Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company provided uniforms, PPE, gear,

Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&

401k retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Industry credential/license pay raises

Boot reimbursement

Employee referral bonus program

Training and resources from Bartlett R

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Charlottesville, VA is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee to join a safety‑driven tree care crew. You will gain hands‑on experience in pruning, rigging, cabling, and removal on residential and commercial properties, while learning from experienced arborists.

This entry-level role emphasizes on‑the‑job training, a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and teamwork, with company-provided uniforms and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and a positive attitude; eagerness to learn.
• Interest in outdoor work year-round in all weather conditions.
• Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, or horticulture experience preferred but not required.
• Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Turfgrass, Environmental Science, Plant Science, Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or related field preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tree climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling, and removal tasks.
• Identify trees and shrubs and help with proper equipment use and maintenance.
• Follow safety rules and company safety policies on each job site.
• Support Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders on ground and aloft, including driving and parking duties.

Skills

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Education

Related field degree (preferred)

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.

Charlottesville, VA

Production Arborist

7/16/2026

Regular Full-Time