Tree Care Crew - Bucket Operator

SavATree Careers; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 89,544,000 - 100,565,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Sign-on bonus

Health and dental insurance

Paid time off

401(k) Savings Plan

Flexible Spending Plan

Career growth opportunities

Team-focused environment

Job summary

SavATree is seeking a Tree Climber to join our General Tree Care Team. You will help maintain landscapes, climbing and pruning large trees, performing removals, and using bucket trucks to access difficult locations.

This outdoor role offers hands-on work on beautiful properties and a chance to grow your arboriculture skills in a safety‑conscious environment. You will work with experienced professionals, follow industry safety standards, and contribute to a preservation‑minded approach.

Qualifications

• Experience in pruning large shade trees and ornamentals.
• Ability to identify native and introduced tree species and their characteristics.
• Climb without spurs.
• Knowledge of tree care safety standards.
• Hands-on experience with chainsaws and related equipment.
• Experience operating aerial lifts (bucket trucks).
• Valid U.S. drivers license; CDL a plus.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Climb and prune large trees using proper practices.
• Perform removals, cable bracing, and other techniques.
• Safely operate chainsaws, equipment, and bucket trucks.
• Work as part of a team to deliver high-quality service.
• Apply industry safety standards in all tree care tasks.

Skills

Tree climbing

Pruning large trees

Safety standards

Teamwork

Driver's license

Identify tree species

Climb without spurs

US work authorization

Chainsaws

Aerial lifts/bucket trucks

Climbing gear

CDL (nice to have)

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial lifts (bucket trucks)

Climbing gear

Ladders & rigging

CDL

Job description

What We Offer

• Compensation: Competitive pay, between $25 and $35 hourly plus up to a $5,000 Sign On Bonus, based on experience, skill level, and responsibilities
• Benefits: Health and dental insurance, paid time off, 401(k) Savings Plan, and Flexible Spending Plan
• Time Off: Time off to support your work/life balance
• Career Growth & Development: Extensive training, continuing education, and opportunities to grow your career in arboriculture
• Team & Collaborative Environment: Work with some of the best trained and equipped professionals in the industry, with a focus on safety, quality, and teamwork

Position Summary

As a Tree Climber on our General Tree Care Team, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining and preserving the health of our clients’ landscapes. A typical day may include:

• Climbing and pruning large shade trees and ornamentals using proper practices
• Performing removals, cable bracing, and other tree care techniques
• Safely operating chainsaws, equipment, and aerial lifts (bucket trucks)
• Working as part of a team to deliver high-quality service to clients
• Applying industry safety standards in all aspects of tree care

This role offers the opportunity to work outdoors, visit beautiful properties in your community, and apply your climbing expertise to protect and enhance landscapes.

About You

You are safety-focused, skilled in climbing, and eager to build your career in tree care. You bring:

• Experience with proper pruning practices for large shade trees and ornamentals
• Ability to identify native and introduced tree/shrub species and their characteristics
• Ability to climb without spurs
• Knowledge of tree care safety standards
• Hands‑on experience with chainsaws and related equipment
• Experience operating aerial lifts (bucket truck)
• A valid U.S. driver’s license (CDL a plus)
• Authorization to lawfully work in the U.S.

About SavATree

SavATree was founded 45 years ago with a mission to preserve trees threatened by the gypsy moth epidemic. Since then, we’ve grown into a nationwide leader in tree, shrub, and lawn care services. Unlike companies that focus on removal, our work is rooted in preservation and care.

We are a values-driven organization built on teamwork, integrity, respect, and a relentless commitment to making a positive impact. When you join us, you’ll find a collaborative, competitive, and caring environment where your contributions matter. As we like to say: When you work here, you thrive here.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to climb, work at heights, and safely lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds while performing tree care tasks.

Equal Opportunity

SavATree is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. We are committed to creating a diverse environment where all employees feel valued and respected.