Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Ashburn, VA is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee to join our tree care crew and gain hands-on field experience in pruning, rigging, cabling, and hazardous-tree removal, along with tree identification.

You will learn to operate hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts, while following strict safety guidelines. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential; prior tree care experience is welcome but not required.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required or preferred.
• Willingness to learn and work on a multi-disciplinary team.
• Interest in outdoor year-round work in all weather conditions.
• Degree in Arboriculture or related field preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including tree climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling and bracing.
• Remove hazardous trees and identify trees and shrubs on site.
• Operate hand tools, chainsaws, chippers and aerial lifts.
• Implement work zone safety procedures and assist ground crews.

Skills

Outdoor work

Willingness to learn

Team player

Valid driver's license

Education

Degree in Arboriculture

Tools

Hand tools

Chainsaws

Chippers

Aerial lifts

Job description

If you enjoy working outdoors in a professional and safe environment, consider a career with Bartlett Tree Experts! At Bartlett, we value a strong culture of excellence in safety, scientific research, lifelong learning, and career development.

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and shrub care on commercial and residential properties. This is a unique entry-level opportunity to develop your career in arboriculture through hands‑on, on‑the‑job training.

We offer competitive compensation, as well as

• A safety-first culture and professional workplace
• Advancement opportunities - we promote from within
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Industry credential/license pay increases - we encourage and invest in your professional development
• Company provided uniforms, PPE, gear, and equipment
• Boot reimbursement up to $150
• Employee referral bonus program
• Access to training, continuing education programs, and a variety of resources provided by the Bartlett Tree Experts Research Laboratories in Charlotte, NC

To find out more about what life is like at Bartlett, check us out on Instagram @LifeatBartlett.

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will play an important role in

• Learning through on-the-job training to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including
• Tree climbing
• Pruning
• Rigging
• Cabling and bracing
• Removal of hazardous trees
• Tree identification
• Properly maintaining and operating equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts)
• Implementing work zone safety procedures
• Assisting Arborist Climbers and Arborist Crew Leaders working on the ground and aloft
• Assisting with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties
• Learning, understanding, and adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies
• A passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors
• Interest in working outdoors year-round in all weather conditions
• Valid driver's license
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work on a multi-disciplinary team
• Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf care, or horticulture experience is preferred but not required
• Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Turfgrass, Environmental Science, Plant Science, Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or a related field is preferred but not required

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

Ashburn

VA

Production Arborist

7/31/2026

Regular Full-Time