Arborist Ground Person

Bartlett Tree Experts; Hilton Head Island (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety-first culture

Advancement opportunities

Insurance (medical/dental/vision)

401k retirement plan

PTO & holidays

Credential pay raises

Uniforms & PPE

Boot reimbursement

Training & resources

Job summary

Bartlett Tree Experts in Hilton Head Island, SC is seeking an Arborist Ground Person. This entry-level role offers hands-on training in arboriculture on commercial and residential properties.

You will learn pruning, rigging, cabling, removal, and equipment operation while upholding Bartlett's safety standards. Ideal candidates are passionate about nature, eager to learn, and able to pass a background check.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform all aspects of arboriculture in a safe manner.
• Able to pass a criminal background check.
• Interest in working outdoors year-round and performing manual labor in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Learn on-the-job to prune trees, rig, cabling & bracing, and remove hazardous trees.
• Properly maintain and operate equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts).
• Follow safety rules and company safety policies at all times.
• Assist Arborist Climbers and Crew Leaders on ground and aloft; drive, back up, dump, and park as needed.

Skills

Physical stamina

Outdoor work

Driver's license

Teamwork

Education

Arboriculture degree preferred

Tools

Hand tools

Chainsaws

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 Ground Person, 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
• 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 Ground Person, you will play an important role in

• Learning through on-the-job training to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including
  • Pruning trees
  • Rigging
  • Cabling and bracing
  • Removal of hazardous trees
  • 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
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Interest in working outdoors year-round performing manual labor in all weather conditions
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team
• Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, or horticulture experience is preferred but not required
• Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record
• Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science, Landscape Management, Environmental Science or a related field is preferred but not required

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

Hilton Head

SC

Production Arborist

8/19/2026

Regular Full-Time