Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett; Vineyard Haven (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Medical, dental, vision, life, and dis

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts is seeking an Arborist Climber Trainee to join our outdoor tree care crew on Martha's Vineyard, MA. This entry-level role provides hands-on training in pruning, tree climbing, rigging, and safety practices within a professional environment.

Ideal candidates are motivated to learn, possess a valid driver’s license, and can work year-round in all weather. Bartlett supports advancement and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Turfgrass, Environmental Science, Plant Science, Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or related field preferred but not required.
• Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf care, or horticulture experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Learn on-the-job to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture: tree climbing, pruning, rigging, cabling and bracing.
• Operate and maintain equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts).
• Follow safety rules and company safety policies.
• Assist Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders on ground and aloft.
• Drive, back up, dump, and park duties where needed.

Skills

Tree climbing

Rigging

Cabling and bracing

Equipment operation

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture or related field

Degree preferred but not required

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 hands-on, on-the-job training.

To find out more about what life is like at Bartlett, check us out on Instagram @LifeatBartlett.

We offer

• $25.00 - $28.00 per hour
• 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
• Boat fees paid for, if commuting
• 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 treesTree 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.

Martha's Vineyard

MA

Production Arborist

10/13/2026

Regular Full-Time