Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-first culture

Advancement opportunities

Health benefits (medical, dental, life

Vision coverage

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Richmond, VA is hiring an Arborist Climber Trainee. This entry-level role provides hands-on, on-the-job training to perform all aspects of arboriculture on residential and commercial properties.

You will learn climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling, tree removal, and plant identification while following safety rules. Ideal candidates have a passion for nature, a valid driver's license, good teamwork, and a willingness to learn in a safety-first environment.

Qualifications

• On-the-job training to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture (climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling, bracing, removal).
• Learning to identify trees/shrubs and proper equipment operation.
• Adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Climb trees and perform pruning, rigging, cabling, and removal of hazardous trees.
• Identify trees and shrubs and operate tools (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts).
• Maintain and operate equipment safely; implement work zone safety procedures.
• Assist Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders on ground and aloft; assist with driving, backing, and parking duties.

Skills

Safety awareness

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Positive attitude

Interest in arboriculture

Education

Degree in Arboriculture/Forestry/Horticulture or related field

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

10/16/2026

Regular Full-Time