Arborist Trainee Internship (2027) | Naperville, IL

The Davey Tree Expert Co.; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health plan

401(k) match

Employee stock purchase

Career development

Job summary

The Davey Tree Expert Company is seeking a dynamic Climbing Arborist Trainee for on-site outdoor work in Naperville, IL. You will begin with tree trimming and pruning while progressively learning to climb and handle equipment in a supportive crew environment.

Starting pay is $20–$23 per hour, with opportunities for advancement and access to safety gear, training, and employee ownership benefits. The role is full-time, on-site with up to 25% travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Love of the outdoors and safety focused work.
• Willingness to complete Davey Tree orientation program on hire.
• CPR/First Aid and defensive driving training required on hire.
• Licenses/certifications relevant to state law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Trim and prune trees on client sites.
• Learn to climb trees as part of a crew.
• Operate tools and equipment like chainsaws and chippers.
• Assist in installing cables, bracing, and lightning protection.
• Follow industry pruning guidelines and safety standards.

Skills

Love of outdoors

Working at heights

Orientation program

First Aid / CPR training

Defensive driving training

Job description

Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company
Locations: Naperville, IL
Additional Locations: NA
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 229511

Position Overview

Trim and remove trees, remove unwanted, diseased or dying limbs on trees, or to affect the health and safety of trees or surrounding areas by performing the following duties.

Job Duties

What You’ll Do:

• Learn to climb trees! (Yes, we will pay you to do that.)
• Operate as a member of a tree crew while progressively learning new skills
• Learn to perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully for clients. Including but not limited to:
• Tree identification and industry pruning guidelines
• Prune, thin, and remove deadwood throughout the tree canopy
• Learn how to install cables, bracing, and lightning protection systems
• Assist in removal of hazardous trees
• Properly maintain, prepare and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and more.
• How high you grow depends on you!

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• Love of the outdoors
• Preferred: Background in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscaping, or working at heights
• Ability to complete the Davey Tree Trimmer Orientation Program upon hire
• Ability to complete the Davey Tree First Aid, CPR and defensive driving course upon hire
• Preferred: Relevant pesticide and related licenses and certificates, if required by state law

Additional Information

What We Offer: *

• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Opportunities for advancement
• All job specific equipment and safety gear provided
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
• Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options
• Group Health Plan
• Employee referral bonus program
• Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas
• Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers
• Scholarship Program for Children of Employees
• Charitable matching gift program
• Starting pay rate: $20-$23 per hour

*all listed benefits available to eligible employees

Company Overview

Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee owned companies in the nation! Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchange of ideas, community partnerships, a commitment to safety, and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services.

We are currently looking to add a dynamic Climbing Arborist Trainee to our passionate team of tree care professionals. Your office is outdoors, and you get a new view every day!

The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.

*Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by state law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

*If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at [e-mail].

Employment Type: Intern
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%