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Seasonal Tree Planting Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Tree Planting information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do seasonal tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal tree planting in Raleigh, NC is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is seasonal tree planting?

Seasonal tree planting is a job that involves planting young trees, usually during the spring and fall when conditions are best for tree growth. Workers may be employed by forestry companies, environmental organizations, or government agencies to help reforest areas, restore ecosystems, or contribute to conservation efforts. The work is physically demanding, often done outdoors in varying weather conditions, and may require travel to remote locations. It is typically a temporary or contract position that lasts for a few months each year. Tree planters play a crucial role in promoting healthy forests and combating climate change.

What are seasonal tree planting jobs?

Seasonal tree planting jobs involve working on reforestation and tree planting projects. You may also handle planting responsibilities for landscaping companies. In these temporary, seasonal positions, you typically work during the spring and summer planting season. Your duties include transporting trees to the planting site, preparing the site for planting by digging a hole manually or by machine, planting the tree, and adding soil and supports if necessary. After you plant the tree, you may be responsible for watering, care, and removal of unwanted vegetation until the tree can grow on its own.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seasonal tree planter?

To thrive as a Seasonal Tree Planter, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of planting techniques, often gained through on-the-job training rather than formal education. Familiarity with tools such as planting shovels, dibble bars, GPS devices, and safety gear is essential. Strong teamwork, self-motivation, and resilience in challenging outdoor conditions are standout soft skills. These skills ensure high productivity, proper tree establishment, and safety in demanding and remote environments.

What are the typical challenges faced during a seasonal tree planting job, and how can workers prepare for them?

Seasonal tree planting often involves physically demanding work in a variety of weather conditions and remote locations. Workers may face challenges such as fatigue, repetitive strain injuries, and adapting to changing terrain. To prepare, it’s important to build physical endurance, invest in proper gear (like waterproof boots and gloves), and be mindful of ergonomic planting techniques. Teamwork is essential, as planters often work in crews and support each other to meet daily quotas and maintain morale. Prior outdoor experience and a positive attitude can make the season more rewarding and successful.

What is the difference between Seasonal Tree Planting vs Arborist?

AspectSeasonal Tree PlantingArborist
CredentialsNone required or basic horticulture certificationsCertified Arborist certification often required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, seasonal, often in nurseries or planting sitesOutdoor, year-round, including pruning, diagnosing, and maintaining trees
Industry UsageLandscape companies, nurseries, municipal planting programsTree care companies, urban forestry, consulting

Seasonal Tree Planting focuses on planting trees during specific seasons, often with minimal certifications, mainly working outdoors in planting sites. Arborists have specialized training and certifications to diagnose, prune, and maintain trees year-round. While both roles work outdoors and involve trees, arborists have a broader scope of tree health management, whereas seasonal planting is primarily about planting during optimal times.

What are popular job titles related to Seasonal Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Seasonal Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Seasonal Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Seasonal Tree Planting jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Seasonal Tree Planting jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Seasonal Tree Planting job openings:

Infographic showing various Seasonal Tree Planting job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,641 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Urban Forestry Canopy Analyst

City of Raleigh North Carolina

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$21.66 - $34.66/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Description Are you interested in a position where you can make a meaningful impact on Raleigh's tree canopy by helping meet planting goals and advancing community coordination. The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (Raleigh Parks) is seeking qualified candidates for the Urban Forestry Division Canopy Analyst position. The Canopy Analyst will help support Urban Forestry and community tree planting goals including the 24,000 trees by 2032 campaign to help address canopy, urban heat, stormwater mitigation and air and water quality concerns.

About You: The successful candidate will work closely with peers, partners, and community members to help deliver on tree planting initiatives, perform community outreach and may serve as a team lead for specific initiatives and events. The successful candidate will need to be organized, detail-oriented, a creative problem-solver, and a strong communicator who is passionate about trees and community development. About Us: This position offers the opportunity to work for a nationally recognized organization in a growing, creative, diverse city.

The Raleigh Parks system boasts approximately 10,000 acres, including 220 parks and open spaces; 120 miles of greenway trails; 4 lakes; and 4 nature preserves; We have over 425 full-time staff and employ nearly 1,800 part-time and seasonal staff annually during peak spring, summer, and fall seasons. We are home to several prominent universities and world-class cultural institutions. The City of Raleigh seeks to protect and manage the urban forest and prioritizes equitable access to greenspaces and healthy community experiences.

Our parks, centers, and cultural programming are in the DNA of our evolving city. Duties and Responsibilities The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Helps develop and implement strategies related to the 24,000 trees for 2032 campaign Assists PRCR staff, volunteers, and external partners in on-the-ground implementation of tree planting initiatives using a variety of tools and techniques This includes tree planting site evaluation/tracking, tree procurement, citizen communication and planting Works with non-profit and community partners to enhance and develop relationships to help implement tree planting and community education goals Works with internal PRCR staff to develop an internal funding program for the community to advance tree planting goals on private property Contributes to the development and delivery of educational public outreach campaigns, programs, presentations, and/or informative literature (i.e., flyers, brochures, newsletters, signage, etc.) to help inform Raleigh citizens on the benefits of trees and tree planting education Performs other duties as required Typical Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelors Degree in a Natural Resources-related field of study such as Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Horticulture, or similar field directly related to assignment; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Licensing and Certifications: Valid North Carolina Driver's Class C license with a satisfactory driving record, or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire. Preferred Qualifications: International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist One year of professional experience in field directly related to assignment Additional Information Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Common urban tree species and their characteristics of the SE United States Tree planting and care GPS/GIS and the utilization of related field technology Working with a variety of stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and/or public groups Managing stakeholder interests Developing informational and educational materials with the goal of educating the public on tree planting Authoring and editing detailed reports and documents Conflict resolution, negotiation strategies, consensus building and community outreach ADA and Other Requirements Work Environment and Physical Effort: Heavy: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment, an outdoor environment, a street environment, a construction site, and a vehicle. Working Exposures: Employees will often be exposed to loud noises (85+ decibels average such as trucks, jack hammers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, construction). Employees may occasionally be exposed to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts.

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.