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First Ascent Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Title Top Trimmer

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift ... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Ability to lead others, communicate effectively ...

Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift ... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Ability to lead others, communicate effectively ...

Job Posting Title Top Trimmer

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift ... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Ability to lead others, communicate effectively ...

Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift ... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Ability to lead others, communicate effectively ...

Level III Rope Access Technician

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

... first culture built on trust, teamwork, and technical excellence. Primary Responsibilities: * Serve as the on-site rope access team lead, overseeing all rigging, access, and descent/ascent activities ...

Level III Rope Access Technician

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

... first culture built on trust, teamwork, and technical excellence. Primary Responsibilities: โ€ข Serve as the on-site rope access team lead, overseeing all rigging, access, and descent/ascent ...

... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). - Acquire and keep the required training and ... tree ascent and descent - Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather ...

... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). - Acquire and keep the required training and ... tree ascent and descent - Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather ...

First Ascent information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$17

$28

How much do first ascent jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for first ascent in Indiana is $17.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.97 and $19.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a First Ascent guide?

First Ascent guides are professional outdoor experts who lead and assist climbers, hikers, or adventurers during their initial attempt to reach the summit of a mountain or complete a challenging climbing route. These guides provide safety instruction, technical support, and local knowledge to ensure a successful and safe ascent. Their expertise is especially valuable for those attempting new or difficult climbs, often referred to as 'first ascents,' where there is little to no prior information about the route. They also help with logistics, equipment selection, and risk management throughout the journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Ascent guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Ascent Guide, you need advanced climbing skills, risk assessment abilities, and certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and professional climbing guide credentials. Familiarity with technical gear like ropes, anchors, navigation devices, and route-mapping software is essential. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help manage group dynamics and respond to unexpected challenges. These skills ensure safety, successful expedition outcomes, and a positive experience for all participants in demanding and unpredictable environments.

What are some common challenges faced by First Ascent guides when leading beginner climbers, and how can they be addressed?

First Ascent Guides often work with climbers who are new to the sport and may feel anxious about heights or unfamiliar equipment. A key challenge is balancing safety with encouragement, ensuring that participants learn proper techniques while building confidence. Guides must communicate instructions clearly, monitor group dynamics, and adapt their teaching style to varying skill levels. Building rapport and fostering a supportive environment helps new climbers overcome fears and enjoy a positive experience.

What is the difference between First Ascent vs Rock Climber?

AspectFirst AscentRock Climber
Required CredentialsTraining in climbing techniques, safety, and sometimes certificationsSimilar training; certifications vary by level and location
Work EnvironmentClimbing gyms, outdoor cliffs, adventure parksOutdoor cliffs, mountains, indoor climbing gyms
Industry UsageClimbing competitions, outdoor expeditions, adventure tourismRecreational climbing, competitions, outdoor expeditions

First Ascent refers to the act of being the first person to successfully climb a route or mountain, often requiring specialized skills and sometimes certifications. Rock Climber is a broader term for anyone engaging in climbing activities, whether recreationally or competitively. While both roles involve climbing skills and similar environments, First Ascent emphasizes pioneering new routes, whereas Rock Climber focuses on general climbing activities.

What are popular job titles related to First Ascent jobs in Indiana?

For First Ascent jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various First Ascent job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,163 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Crew Leader (Crew Foreperson)

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

Lewis Services
Utilitiesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise daily tree crew operations to ensure safe and efficient work practices.

  • Plan, assign, and monitor tasks and performance of crew members, including training and discipline.

  • Perform and oversee tree trimming, removal, and clearance near energized lines using climbing or aerial lift techniques.


Job description

Join a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, weโ€™re not just trimming trees โ€” weโ€™re building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job โ€” you're investing in your future.

Why Youโ€™ll Love It Here

- Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!

- Elevate your career with us โ€” we prioritize training and internal promotions!

- Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!

- Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!


What Youโ€™ll Do as a Crew Leader

As a Crew Leader at Lewis Services, you will oversee and manage a crew performing utility vegetation management, ensuring safe and efficient tree trimming and line clearing operations for the utility and other customers.

