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Climbing Arborist Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Climbing Arborist Trainee information

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$31

How much do climbing arborist trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for climbing arborist trainee in the United States is $20.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Climbing Arborist Trainee, you need a basic understanding of tree biology, safe climbing techniques, and physical fitness, often with a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum qualification. Familiarity with climbing gear, chainsaws, and safety harnesses, as well as certifications like CPR/First Aid and basic arboriculture training, are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail help trainees excel in dynamic outdoor environments. These competencies are essential for ensuring safety, effective tree care, and successful collaboration with experienced arborists.

What are some common challenges faced by Climbing Arborist Trainees during their first year on the job?

Climbing Arborist Trainees often encounter challenges such as building physical endurance for working at heights, learning to safely operate specialized climbing and cutting equipment, and adapting to changing outdoor conditions. It can also be challenging to quickly identify different tree species and assess their health under the guidance of senior arborists. However, most teams provide thorough on-the-job training and mentorship, which helps trainees develop these skills and build confidence over time.

What is the difference between Climbing Arborist Trainee vs Climbing Arborist?

AspectClimbing Arborist TraineeClimbing Arborist
CertificationsOften requires basic safety and climbing certificationsTypically holds advanced certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, job sites under supervisionIndependent work on trees, client sites
Job RoleLearning and assisting with tree climbing and pruningPerforming tree pruning, removal, and maintenance

The Climbing Arborist Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Climbing Arborist is a more experienced role responsible for executing tree care tasks independently. The trainee typically has fewer certifications and works closely with experienced arborists, whereas the climber has advanced skills and certifications to perform complex tree work.

What are Climbing Arborist Trainees?

Climbing Arborist Trainees are entry-level professionals who are learning how to safely climb and work in trees to perform tasks such as pruning, removal, and maintenance. Under the guidance of experienced arborists, trainees gain hands-on experience in tree climbing techniques, equipment use, and arboriculture best practices. Their training prepares them for a career focused on tree health, safety, and proper care in a variety of environments.
More about Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Climbing Arborist Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Climbing Arborist jobs? The most popular types of Climbing Arborist jobs are:
What states have the most Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs are:
Infographic showing various Climbing Arborist Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 61% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 33% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,814 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Climbing Arborist Trainee

Climbing Arborist Trainee

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Mashpee, MA • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Davey Tree rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 34 rated gardening and landscaping


Job description

Climbing Arborist Trainee
Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company
Locations: Mashpee, MA
Additional Locations: NA
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 226342
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.
Compensation
$25 - $32 (Based on experience and certifications)
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

*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.
Hartney Greymont, a Davey company, provides a full range of tree care services and is based in the greater Boston, Massachusetts, area. 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: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: None

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