Technical Tree Climber

Grays Tree Service; Bessemer (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off and holidays

Overtime opportunities during storms

Disability insurance (short-term &

Disability insurance (long-term)

Life and AD&D insurance

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

HSA or FSA options

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Legal assistance plan

Supplemental insurance options

Company gear and swag

Training and licensing opportunities

Career progression and leadership

Operate cranes and heavy machinery

Team-oriented, long-term employment

Job summary

Gray’s Tree Service is seeking a Spikeless Tree Climber to join a skilled crew dedicated to tree health, safety, and client property protection. The role offers professional growth, teamwork, and a path to advanced tree-care operations.

You will climb using spikeless systems, prune according to ANSI A300, perform rigging, and contribute to safety-focused ground and emergency readiness activities in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of professional tree-climbing experience using spikeless techniques.
• Knowledge of pruning techniques, tree biology, species, and decay/weakness indicators.
• Experience operating chainsaws, rigging equipment, and other tree care tools safely.

Responsibilities

• Safely climb and maneuver through trees using spikeless rope climbing systems.
• Perform professional pruning per ANSI A300 standards.
• Set up and execute technical rigging to lower limbs safely.
• Assess jobsite hazards before climbing.
• Inspect and maintain climbing and rigging equipment.

Skills

Spikeless climbing

MRS/SRS climbing systems

Pruning techniques

Chainsaw operation

Rigging and safety

Effective communication

Safety teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

CPR and First Aid certification

ISA Certified Arborist credential

Commercial driver's license (CDL) preferred

Tools

Chainsaws

Pole saws

Rigging equipment

Job description

Join a team dedicated to safety, professionalism, and the health of trees. Gray’s Tree Service is an established company known for high-quality tree care and a strong commitment to employee well-being. As a Spikeless Tree Climber, you will play a key role in preserving tree health and ensuring the safety of our clients’ properties. This position offers the opportunity to work with a skilled crew, develop your expertise, and advance your career in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely climb and maneuver through trees using spikeless rope climbing systems (DdRT/MRS and SRT/SRS) to protect tree health.
• Perform professional pruning, including structural pruning, crown cleaning, thinning, raising, and deadwood removal in accordance with ANSI A300 standards.
• Set up and execute technical rigging to safely lower limbs and wood around structures and obstacles.
• Assess jobsite hazards, including tree condition, anchor points, and nearby structures, prior to climbing.
• Inspect and maintain climbing and rigging equipment, reporting any damaged or unsafe gear.
• Operate chainsaws, pole saws, and hand tools safely both aloft and on the ground.
• Communicate clearly with crew members using verbal, hand, or radio signals to maintain safety and efficiency.
• Participate in emergency readiness, including rescue training and performing aerial or bucket rescue duties as qualified.
• Assist with ground operations such as equipment setup, debris handling, and site cleanup as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of professional tree-climbing experience using spikeless techniques; three or more years preferred.
• Proficiency with MRS and/or SRS climbing systems, climbing knots, friction hitches, and safe work positioning.
• Knowledge of pruning techniques, tree biology, common tree species, and identification of decay or structural weakness.
• Experience operating chainsaws, rigging equipment, and other tree care tools safely.
• Valid driver’s license; Class A or B CDL preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential preferred.
• Strong communication skills, reliability, and a commitment to safe teamwork.
• Ability to perform essential job duties, including climbing, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and working outdoors in varying weather and terrain, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with opportunities for 40+ hours per week.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Overtime opportunities during storm cleanup and peak seasons.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 4% company match.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options through Cigna.
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution or Flexible Spending Account options.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Legal assistance plan.
• Supplemental critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance options.
• Company gear and swag.
• Employer-funded training and licensing opportunities.
• Career progression and leadership opportunities.
• Opportunities to learn and operate cranes, grapple trucks, and other heavy machinery.
• A team-oriented work environment and stable, long-term employment with an established company.