Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett; Fredericksburg (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-first culture

Advancement opportunities - we promote

Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&

401k retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Credential/license pay increases

Uniforms, PPE, gear, and equipment

Boot reimbursement

Employee referral bonus program

Access to Bartlett Research Labs

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee in Fredericksburg, VA. This entry-level role trains you in all aspects of arboriculture, from climbing and pruning to rigging and equipment operation, on commercial and residential properties.

You will learn safety rules, perform tasks with a multi-disciplinary team, and gain hands-on experience in tree care while advancing within Bartlett’s safety-first environment.

Qualifications

• Entry-level, hands-on training in arboriculture
• Strong safety culture and adherence to policies
• Ability to learn climbing, pruning, rigging, and equipment use
• Interest in outdoor work year-round in all weather conditions
• Prior related experience not required but preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders on ground and aloft
• Perform tree climbing, pruning, rigging, bracing, and removal of hazardous trees
• Maintain and operate hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts
• Follow safety procedures and work zone protocols
• Help with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties

Skills

Safety-first mindset

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Valid driver's license

Education

Degree in Arboriculture/Forestry/Horticulture or related field (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

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.

Fredericksburg

VA

Production Arborist

9/28/2026

Regular Full-Time