Arborist Trainee Internship | Chantilly, VA

The Davey Tree Expert Company; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gear & PPE provided

Hands-on training

Winter orientation

Summer workshops

Progress check-ins

Paid online learning

Job summary

The Davey Tree Expert Company in Chantilly, VA is offering an Arborist Trainee Internship beginning Spring-Summer 2027. You will work on-site, shadow experienced arborists, and perform field tasks across pruning, installations, and plant health care while learning essential professional skills.

Expect 40-50 hours per week, Monday–Friday with some Saturdays, and exposure to client service, sales, and leadership fundamentals within a safety-forward environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing arboriculture or related field.
• Driver’s license required; CDL a plus
• Ability to learn field safety protocols and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tree pruning, removal, cabling, and maintenance.
• Assist with tree and landscape installation.
• Operate equipment safely, including chainsaws and chippers.
• Assist with plant health care tasks (fertilization, pest management).
• Support field team and learn client service fundamentals.
• Report to work regularly and punctually; collaborate with crew.

Skills

Enthusiasm for plant care

Outdoor lover

Willingness to learn

Collaboration & communication

Education

Arboriculture / Urban Forestry student

Job description

Position Overview

Arborist Trainee Internship with The Davey Tree Expert Company

Company Information

The Davey Tree Expert Company - Chantilly, VA

Work Site: On Site

Grow Your Skills

Currently accepting applications for a field-based Internship beginning in Spring-Summer 2027

Job Duties

• 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
• Driver’s license required. Commercial driver’s license a plus

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

145 Years of Industry Experience

Career Development & Advancement

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)

Internship Support & Enrichment

• Winter Virtual Orientation to prepare for the field season
• Regional Summer Intern Workshops featuring one-on-one instruction with Skills Trainers & Scientists
• Monthly Check-In Calls with Davey Leaders to review progress and build connections

Year-Round Growth Opportunities

• 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.

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.

Divisional Overview

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%