Arborist Trainee Internship (2027) | West Chicago, IL (West Chicago, IL, US, 60185)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k) company match

Health plan

Employee stock purchase

Scholarship program

Charitable matching

Job summary

The Davey Tree Expert Company is hiring a Climbing Arborist Trainee in West Chicago, IL. The office is outdoors and you will be part of a tree crew, learning climbing, pruning and removal tasks with safety at the forefront.

Starting pay is $20–$23 per hour, with benefits and opportunities for advancement. Travel may be required up to 25% as you grow in the role and gain experience.

Qualifications

• Interest in outdoor work with safety mindset.
• Preferred background in forestry, horticulture or landscaping.
• Willingness to learn climbing and rigging basics.
• Ability to complete orientation and safety courses upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Climb as part of a tree crew and learn new skills.
• Perform tree pruning and removal tasks with safety.
• Identify tree species and follow pruning guidelines.
• Assist in installing cables, bracing, and protection systems.
• Maintain tools and equipment and work with the crew.

Skills

Love of the outdoors

Will to learn climbing

Education

Forestry / Horticulture / Landscaping background

Experience working at heights (preferred)

Tools

Safety gear handling

Job description

Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company
Locations: West Chicago, IL
Additional Locations: NA
Work Site: On Site

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 law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

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