Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-first culture

Advancement opportunities

Medical, dental, vision, life, and dis

401k retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Industry credential/license pay raises

Uniforms, PPE, gear, and equipment

Boot reimbursement up to $150

Employee referral bonus program

Training and continuing education

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Johnson City, TN is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee. This entry-level role offers hands-on training to perform pruning, rigging, cabling, and tree removal with a focus on safety and professional development.

The position supports team-based work on commercial and residential properties, with opportunities for advancement and paid time off, insurance, and a 401k plan. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential for success in this field.

Qualifications

• Hands-on training in arboriculture including tree climbing, pruning, rigging, and cabling.
• Safety training and use of PPE and equipment as part of daily duties.
• Ability to learn proper operating procedures for tools such as chainsaws, hand tools, and lifts.
• Commitment to safety rules and company safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Learn through on-the-job training to safely perform arboriculture tasks.
• Assist Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders on ground and aloft.
• Support driving, backing, and parking duties as needed.
• Maintain and operate equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts).
• Contribute to professional development through Bartlett's training resources.

Skills

Driver's license

Safety-minded

Outdoor work

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Degree in Arboriculture

Degree in Forestry

Degree in Horticulture

Degree in Turfgrass

Degree in Environmental Science

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.

Johnson City

TN

Production Arborist

9/2/2026

Regular Full-Time