Urban Forestry Tree Climber & Aerial Technician

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission - MC Parks; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, doing business as Montgomery Parks, is seeking a Tree Climber to join the Urban Forestry section in Gaithersburg, Maryland. You will climb, prune, remove, and rig trees, performing essential maintenance to keep parks safe and beautiful for the community.

Working with experienced arborists, you’ll gain hands-on experience in aerial operations and tree-care practices, while adhering to safety standards and documentation requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with tree climbing, rigging, pruning, and removal operations.
• Ability to identify hazards and follow safety procedures in urban forestry.
• Experience with operating chainsaws, chippers, and related tree-care equipment.

Responsibilities

• Safely climbs and works in trees using approved equipment and methods.
• Performs pruning, removal, and hazard mitigation for park trees and assets.
• Coordinates with ground crew to maintain clear communication during operations.
• Maintains records of work performed and safety inspections.

Skills

Tree climbing

Rigging

Chainsaw use

CPR/First Aid

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

TreeKeeper

Job description

Trees 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 Section

The 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 Parks

Montgomery 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 416 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/

Tree 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.

1. High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
2. One (1) year of tree maintenance experience including six months of tree climbing experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 1 year.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Pass Commission medical examination.

Class Specification: Tree Worker/Climber

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing

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.
• We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.

• This position is a union represented role covered by the MCGEO collective bargaining agreement.

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 on the basis ofrace, 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 accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or301-454-1411(Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.