Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts; Barrington (IL); On-site; USD 33,280 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k retirement plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Boot reimbursement

Employee referral bonus

Training programs

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee in Lake Barrington, IL to join a field crew and gain hands-on experience in pruning, rigging, cabling, and other arboriculture tasks.

This entry-level role emphasizes safety, learning on the job, and opportunities for advancement within the company. A valid driver’s license and a positive attitude are required; prior tree care experience is welcomed but not necessary.

Qualifications

• Interest in working outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and perform in a team.
• Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, or horticulture experience is preferred but not required.
• Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with climbing, pruning, rigging, and bracing under supervision.
• Help remove hazardous trees and identify tree health issues.
• Operate hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts safely.
• Follow safety rules and company safety policies.

Skills

Outdoor work enthusiasm

Safety conscious

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Valid driver's license

Education

Degree in Arboriculture or related field preferred but not required

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.

Benefits

• $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.

Role and training

• 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

7/29/2026

Regular Full-Time