Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-focused culture

Advancement opportunities

Health insurance

401k

Paid time off

Education/credential pay increases

Uniforms and PPE provided

Boot reimbursement

Referral bonus

Training and education programs

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in San Antonio is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee to join our tree care crew. This entry-level role offers practical field training and exposure to all aspects of arboriculture on residential and commercial properties.

You will learn climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling and safe operation of equipment, with opportunities for advancement and professional development in a safety-first environment.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn on-the-job in arboriculture, with safety as a priority.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and adapt to outdoor conditions.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic, with a focus on safety and growth.

Responsibilities

• Learn through hands-on training to perform arboriculture tasks: tree climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling and bracing.
• Assist Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders on ground and aloft during jobs.
• Adhere to all safety rules and company safety policies.
• Operate and maintain equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts) as trained.
• Assist with driving, backing, dumping and parking duties as needed.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Outdoor enthusiasm

Valid driver’s license

Education

Degree in Arboriculture/Forestry/Horticulture/Environmental Science or related (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.

San Antonio

TX

Production Arborist

11/5/2026

Regular Full-Time