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Forester Trainee Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber Trainee

Ashburn, VA

$18.50 - $24/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working ... Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf care, or horticulture experience is preferred but not ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber Trainee

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working ... Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf care, or horticulture experience is preferred but not ...

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Forester Trainee information

See Washington salary details

$5

$27

$45

How much do forester trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for forester trainee in Washington is $27.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $32.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forester trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forester Trainee, you typically need a degree in forestry or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of forest ecology and management practices. Familiarity with GIS software, forest inventory tools, and data collection systems is commonly expected. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders in field and office settings. These abilities are crucial for accurately assessing forest resources, implementing management plans, and ensuring sustainable and effective forestry operations.

What is a forester trainee?

Forester Trainees are entry-level professionals who work under the supervision of experienced foresters to learn the fundamentals of forest management, conservation, and ecology. They assist with tasks such as planting trees, conducting surveys, monitoring forest health, and helping to implement management plans. The role is designed to provide practical, on-the-job training and exposure to various aspects of forestry work, preparing trainees for more advanced responsibilities as they gain experience and knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by forester trainees during their first year on the job?

Forester Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to fieldwork in varying and sometimes harsh outdoor conditions, learning to use specialized equipment, and interpreting complex environmental data. Additionally, balancing time between fieldwork, office tasks, and ongoing training can be demanding. However, support from experienced foresters and structured training programs helps new trainees build confidence and develop essential forestry skills.

What is the difference between Forester Trainee vs Forest Technician?

AspectForester TraineeForest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, parks, and conservation areasFieldwork and office tasks related to forest management
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, forestry companiesGovernment agencies, forestry services, environmental firms

Forester Trainees typically focus on learning forest management and conservation practices, often as entry-level positions or internships. Forest Technicians usually perform more technical tasks, including data collection and site assessments. While both roles involve fieldwork in forest environments and share similar employer types, Forester Trainees are generally in a learning phase, whereas Forest Technicians are more experienced in technical duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forester jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Forester jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Forester Trainee jobs in Washington? For Forester Trainee jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forester Trainee jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Forester Trainee jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Forester Trainee jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Forester Trainee job openings:
Forester Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forester Trainee job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 67% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,128 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts

Ashburn, VA

$18.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Bartlett Tree Experts rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 35 rated gardening and landscaping

Job description

If you enjoy working outdoors in a professional and safe environment, consider a career with Bartlett Tree Experts! At Bartlett, we value a strong culture of excellence in safety, scientific research, lifelong learning, and career development.

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and shrub care on commercial and residential properties. This is a unique entry-level opportunity to develop your career in arboriculture through hands-on, on-the-job training.


We offer competitive compensation, as well as:

  • A safety-first culture and professional workplace
  • Advancement opportunities - we promote from within
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Industry credential/license pay increases - we encourage and invest in your professional development
  • Company provided uniforms, PPE, gear, and equipment
  • Boot reimbursement up to $150
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Access to training, continuing education programs, and a variety of resources provided by the Bartlett Tree Experts Research Laboratories in Charlotte, NC

To find out more about what life is like at Bartlett, check us out on Instagram @LifeatBartlett. 


As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will play an important role in:

  • Learning through on-the-job training to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including:
    • Tree climbing
    • Pruning
    • Rigging
    • Cabling and bracing
    • Removal of hazardous trees
    • Tree identification
    • Properly maintaining and operating equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts)
    • Implementing work zone safety procedures
    • Assisting Arborist Climbers and Arborist Crew Leaders working on the ground and aloft
    • Assisting with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties
  • Learning, understanding, and adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies

  • A passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors
  • Interest in working outdoors year-round in all weather conditions
  • Valid driver's license
  • A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work on a multi-disciplinary team
  • Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf care, or horticulture experience is preferred but not required
  • Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Turfgrass, Environmental Science, Plant Science, Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or a related field is preferred but not required

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.


Ashburn
VA
Production Arborist
7/31/2026
Regular Full-Time

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