Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Boot reimbursement

Referral bonus

Uniforms & PPE

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Richmond, VA is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee for hands-on, outdoor training with a safety-first focus. You’ll work on commercial and residential properties as part of a tree care crew.

This entry-level role offers internal advancement, benefits, and paid training through Bartlett’s Research Laboratories and field programs.

Qualifications

• Entry-level Arborist position with on-the-job training.
• Requires a valid driver's license.
• Degree in Arboriculture/Forestry or similar preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform tree care tasks under supervision.
• Develop climbing, pruning, rigging, and equipment operation skills.
• Follow safety rules and company safety policies.

Skills

Arborist training

Valid driver’s license

Team player

Willingness to learn

Education

Degree in Arboriculture/Forestry (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.

Richmond

VA

Production Arborist

9/14/2026

Regular Full-Time