Climbing Arborist Trainee | Forrest Lake, MN

The Davey Tree Expert Company; Forest Lake (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Group Health Plan

401(k) retirement savings plan with a

Employee stock purchase options

Career Development Program

Scholarship Program for Children of Em

Charitable matching gift program

Job summary

The Davey Tree Expert Company seeks a candidate for a Trimmer Trainee role in Columbus, MN, starting this fall/winter, with a planned transition into a Plant Healthcare Technician in Spring 2027. You will join a tree crew handling pruning, removal, and safety tasks, with opportunities for advancement and hands-on training outdoors.

Competitive wages start at $22–$29 per hour, with full company benefits and on-site work. Embrace a career path in arboriculture with Davey across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Learn to climb trees and operate as a member of a tree crew.
• Progressively learn new skills in tree pruning and removal for clients.
• Learn to perform safe and skilled pruning and removal tasks including pruning guidelines, removal of deadwood.
• Learn installation of cables, bracing, and lightning protection systems.
• Assist in removal of hazardous trees and proper equipment maintenance.

Skills

Love of the outdoors

Forestry/Arboriculture background

Height work experience

Attend orientation program

First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for a candidate to start this fall/winter as a Trimmer Trainee and then transition into a Plant Healthcare Technician in Spring of 2027. You would be trimming and removing 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.

Company

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Locations

Columbus, MN

Additional Locations

NA

Work Site

On Site

Req ID

230459

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

Competitive Wages

Competitive wages based on experience, starting at $22-29 per hour.

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
• 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!

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

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.

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

Employment Type

Permanent

Job Type

Full Time

Travel Expectations

Up to 25%