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Arborist Trainee Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Swarthmore College

Staff Counselor

Swarthmore, PA

$65K - $75K/yr

The 425acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded ... Provide supervision of assigned trainees including goal setting, evaluations, and disciplinary ...

Swarthmore College

Staff Counselor

Swarthmore, PA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The 425-acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek ... Provide supervision of assigned trainees including goal setting, evaluations, and disciplinary ...

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Arborist Trainee Internship information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Arborist Trainee Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Arborist Trainee Intern, you need a basic understanding of tree biology, plant identification, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with chainsaws, climbing gear, hand tools, and safety equipment is commonly required, and some employers may value certifications like CPR/First Aid or pre-apprenticeship training. Strong communication, a willingness to learn, and physical stamina are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and working outdoors. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, effective tree care and to support professional development in the arboriculture field.

What is an Arborist Trainee Internship?

An Arborist Trainee Internship is a hands-on training program designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in arboriculture, the care and management of trees. Interns work under the supervision of experienced arborists, learning practical skills such as tree identification, proper pruning techniques, and safe equipment operation. The internship offers exposure to various aspects of tree care, including planting, maintenance, and disease management. It's an excellent opportunity for those seeking to gain foundational knowledge and experience in the field of urban forestry or tree care.

What is the difference between Arborist Trainee Internship vs Arborist Apprentice?

AspectArborist Trainee InternshipArborist Apprentice
CertificationsOften requires or encourages OSHA safety training, basic tree care certificationsTypically requires or is working towards certifications like ISA Arborist Certification
Work EnvironmentStructured internship setting, often seasonal, with supervisionOn-the-job training, working alongside experienced arborists in various environments
Industry UsageUsed by companies to train new entrants, often part of educational programsCommonly used for ongoing skill development and certification preparation

Both roles focus on developing tree care skills, but the internship is usually a short-term, educational experience, while the apprenticeship involves hands-on, ongoing training aimed at certification and career advancement in arboriculture.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during an Arborist Trainee Internship?

As an Arborist Trainee Intern, you can expect to engage in a variety of practical tasks such as assisting with tree pruning, performing tree health assessments, learning proper safety procedures, and supporting more experienced arborists with equipment setup and maintenance. Interns typically work outdoors in a team environment, gaining exposure to different tree species and urban forestry techniques. You'll also have the opportunity to shadow certified arborists, which is valuable for building foundational skills and understanding the day-to-day realities of the profession.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Arborist Trainee jobs? The most popular types of Arborist Trainee jobs are:
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Arborist Trainee Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Arborist Trainee Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Internship, and 16% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Arborist Trainee Internship (2026) | Crystal Lake, IL

Arborist Trainee Internship (2026) | Crystal Lake, IL

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Davey Tree rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 33 rated gardening and landscaping

Job description

Arborist Trainee Internship (2026) | Crystal Lake, IL
Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company
Locations: Crystal Lake, IL
Additional Locations: NA
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 225729
Position Overview
Trim and remove trees, remove unwanted, diseased or dying limbs on trees, or to affect the health and safety of trees or surrounding areas by performing the following duties.
Job Duties
What You'll Do:
  • Learn to climb trees! (Yes, we will pay you to do that.)
  • Operate as a member of a tree crew while progressively learning new skills
  • Learn to perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully for clients. Including but not limited to:
  • Tree identification and industry pruning guidelines
  • Prune, thin, and remove deadwood throughout the tree canopy
  • Learn how to install cables, bracing, and lightning protection systems
  • Assist in removal of hazardous trees
  • Properly maintain, prepare and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and more.
  • How high you grow depends on you!

Qualifications
What We're Looking For:
  • Love of the outdoors
  • Preferred: Background in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscaping, or working at heights
  • Ability to complete the Davey Tree Trimmer Orientation Program upon hire
  • Ability to complete the Davey Tree First Aid, CPR and defensive driving course upon hire
  • Preferred: Relevant pesticide and related licenses and certificates, if required by state law

Additional Information
What We Offer: *
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • All job specific equipment and safety gear provided
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
  • Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options
  • Group Health Plan
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas
  • Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers
  • Scholarship Program for Children of Employees
  • Charitable matching gift program
  • Starting pay rate: $20-$23 per hour

*all listed benefits available to eligible employees
Company Overview
Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee owned companies in the nation! Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchange of ideas, community partnerships, a commitment to safety, and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services.
We are currently looking to add a dynamic Climbing Arborist Trainee to our passionate team of tree care professionals. Your office is outdoors, and you get a new view every day!
Divisional Overview
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there's a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.
Employment Type: Intern
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%

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