Climbing Arborist

TrueWinds Consulting, LLC; Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

PTO

ESOP

Job summary

TrueWinds Consulting, LLC is seeking a skilled Tree Climber to perform Canopy Access, Pruning, Rigging, Cabling, and Equipment operation on job sites in Missouri. The role demands careful safety practices and proficiency with rope systems and aerial lifts.

You will follow strict safety protocols, work with DdRT and SRT techniques, and coordinate with the ground crew to ensure efficient, hazard-free project completion while maintaining equipment and site cleanliness.

Qualifications

• 1–2+ years of professional tree climbing and aerial lift operation.
• ISA Certified Arborist credentials or willingness to pursue certification.
• Outdoor work year-round in all weather, ability to lift 50+ lbs, comfortable with heights.
• Valid driver's license; Class A or B CDL preferred.

Responsibilities

• Canopy access and work using DdRT or SRT at heights beyond bucket reach.
• Pruning, crown cleaning, deadwood removal, and tree health maintenance.
• Rigging and removals with ropes, blocks, and rigging systems.
• Cabling and bracing to stabilize weak branches or multi-stem trees.
• Operate chainsaws and related tools; maintain equipment.
• Follow safety protocols, briefings, and ground crew support for site cleanup.

Skills

Experience

Certifications

Physical stamina

Driver's license

Education

ISA Certified Arborist

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial lifts

Job description

Core Responsibilities

• Canopy Access & Work: Ascend trees safely using DdRT (Double Rope Technique) or SRT (Single Rope Technique) and work at various heights where bucket trucks cannot reach.
• Pruning & Maintenance: Perform crown cleaning, deadwood removal, crown reduction, structural pruning, and general tree health maintenance.
• Rigging & Removals: Execute complex tree removals and lower large limbs safely using ropes, blocks, and rigging systems.
• Cabling & Bracing: Install support systems to stabilize weak branches or multi-stem trees.
• Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain chainsaws, hand tools, pole pruners, wood chippers, and aerial lifts.
• Site Safety & Cleanup: Follow strict safety protocols, conduct job briefings, and assist the ground crew with brush feeding and site cleanup.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Typically 1 to 2+ years of professional tree climbing and aerial lift operation.
• Certifications: ISA Certified Arborist credentials or a willingness to work toward certification are often preferred or required by employers.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions, lift heavy loads (50+ lbs), and maintain comfort with heights.
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license with a clean motor vehicle record; a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is frequently preferred.

Typical Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Range: Varies by region and experience, commonly ranging from $20 to 35.+ per hour for experienced or certified climbers.
• Perks: includes health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off (PTO), ESOP.