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Seasonal Tree Planting Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

CASEY TREES

Tree Operations Crew Member

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.75/hr

The organization plants thousands of trees each year grown at our own nursery; cares and maintains ... Conducts regular vehicle and tool maintenance, including daily vehicle safety inspections; seasonal ...

Georgetown University

Landscape Gardener 1

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.43/hr

... planted areas, mulching, reactivating flower beds and tree saucers, laying sod assisting in the ... Workers perform monthly assignments according to seasonal schedules, in response to requests for ...

All JobsTree Planting JobsSeasonal Tree Planting JobsSeasonal Tree Planting Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Seasonal Tree Planting information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do seasonal tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal tree planting in Silver Spring, MD is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How much do you get paid for seasonal tree planting?

Seasonal tree planting workers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some positions may offer a flat daily rate or seasonal stipend, especially for larger projects or organizations requiring physical labor and outdoor work.

How much do seasonal tree planting workers make?

Seasonal tree planting workers typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some positions may offer additional benefits or overtime pay during peak seasons.

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 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.

How hard is it to get a job as a seasonal tree planter?

Securing a seasonal tree planting job typically requires physical stamina, the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Prior experience is not usually necessary, and many positions are available through temp agencies or planting organizations, with hiring often on a rolling basis during planting seasons.

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.
More about Seasonal Tree Planting jobs
What are popular job titles related to Seasonal Tree Planting jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Seasonal Tree Planting jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Tree Planting jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Tree Planting jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Seasonal Tree Planting jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Seasonal Tree Planting job openings:
Seasonal Tree Planting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Tree Planting job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,903 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Tree Operations Crew Member

CASEY TREES

Washington, DC • On-site

$25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Job description

About Casey Trees

In pursuit of its mission to restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital, Casey Trees (CT) delivers a broad base of programs and services to the DC Metro area. The organization plants thousands of trees each year grown at our own nursery; cares and maintains those trees; conserves greenspace; conducts school and community-based youth STEM programming; and advocates for stronger policies and laws to preserve trees across the area. Casey Trees emphasizes innovative solutions and working with diverse partners to advance and promote tree canopy solutions that meet the needs of the communities that we serve.

Summary

The Tree Operations Crew Member performs a variety of field operations for all tree planting, care and related activities. This crew member should have a “roll up your sleeves” attitude and enjoy working outside throughout the DMV. Our crew members works with internal/external stakeholders, including other Casey Trees departments, community volunteers, etc. This is a full-time, year-round position with competitive benefits upon hire.

Compensation and Benefits:

$25.75/hour with full benefits including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance as well as a flexible spending account (FSA), paid holidays, paid time off, and a retirement plan 403 (b).

Essential Functions

The following functions are representative for the Tree Ops Crew Member in its entirety - including but not limited to:

General Functions

  • Selects, delivers, plants, prunes, inventories, waters and cares for trees
  • Operates trucks, trailers, heavy machinery, hand and power tools
  • Conducts regular vehicle and tool maintenance, including daily vehicle safety inspections; seasonal vehicle upkeep, regular tool cleaning, inventory, etc., and; upkeeps the office landscape/grounds, as directed
  • Demonstrates professionalism and exceptional customer service, fostering positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Assists with tree procurement activities such as sourcing, invoicing, deliveries, inventory and reconciliation
  • Collaborates across the organization as required to execute programs and activities
  • Ensures adherence to organizational policies and procedures including, but not limited to: attendance, timeliness, conduct, professionalism, appearance, etc.
  • Promotes a safety culture by eliminating/controlling hazardous conditions resulting from human error, equipment and machine operations that may lead to human injury and/or property damage
  • Assists with logistical support during trainings, classes, workshops, tours, demonstrations, etc.
  • Performs other duties, as requested

Technical Skills

  • Maintains a general knowledge in planting, pruning and tree care techniques
  • Demonstrates an ability to use and repair small motorized equipment

Competencies

  • Field Work Orientation
  • Self-Motivation
  • Problem Solving
  • Safety Orientation
  • Volunteer Focus
  • Communication Proficiency



Working Conditions

The incumbent works in the office and in the field. Must be able to use equipment such as (not an exclusive list): desktop computer; smart phones; automobile; pickup truck with trailer; small motorized equipment; various hand tools such as shovels, rakes, saws, ladders, and pruning shears, etc.

Physical Demands:

  • Use of equipment and lifting to plant and maintain trees
  • Working outside year-round in the heat, cold and inclement weather
  • While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The incumbent is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The incumbent is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The incumbent is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 60 pounds frequently and seldom up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus
  • The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, year-round position. The schedule will be determined based on planting seasons and volunteer demands. The incumbent must be able and willing to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when needed.

Travel

Travel is primarily local to the Greater Washington, DC region including occasional travel to Casey Tree Farm in Berryville, VA. Some out of area travel and overnights may be expected.

Required Qualifications

  • Professional demeanor and the ability to interact and work with a variety of audiences
  • Ability to work both independently as well as in a team environment
  • Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

  • One year of experience working in landscaping, horticulture, forestry, urban forestry or related field
  • Associate degree in horticulture, landscaping, forestry, urban forestry or related field
  • Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and ability to safely drive work vehicles including a pickup truck and trailer

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Casey Trees is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply:

Go to caseytrees.org/careers to apply online. Please reach out to Veva Milton, HR Generalist with questions at vmilton@caseytrees.org.