Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts; Barrington (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-first culture

Internal advancement

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Boot reimbursement

Uniforms and PPE

Referral bonus

Training programs

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Lake Barrington, IL, is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee to join a professional outdoor tree-care crew. This entry-level role offers hands-on field experience and a clear pathway to advancement within Bartlett.

You will learn through on-the-job training to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling, bracing, and removal of hazardous trees, while maintaining equipment and following strict safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Entry-level role with on-the-job training in arboriculture.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Interest in working outdoors year-round in all weather.
• Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf care, or horticulture experience preferred but not required.
• Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field preferred but not required.
• Commitment to safety and learning in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn on-the-job to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including tree climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling and bracing, and removal of hazardous trees.
• Identify trees and properly maintain and operate equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts).
• Assist with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties; support Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders.
• Follow safety rules and company safety policies.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

Outdoor work enthusiasm

Education

Arboriculture degree

Forester y degree

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.

• $16.00 - $25.00 per hour
• 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.

Lake Barrington

IL

Production Arborist

9/8/2026

Regular Full-Time