Arborist Climber Trainee

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

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-first culture

Advancement opportunities

Medical, dental, vision, life, andDis4

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Richmond, VA is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee to join our outdoor tree care team. This entry-level, on-the-job training role offers hands-on experience in pruning, rigging, tree identification, and safe operation of equipment while you learn from seasoned arborists.

We provide a safety-first culture, advancement opportunities, comprehensive benefits, uniforms, PPE, boot reimbursement, and access to Bartlett Research Laboratories resources as you develop credentials

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Interest in working outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.
• Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf care, or horticulture experience preferred but not required.
• Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Turfgrass, Environmental Science, Plant Science, Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or related field preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• 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 and proper equipment maintenance.
• Assisting Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders on ground and aloft; supporting driving, backing, dumping and parking duties.
• Adherence to all safety rules and company safety policies.

Skills

Safety awareness

Willingness to learn

Positive attitude

Outdoor work enthusiasm

Education

Degree in Arboriculture/Forestry or related field

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 hand-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.

Richmond

VA

Production Arborist

7/31/2026

Regular Full-Time