Tree Worker/Climber (14219, Grade HL6)

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks a Tree Climber for the Urban Forestry Section in Gaithersburg, MD. You will join a team performing tree maintenance, pruning, removals, and rigging to keep parks safe and thriving.

Working with experienced arborists, you’ll gain hands-on climbing, aerial operations, and hazard response experience while contributing to Montgomery Parks' trails and natural spaces.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of tree maintenance experience required.
• Valid driver's license (CDL may be required) and ability to work at heights.

Responsibilities

• Climb trees safely using harnesses and ropes for pruning and removal.
• Perform pruning, removal, and hazard assessments on trees.
• Operate chainsaws and related equipment; assist with rigging.
• Maintain records and communicate with crew during operations.

Skills

Tree climbing

Rigging

Aerial operations

Chainsaw operation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

TreeKeeper

Job description

DescriptionTrees are an essential part of Montgomery Parks' landscapes, natural areas, and public spaces, and our team plays a vital role in keeping them healthy, safe, and thriving. Montgomery Parks is seeking a Tree Climber to join the Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division in Gaithersburg, Maryland. As a member of our tree crew, you'll perform tree maintenance and care throughout Montgomery Parks while helping preserve and enhance one of our most valuable natural resources.Working alongside experienced arborists and tree care professionals, you'll gain hands-on experience in tree climbing, aerial operations, pruning, removals, rigging, and other specialized tree care practices. Through training, professional development, and field experience, you'll have opportunities to expand your skills and build a rewarding career in urban forestry while making a lasting impact on Montgomery Parks' trails, natural areas, and green spaces.DescriptionTrees are an essential part of Montgomery Parks' landscapes, natural areas, and public spaces, and our team plays a vital role in keeping them healthy, safe, and thriving. Montgomery Parks is seeking a Tree Climber to join the Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division in Gaithersburg, Maryland. As a member of our tree crew, you'll perform tree maintenance and care throughout Montgomery Parks while helping preserve and enhance one of our most valuable natural resources.Working alongside experienced arborists and tree care professionals, you'll gain hands-on experience in tree climbing, aerial operations, pruning, removals, rigging, and other specialized tree care practices. Through training, professional development, and field experience, you'll have opportunities to expand your skills and build a rewarding career in urban forestry while making a lasting impact on Montgomery Parks' trails, natural areas, and green spaces.About Montgomery Park's Urban Forestry SectionThe Urban Forestry Section cares for trees throughout Montgomery Parks and supports the safety, health, and long-term stewardship of the park system’s tree resources. Tree crew members work together in field-based operations that include climbing, pruning, removals, hazard response, and specialized tree-care practices.Learn more about the Urban Forestry Section: https://montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/arboriculture/About Montgomery ParksMontgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 417 parks, including trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.Learn More About Montgomery Parks: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/ Working Conditions:

• Primarily works outdoors and at considerable heights in adverse weather conditions and around noise, vibration, dust, and hazardous materials.
• Works around power tools, power lines, wild animals, stinging insects, poison ivy, oak or sumac, and dead or dangerous trees and limbs.
• Frequently remains in a stationary position; balances and pulls while removing trees; operates vehicles, tools, and equipment; climbs ladders and trees; positions self to complete manual work; and moves equipment, tools, and supplies weighing over 100 pounds.
• Overtime and emergency on-call work may be required.

Additional Details:

• The salary range shown reflects the approved pay range for this position. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• All applicants to this job posting will be considered for this and future Tree Worker/Climber job openings for 6 months or until qualified candidates have been exhausted from this job posting, whichever comes first. At that time, a new job posting may be available for application to future openings.
• We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.
• This position is a union represented role covered by the MCGEO collective bargaining agreement.

Examples of Important DutiesTree Climbing, Aerial Operations, and Rigging

• Safely climbs trees using saddles, ropes, climbing hooks, safety lanyards, and other approved equipment and performs work from aerial lift equipment, as assigned.
• Uses ropes, pulleys, rigging systems, and lowering devices to remove or lower trees, limbs, and tree sections safely.
• Coordinates closely with ground crew members to maintain clear communication and safe operations during climbing, lowering, and removal work.

Tree Pruning, Removal, and Hazard Response

• Operates chainsaws and hand tools to fell, prune, trim, and remove hazardous, diseased, damaged, dead, or unwanted trees and brush.
• Assists with inspections to identify hazardous trees, structural concerns, and tree-health issues and applies corrective action within established guidelines.
• Clears fallen trees and debris from roads, trails, creeks, bike paths, buildings, and other park areas and may respond to storm damage and tree-related emergencies.

Equipment, Vehicle, and Work-Site Safety

• Inspects, operates, and maintains chainsaws, chippers, climbing and rigging systems, hand tools, radios, vehicles, trailers, and other tree-care equipment.
• Completes preventive maintenance and minor repairs, secures and accounts for equipment, and promptly reports mechanical concerns.
• Establishes safe work zones, uses required personal protective equipment, and follows applicable safety standards and procedures.

Crew Support and Work Documentation

• Works with equipment operators, park maintenance employees, and other crew members to complete work-site setup, debris removal, cleanup, and restoration.
• Maintains accurate TreeKeeper records and completes required reports, forms, and related documentation.
• Contributes to a cooperative, safety-focused work environment and performs related park maintenance duties as assigned.

Important Skills And Characteristics

• Knowledge of tree climbing, pruning, removal, rigging, tree-maintenance practices, local tree species, common diseases, and recognized industry safety standards.
• Skill in safely operating chainsaws, chippers, climbing and rigging systems, aerial lift equipment, hand tools, vehicles, trailers, radios, and related tree-service equipment.
• Ability to identify tree hazards, follow established procedures, select appropriate corrective actions, and complete physically demanding work at considerable heights.
• Clear communication, sound judgment, teamwork, and attention to safety when coordinating with crew members and working around the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic and paper records and obtain CPR and First Aid certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing aerial tree work, technical rigging, hazardous tree removal, or storm-response operations.
• Experience using TreeKeeper or a comparable tree inventory and work-management system.
• International Society of Arboriculture credential or relevant arboriculture, climbing, chainsaw, aerial lift, or aerial rescue training.

Additional Details:

• The salary range shown reflects the approved pay range for this position. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• All applicants to this job posting will be considered for this and future Tree Worker/Climber job openings for 6 months or until qualified candidates have been exhausted from this job posting, whichever comes first. At that time, a new job posting may be available for application to future openings.
• We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.
• This position is a union represented role covered by the MCGEO collective bargaining agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
• One (1) year of tree maintenance experience including six months of tree climbing experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 1 year.
• Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
• Depending on area of assignment, a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, and must be in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.
• Pass Commission medical examination.

Supplemental InformationClassification Specification Tree Worker/ClimberMay be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you. THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION 2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans. Eligibility You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation. Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.

Plan Employee Contribution Plan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• 457 (b) Plan (Optional) [Pre-tax and Roth]
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
• Retiree Healthcare – Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
• Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
• Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
• Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
• Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
• Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $7,500

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at [e-mail] or 301-454-1694.