Arborist Trainee Internship at Davey

University of Delaware; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-On Training

All climbing gear and uniforms provided

Access to industry-leading training

Paid online learning during the school year

Job summary

A leading tree care organization in Charlottesville is offering an Arborist Trainee Internship for students eager to learn about tree care and maintenance. This 40-50 hour per week role includes hands-on training, exposure to client service, and opportunities to work with seasoned professionals. Ideal candidates will be studying fields such as Arboriculture or Forestry, with a passion for the outdoors. The internship offers competitive pay of $22-23 hourly and the chance to grow within a supportive company environment.

Qualifications

• Current studies in Arboriculture or related discipline are necessary.
• Must have a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to report to work regularly and punctually.

Responsibilities

• Learn tree pruning, maintenance, and safe operation of equipment.
• Participate in Plant Health Care and client service.
• Exposure to daily operations in a Residential Tree Care office.

Skills

Enthusiasm for proper plant care and arboriculture

Love of the outdoors

Collaboration and communication skills

Education

Studying Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Forestry

Job description

Arborist Trainee Internship with The Davey Tree Expert Company

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

Grow your skills. Build your future. Experience Davey.

Currently accepting applications and hiring for a field-based Internship beginning in Spring-Summer 2026

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Learn to be a tree doctor! Join us and Discover Davey's career pathways in the green industry. Work in the field, side-by-side with experienced Arborists, Climbers and Plant Health Care technicians and Landscape professionals to deliver exceptional client service and maintain the health and beauty of trees & landscapes.
  • Tree pruning, removing, cabling, bracing and maintenance
  • Tree & Landscape Installation
  • Safe operation of equipment including chainsaws, chippers, and other tools used in the field
  • Plant Health Care, including deep root fertilization, soil care and integrated pest & disease management
  • Exposure to the daily operations and business components that power a successful Residential Tree Care office
  • Client service, sales, management, and leadership fundamentals

WHAT WE WILL DO:

• Introduce career orientated students to exceptional opportunities in the green industry, providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging work environment for students to learn, develop, and employ life and job skills from Davey professionals.
• HOURS: 40-50 hours per week; Monday - Friday with some Saturdays
• SALARY: $22 -$ 23 hourly

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Studying Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Forestry or related discipline

EXPERIENCE WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Must have enthusiasm for proper plant care and arboriculture
• Love of the Outdoors!
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Demonstrated ability to report to work regularly and punctually
• Collaboration and communication skills

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Four Diverse Service Lines. Locations Nation-wide. Endless Opportunities.
• 145 Years of Industry Experience
• Hands-On Training & Safety Commitment
• Interns work toward completing the CDP “C” Climber/Trimmer & Plant Health Care Career Development Booklets
• All climbing gear, uniforms, and PPE are provided
• Access to industry-leading training through our Learning Management System (LMS)
• Winter Virtual Orientation to prepare for the field season
• Regional Summer Intern Workshops featuring one-on-one instruction with Skills Trainers & Scientists
• Bi-Weekly Check-In Calls with Davey Leaders to review progress and build connections
• Paid online learning during the school year
• Potential to work during school breaks at select locations

Four Diverse Service Lines. Locations Nation-wide. Endless Opportunities.

If with locations across the country, Davey’s nationwide presence offers career stability, growth, advancement, and a sense of adventure across our four diverse service lines. Whether you're climbing trees, preserving ecosystems, supporting utility infrastructure, or enhancing landscapes—your future grows here.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

At Davey we provide ‘Proven Solutions for a Growing World’ and have done so since our founding in 1880. Our roots are in tree care expertise and, over the past 140 years, we have grown into leaders in grounds maintenance, environmental consulting, and utility solutions. Davey is at the forefront of corporate responsibility - demonstrating environmental, social, and economic stewardship in everything we do. Encompassing over 11,000 employees, Davey ranks as the 8th largest employee owned company in the United States. With operations throughout North America our branches have expanded but our commitment to scientifically-based horticultural, environmental impact, and outstanding client service has never wavered.