  • Supervise daily tree crew operations and ensure safe, efficient work practices, including training, onboarding, coaching, discipline, and ensure high-quality and efficient job performance.
  • Plan and assign tasks based on crew membersโ€™ skills and job requirements.
  • Monitor and evaluate crew performance, including new hires, for training, promotion, and disciplinary actions.
  • Maintain up-to-date contact information for all crew members and report any availability or fitness-for-duty concerns to the General Foreman.
  • Conduct field training, retraining, and job briefings to ensure crew readiness.
  • Enforce safety standards and company policies, report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately.
  • Identify jobsite hazards and implement safeguards such as barriers and warning signs.
  • Make decisions regarding work slowdown due to weather or safety concerns.
  • Perform and direct tree trimming, removal, and clearance near energized lines using climbing or aerial lift techniques.
  • Operate and oversee use of equipment, including trucks, chippers, aerial lifts, and power saws.
  • Interpret work orders, utility drawings, and symbols related to line voltage and equipment.
  • Maintain clean and organized work vehicles and job sites.
  • Communicate with property owners to explain work, obtain access, and secure written permissions.
  • Promote positive relationships with customers, the public, utility representatives, and other contractors.
  • Cooperate with emergency services when blocking streets or driveways.
  • Maintain accurate records and reports on crew performance, incidents, equipment issues, and completed work.
  • Investigate incident reports and damage claims as assigned.
  • Monitor and control crew costs through efficient use of resources and equipment.
  • Stay informed on company policies, union agreements, and equipment standards.
  • Emergency Response
  • Respond to emergency situations to eliminate hazards and assist in service restoration.
  • Exercise sound judgment in urgent scenarios to protect life and property.
  • Request major tool or equipment repairs as needed.
  • Travel frequently, including overnight stays, as required.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You Bring
  • At least 3 years of experience in a tree crew or in utility vegetation management.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards for arboricultural operations.
  • Proficient in the identification of poisonous plants.
  • Proficiency in electrical circuit basics and interpreting circuit maps.
  • Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift operations.
  • Crew Leader Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification (or ability to complete).
  • Valid driverโ€™s license, CDL (as needed), and required medical certification.
  • Acquire and keep the required training and licenses for the safe and proper use of herbicides.
  • CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
  • Strong leadership, effective communication, and decision-making skills.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.
Physical Demands

Ability to:

  • Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher
  • Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
  • Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain
  • Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity)
  • Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively
  • Operate two-handed tools and equipment
  • Maintain skill in tree ascent and descent
  • Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather conditions

Continuously โ€“ Standing, Walking, Handling/Grasping, Repetitive Movements.

Frequently - Lifting/Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Stooping/Kneeling, Reaching, Tree Ascending/Descending.

Occasionally โ€“ Driving, Climbing Stairs/Ladders.

Rarely - Sitting/Operating

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental Conditions:

Continuously - Outdoor work

Occasionally - Noise Levels

Frequently - Extreme Temperatures

Rarely - Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never - Confined Spaces

Comments: You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns.  Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment may include:
- Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs

- Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers

- Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes

- Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes, hanger puller, manual and hydraulic pole saw, spikes.

- Sprayer applicators, pump sprayer, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs

- Tablets and communication devices

What We Offer

Non-Union Benefits:

- Competitive pay
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Paid training and industry certifications
- Health, dental, vision & HSA options
- 401(k) +
- Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


Our People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business.We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feelwelcome and fairly treated.We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued.

 
Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed toprovidingequal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Serviceโ€™s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.


รšnase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podamos รกrboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamaรฑo de gestiรณn de servicios y vegetaciรณn en Norteamรฉrica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

Por quรฉ le encantarรก trabajar aquรญ

  • ยกExperimente un maravilloso entorno al aire libre mientras trabaja en la naturaleza, no quede atrapado detrรกs de un escritorio!
  • Eleve su carrera profesional con nosotros. ยกPriorizamos la capacitaciรณn y las promociones internas!
  • ยกรšnase a un equipo vibrante que es pionero en seguridad, valora su opiniรณn y fomenta un fuerte sentido de la camaraderรญa!
  • ยกForme su futuro con nosotros a travรฉs de nuestro fantรกstico Plan de Propiedad de Acciones para Empleados (ESOP)!

