Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-first culture

Career advancement

401k retirement plan

Health insurance (medical, dental, vis

Paid time off and holidays

Training and education resources

Uniforms and PPE provided

Boot reimbursement

Referral bonus program

Industry credential/pay increases

Uniforms and PPE provided

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in San Rafael, CA is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee to join our outdoors‑oriented crew. This entry‑level role offers hands‑on training, safety‑focused culture, and real‑world arboriculture experience on residential and commercial properties.

You will learn climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling, and equipment operation while adhering to company safety rules. Valid driver’s license, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn are essential; prior tree‑care experience is

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Willingness to learn and work on a multi-disciplinary team.
• Interest in outdoor work year-round in all weather conditions.
• 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 or related field preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Learn on-the-job to safely perform all arboriculture tasks (tree climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling and bracing).
• Assist with removal of hazardous trees and tree identification.
• Properly maintain and operate hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts.
• Implement work zone safety procedures and support ground and aloft crews.
• Assist with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties.
• Adhere to all safety rules and company safety policies.

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
• $21.00 - $25.00 per hour based on experience
• 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 Rafael, CA

Production Arborist

10/8/2026

Regular Full-Time