Tree Climber

DC Tree Cutting and Land Service; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Production bonus

Job summary

DC Tree Cutting and Land Service LLC is hiring experienced tree climbers for a full-time, year-round role in Eastern North Carolina, with daily climbing and a ground crew. You’ll handle removals, trimming, storm work, and rigging from a full rigging setup.

This is a W-2 position with benefits including workers comp, liability coverage, and a production bonus on top of base hourly pay. CDL is a plus, valid license required, and room to grow.

Qualifications

• Tree climbing experience with saddle and rigging knowledge.
• Own climbing gear preferred; backup gear available.
• Valid driver's license; CDL a plus but not required.
• Reliable transportation to shop or job site.

Responsibilities

• Climb and rig trees for removal, trimming, and pruning
• Perform hazardous tree removals including storm damage and leaners
• Work with ground crew on rigging plans and drop zones
• Operate chainsaws, aerial lifts, and climbing gear safely
• Help maintain equipment and keep job sites clean

Skills

Tree climbing experience

Own climbing gear

Valid driver's license

CDL (plus)

Reliable transportation

Tools

Takeuchi forestry mulcher

Grapple trucks

excavators

Bobcat skid steers

Full rigging setup

Job description

Full-time position based in Eastern North Carolina

Full-Time Eastern NC Hourly + Production Bonus

About the Role

We need experienced tree climbers who can handle the full range of residential and commercial tree work across our 9-county service area. You'll be climbing daily - removals, trimming, storm damage, hazardous leaners - and working alongside a ground crew that knows what they're doing.

This is a year-round, full-time position. Not seasonal. Not 1099. You're a W-2 employee with workers comp, liability coverage, and commercial auto insurance on every job.

What You'll Do

• Climb and rig trees for removal, trimming, and pruning
• Perform hazardous tree removals including storm damage and leaners
• Work with ground crew on rigging plans and drop zones
• Operate chainsaws, aerial lifts, and climbing gear safely
• Help maintain equipment and keep job sites clean

What We're Looking For

• Tree climbing experience - you've been in a saddle and know how to rig
• Own climbing gear preferred - saddle, spurs, lanyard (we have backup gear)
• Valid driver's license - required
• CDL - big plus, not required
• Reliable transportation - ability to get to the shop or job site
• $24-$29/hour based on experience
• Production bonus on top of base hourly rate
• 401(k) with employer match
• Full-time, year-round employment
• Workers compensation and full liability coverage
• Professional equipment - Takeuchi forestry mulcher, grapple trucks, excavators, Bobcat skid steers, full rigging setup
• Room to grow as we expand crews and territory

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb trees to heights of 80+ feet using spurs, saddle, and climbing line
• Ability to lift and carry 50+ lbs repeatedly throughout the workday
• Ability to work at heights in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain)
• Ability to operate a chainsaw for extended periods
• Comfortable working near power lines, structures, and other hazards with proper training and PPE

Additional Information

• Employment with DC Tree Cutting and Land Service LLC is at-will
• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• DC Tree Cutting maintains a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment and random testing may apply
• Valid driver's license required. CDL is a plus

DC Tree Cutting and Land Service LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.