Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety‑first culture

Advancement opportunities

Insurance (medical, dental, vision, AD

401k retirement plan

Paid time off & holidays

Credential/license pay increases

Uniforms and PPE provided

Boot reimbursement

Employee referral bonus

Training and education programs

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Nashville, TN is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee to join a professional tree care crew. This entry-level position offers on-the-job training to grow into skilled arborists with hands-on practice in pruning, rigging, cabling, and tree removal.

You will learn safety procedures, use of hand tools, chainsaws, and aerial lifts, and gain experience on residential and commercial properties. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.

Qualifications

• On-the-job training to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Climb and prune trees in commercial and residential settings.
• Rigging, cabling, and bracing as needed.
• Remove hazardous trees and maintain equipment.
• Identify trees and shrubs and apply proper care techniques.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Willingness to learn

Team player

Positive attitude

Outdoor work enthusiasm

Education

Arboriculture-related degree (preferred)

Tools

Hand tools

Chainsaws

Chippers

Aerial lifts

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.

Nashville

TN

Production Arborist

10/16/2026

Regular Full-Time