Sus funciones como Jefe de Cuadrilla

  • Como Jefe de Cuadrilla en Lewis Services, supervisarรก y administrarรก cuadrillas que gestionan la vegetaciรณn de las empresas de servicios pรบblicos, garantizarรก operaciones eficientes de poda de รกrboles y limpieza de cables para las empresas de servicios pรบblicos y otros clientes.
  • Supervisar las operaciones diarias del equipo de รกrboles y garantizar prรกcticas laborales seguras y eficientes, que incluyen la capacitaciรณn, la incorporaciรณn, el entrenamiento, la disciplina y garantizar un desempeรฑo laboral eficiente y de alta calidad.
  • Planificar y asignar tareas segรบn las habilidades de los miembros de la cuadrilla y los requisitos del trabajo.
  • Supervisar y evaluar el desempeรฑo de la cuadrilla, incluidas las nuevas contrataciones, para su capacitaciรณn, promociones y medidas disciplinarias.
  • Mantener actualizada la informaciรณn de contacto de todos los miembros de la cuadrilla e informar cualquier inquietud sobre disponibilidad o aptitud para el trabajo al capataz general.
  • Realizar capacitaciones de campo, nuevas capacitaciones y reuniones informativas de trabajo para garantizar la preparaciรณn de la cuadrilla.
  • Aplicar las normas de seguridad y las polรญticas de la empresa, informar de inmediato sobre condiciones inseguras o incidentes.
  • Identificar los peligros en el lugar de trabajo e implementar medidas de protecciรณn como barreras y seรฑales de advertencia.
  • Tomar decisiones sobre la reducciรณn del ritmo de trabajo debido al clima o los problemas de seguridad.
  • Realizar y dirigir la poda, remociรณn y limpieza de รกrboles cerca de lรญneas elรฉctricas mediante el uso de tรฉcnicas de escalada o plataformas aรฉreas.
  • Operar y supervisar el uso de equipos, incluidos camiones, astilladoras, plataformas aรฉreas y sierras elรฉctricas.
  • Interpretar รณrdenes de trabajo, planos de servicios pรบblicos y sรญmbolos relacionados con el voltaje de lรญnea y los equipos.
  • Mantener los vehรญculos y los lugares de trabajo limpios y organizados.
  • Comunicarse con los propietarios para explicar el trabajo, obtener acceso y asegurar permisos escritos.
  • Promover relaciones positivas con los clientes, el pรบblico, representantes de servicios pรบblicos y otros contratistas.
  • Cooperar con los servicios de emergencia cuando se bloquean calles o entradas de vehรญculos.
  • Mantener registros e informes precisos sobre el desempeรฑo de la cuadrilla, incidentes, problemas de los equipos y trabajo completado.
  • Investigar informes de incidentes y reclamos por daรฑos segรบn se asignen.
  • Supervisar y controlar los costos de la cuadrilla mediante el uso eficiente de recursos y equipos.
  • Mantenerse informado sobre las polรญticas de la empresa, los acuerdos sindicales y los estรกndares de los equipos.
  • Responder ante emergencias.
  • Responder a situaciones de emergencia para eliminar peligros y ayudar a restablecer el servicio.
  • Aplicar buen juicio en situaciones urgentes para proteger la vida y los bienes.
  • Solicitar reparaciones importantes de herramientas o equipos, segรบn sea necesario.
  • Viajar con frecuencia, incluidos pernoctes, segรบn sea necesario.
  • Realizar otras tareas relacionadas asignadas.

Lo que usted aporta

  • Al menos 3 aรฑos de experiencia en cuadrilla de รกrboles o gestiรณn de vegetaciรณn de servicios pรบblicos. 
  • Sรณlido conocimiento y comprensiรณn de los requisitos de segurida