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Climber Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. 1-2 years previous professional experience climbing in line clearance is required to be considered for this role. Driver ...

Tree Climber What We Offer · * Compensation: Competitive pay up to $36.00 hr based on experience, skill level, and responsibilities * Benefits: Health and dental insurance, paid time off, 401(k) ...

Climber Foreman

West Point, VA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

As a Climber Foreman (Crew Leader), you will take on a hands-on leadership role, guiding a team of skilled arborists in delivering high-quality tree care services. This position is ideal for ...

Climber Foreman

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

As a Climber Foreman (Crew Leader), you will take on a hands-on leadership role, guiding a team of skilled arborists in delivering high-quality tree care services. This position is ideal for ...

Climber Foreman

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Crew Leader (Tree Climber Foreman) to oversee daily operations of our General Tree Work crew in the field. This hands-on leadership role is ideal for ...

Climber Foreman

Newport News, VA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Crew Leader (Tree Climber Foreman) to oversee daily operations of our General Tree Work crew in the field. This hands-on leadership role is ideal for ...

Climber Foreman

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

As a Climber Foreman (Crew Leader), you will take on a hands-on leadership role, guiding a team of skilled arborists in delivering high-quality tree care services. This position is ideal for ...

Climber Foreman

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Crew Leader (Tree Climber Foreman) to oversee daily operations of our General Tree Work crew in the field. This hands-on leadership role is ideal for ...

Showing results 41-60

Climber information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$27

$41

How much do climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for climber in Virginia is $27.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $39.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Climber vs Rope Access Technician?

AspectClimberRope Access Technician
CertificationsOSHA, fall protection, basic climbingIRATA, SPRAT, advanced fall protection
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, towers, treesIndustrial, maintenance, inspection
Industry UsageConstruction, telecommunications, forestryIndustrial maintenance, inspection, rescue

Climbers and Rope Access Technicians both work at heights, but Rope Access Technicians typically hold specialized certifications like IRATA or SPRAT and perform more technical, industrial tasks. Climbers often work in construction or forestry with basic climbing skills. While both roles involve height work, Rope Access Technicians are trained for complex, safety-critical environments, making them more specialized in industrial settings.

What jobs do climbers have?

Climbers work in various roles such as tree climbers, window washers, construction workers, and rock climbing instructors. These jobs often require specialized skills, safety training, and the use of harnesses, ropes, and other climbing equipment. They typically involve working at heights in outdoor or indoor environments.

What is a climber?

A climber, sometimes referred to as a tower climber, scales radio, cellular, and other communication towers to perform repairs and maintenance duties. As a climber, you use climbing equipment, specialized shoes, and harnesses to reach towers, which are often 100 feet or higher. Climbers perform both electrical and mechanical repairs using hand or power tools, as well as installation and routine inspection work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a climber?

To thrive as a Climber, you need excellent physical fitness, technical climbing skills, and knowledge of safety procedures, often supported by training or certification from organizations like the American Mountain Guides Association. Familiarity with climbing equipment such as ropes, harnesses, belay devices, and safety systems is crucial. Strong problem-solving, risk assessment, teamwork, and communication skills help climbers navigate challenging environments and collaborate with partners. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and success in demanding climbing situations.

What are some common challenges climbers face when working on outdoor job sites, and how are they addressed?

Climbers working on outdoor job sites, such as tree care, construction, or telecommunications, often encounter challenges like unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and safety risks at height. To address these, climbers follow strict safety protocols, use specialized equipment, and participate in regular safety training. Teamwork is essential, as climbers often rely on ground crew and communication devices to coordinate tasks and ensure everyone’s safety. Adapting quickly to changing conditions and staying physically fit are also key to managing these challenges effectively.
What are the most commonly searched types of Climber jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Climber jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Climber jobs in Virginia? For Climber jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Climber jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Climber jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Climber jobs in VA? For Climber jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Climber job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,625 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Climber - Suffolk, VA

Xylem Tree Experts

Suffolk, VA • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Xylem Tree Experts rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 36 rated gardening and landscaping


Job description

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. 1-2 years previous professional experience climbing in line clearance is required to be considered for this role. Driver's license is preferred but not required. This role is full time with benefits and there may be overtime required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Always follow and help enforce safe practices and rules
  • Climb, prune, and remove trees according to Foreperson's directives
  • Load and unload trucks with logs, brush, and debris; lifts and feeds brush into brush chipper.
  • Work from the ground using hand saws, pole saws, pruners, hand pruners, loppers, and gas-powered chain saws
  • Inspect and ensure proper working condition of all assigned tools and equipment
  • Safeguard employees and public from hazards in and around the work area by enforcing safe job practices, keeping work area clean and orderly, and staying in frequent voice communication with co-workers
  • Perform duties for storm work as needed

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Climbers have no direct reports.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Prior experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred; previous climbing experience is preferred
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
High School diploma or education equivalent preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of all knots, ropes, and rigging devices used in tree trimming and removal operations
  • Must be able to climb and descend trees using rope and safety saddle
  • Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all applicable first aid techniques
  • Must be familiar with electrical hazards and appropriate operating procedure when in proximity to electrical conductors and aerial rescue techniques in the event of an emergency aloft
  • Must be able to work and maneuver at considerable heights under varying and adverse weather conditions
  • Must possess physical strength and agility, good balance, good depth perception and the ability to hear verbal instructions from a distance.
  • Must be able to quickly remove yourself from a potential danger area
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
  • Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

This position requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.
Work authorization requirements:
Must meet I-9 requirements. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.
Benefits Offered:
This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.
AI Usage Disclaimer:
As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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