proper rigging and technical takedown methods.
• Set up and run safe rigging operations for the ground crew.
• Carry out wildfire mitigation work — limbing up, thinning, defensible-space pruning, and hazard tree removal.
• Prune conifers and other trees for health, clearance, and safety.
• Assess trees and make sound cutting decisions in the field.
• Operate and maintain saws, ropes, and climbing gear.

Skills

ISA Certified Arborist

Climbing experience

Rigging experience

ANSI Z133 safety knowledge

Wildfire mitigation knowledge

CDL license (not required)

Job description

Location: Leavenworth, WA
Salary: $35+/HR

Job Description

Clifton Tree Service is a tree care company based in Leavenworth, Washington, working in the heart of conifer country. Our work centers on tree removal, technical rigging, wildfire mitigation, and pruning — much of it in large pines, firs, and other conifers across the mountain communities we serve. We're looking for an experienced Certified Arborist / climber to join us full-time.

This is real climbing work in demanding terrain. If you take pride in clean cuts, safe rigging, and helping protect homes and forest from wildfire risk, you'll fit in here.

What you'll do:

• Climb and perform conifer removals using proper rigging and technical takedown methods
• Set up and run safe rigging operations for the ground crew
• Carry out wildfire mitigation work — limbing up, thinning, defensible-space pruning, and hazard tree removal
• Prune conifers and other trees for health, clearance, and safety
• Assess trees and make sound cutting decisions in the field
• Operate and maintain saws, ropes, and climbing gear

What we're looking for:

• ISA Certified Arborist (or actively working toward certification)
• Proven climbing and rigging experience, especially on removals
• Comfortable working in large conifers and on sloped or wooded terrain
• Working knowledge of ANSI Z133 safety standards and aerial rescue
• Familiarity with wildfire mitigation / defensible-space work a strong plus
• Valid driver's license (CDL a plus, not required)
• Reliable, safety-minded, and good with customers — we treat people like neighbors
• $35+/hr depending on certification and experience