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Climbing Arborist Trainee Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... Trainee. - Basic knowledge of tree species and arboriculture pruning techniques. - Ability to perform work at heights and use climbing gear or aerial lifts. - Trimmer Technical Knowledge and Skills ...

... Trainee. - Basic knowledge of tree species and arboriculture pruning techniques. - Ability to perform work at heights and use climbing gear or aerial lifts. - Trimmer Technical Knowledge and Skills ...

Climbing Arborist Trainee information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$19

$29

How much do climbing arborist trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for climbing arborist trainee in Indiana is $19.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a climbing arborist trainee?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a climbing arborist trainee?

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 common challenges faced by climbing arborist trainees during their first year?

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 the most commonly searched types of Climbing Arborist jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Climbing Arborist jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs in Indiana?

For Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Climbing Arborist Trainee jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various Climbing Arborist Trainee job openings in Indiana as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,740 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Arborist Trainee Internship | Indianapolis, IN

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Internship

Posted 4 days ago


Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,064 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Arborist Trainee Internship | Indianapolis, IN
Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company
Locations: Indianapolis, IN
Additional Locations: Indianapolis, IN
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 228770
Position Overview
Arborist Trainee Internship with The Davey Tree Expert Company
Indianapolis, IN
Grow your skills. Build your future. Experience Davey.
Currently accepting applications for a field-based Internship beginning in Spring-Summer 2027
Job Duties
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Learn to be a tree doctor! Join us and Discover Davey's career pathways in the green industry. Work in the field, side-by-side with experienced Arborists, Climbers and Plant Health Care technicians and Landscape professionals to deliver exceptional client service and maintain the health and beauty of trees & landscapes.
    • Tree pruning, removing, cabling, bracing and maintenance
    • Tree & Landscape Installation
    • Safe operation of equipment including chainsaws, chippers, and other tools used in the field
    • Plant Health Care, including deep root fertilization, soil care and integrated pest & disease management
    • Exposure to the daily operations and business components that power a successful Residential Tree Care office

Client service, sales, management, and leadership fundamentals
Qualifications
  • Studying Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Forestry or related discipline
  • Driver's license required. Commercial driver's license a plus

EXPERIENCE WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • Must have enthusiasm for proper plant care and arboriculture
  • Love of the Outdoors!
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Demonstrated ability to report to work regularly and punctually
  • Collaboration and communication skills
  • Studying Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Forestry or related discipline
  • Driver's license required. Commercial driver's license a plus

WHAT WE OFFER:
145 Years of Industry Experience
Career Development & Advancement
Hands-On Training & Safety Commitment
  • Interns work toward completing the CDP "C" Climber/Trimmer & Plant Health Care Career Development Booklets
  • All climbing gear, uniforms, and PPE are provided
  • Access to industry-leading training through our Learning Management System (LMS)

Internship Support & Enrichment
  • Winter Virtual Orientation to prepare for the field season
  • Regional Summer Intern Workshops featuring one-on-one instruction with Skills Trainers & Scientists
  • Monthly Check-In Calls with Davey Leaders to review progress and build connections

Year-Round Growth Opportunities
  • Paid online learning during the school year
  • Potential to work during school breaks at select locations

Four Diverse Service Lines. Locations Nation-wide. Endless Opportunities.
With locations across the country, Davey's nationwide presence offers career stability, growth, advancement, and a sense of adventure across our four diverse service lines. Whether you're climbing trees, preserving ecosystems, supporting utility infrastructure, or enhancing landscapes-your future grows here.
Company Overview
At Davey we provide 'Proven Solutions for a Growing World' and have done so since our founding in 1880. Our roots are in tree care expertise and, over the past 140 years, we have grown into leaders in grounds maintenance, environmental consulting, and utility solutions. Davey is at the forefront of corporate responsibility - demonstrating environmental, social, and economic stewardship in everything we do. Encompassing over 11,000 employees, Davey ranks as the 8th largest employee owned company in the United States. With operations throughout North America our branches have expanded but our commitment to scientifically-based horticultural, environmental impact, and outstanding client service has never wavered.
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%

Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, 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’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance


What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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