ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Seasonal Tree Planting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Park Forever

Arbor Technician

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Perform tree planting, pruning, monitoring and maintenance. * Operate light equipment, automotive ... Supervise seasonal and volunteer staff to accomplish maintenance goals, as requested. Requirements ...

Trees Atlanta

Urban Trees Lead (Seasonal)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18/hr

Seasonal, Full-Time, Hourly Employment Classification: Non-Exempt Apply By: Open until Filled Start ... Planting and maintenance of the tree palette occurs throughout the Greater Atlanta area and the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSeasonal Tree Planting Jobs

Seasonal Tree Planting information

See salary details

$11

$17

$24

How much do seasonal tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal tree planting in the United States is $17.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get into seasonal tree planting?

To get into seasonal tree planting, look for temporary or seasonal positions with landscaping companies, nurseries, or conservation organizations. Prior experience with outdoor work, physical fitness, and the ability to work in various weather conditions are helpful; some roles may require a valid driver's license or basic safety training.

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 is the 10 20 30 rule for tree planting?

The 10-20-30 rule in tree planting suggests that trees should be planted at least 10 feet away from structures, 20 feet apart from each other, and 30 feet from power lines to ensure healthy growth and safety. This guideline helps prevent future conflicts with infrastructure and promotes proper development of the trees. Seasonal tree planting professionals often follow these spacing principles to ensure successful planting outcomes.

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 much do seasonal tree planters make?

Seasonal tree planters typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with some positions paying a flat daily rate. Wages can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the planting tasks, often requiring physical stamina and outdoor work skills.

How much do you get paid for planting trees?

Seasonal tree planting jobs typically pay between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the organization. Some positions may offer a flat rate per tree planted or a seasonal stipend, and physical fitness and knowledge of planting techniques can influence pay rates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Tree Planter, and why are they important?

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 cities are hiring for Seasonal Tree Planting jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Tree Planting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Planting jobs? The most popular types of Tree Planting jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Tree Planting jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Tree Planting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Tree Planting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Tree Planting jobs are:
Seasonal Tree Planting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Tree Planting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,665 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Urban Forestry Crew-Crew Leader I

Urban Forestry Crew-Crew Leader I

Career Search

Chattanooga, TN

$20 - $25/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Title:Urban Forestry Crew-Crew Leader I

Reports to:Program Coordinator, Program Director

Conservation Legacy Program:Southeast Conservation Corps

Location:Crew will be based out of SECC's office in Chattanooga, TN and serving within Chattanooga's public spaces

Status:Seasonal, Full-time,Non-Exempt,Day Crew Program

Dates:08/10/26-11/13/26

Wages:$20-25 per hour, depending on prior experience and certifications, overtimeeligible.

Health Benefits:Medical benefit options may be available for individuals serving 6 months or longer

Other Benefits:Transportation to and from project,uniform shirts,personalprotective equipment, and other developmentalopportunities asavailable.

Crew Structure:1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 4 Crew Members

Purpose - About Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC):
Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hardworkand land stewardship.

Southeast Conservation Corps, aprogram of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit AmeriCorps program. We engage youth (age15-17) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC collaborates with land management agencies (United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits) to host day or overnight camping crews and individual placements.

Our AmeriCorps positions provideimpactful educational and service opportunities thatbenefitboth communities and landscapes.SECC's participants reflect the population of the Southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various backgrounds.

Description of Duties:

The Crew Leader I position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples' lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.

Standard schedulegenerally consistsof Monday - Friday,8 hourwork days, plus occasional overtime. Crew Leaders may alsobe requiredto come into the office to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff.

The Crew Leader I position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, anda high levelofcompetence in theoutdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is duein a timely mannerto supervisors. Finally, crew leaders mustexhibitthe ability to effectively work on diverse teams and those from a variety of populations and communities.

Service Project:

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC)and theCity of Chattanooga have partnered to host an In-town(day crew)Urban Forestry Crewwith funding for this project provided by the USDAForest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program.TheUrban Forestry Crewwill be managed by the City of Chattanooga's Natural Resources Departmentwho will collaborate with crews to complete their conservation projects.

The crew will engage in strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions. Crew members will combine training and education to support impactful conservation service projects throughout the City of Chattanooga.

Service projects will vary depending on seasonal factors and safety considerations, with a primary focus oninvasive plant species management, native vegetation restoration, and streambank stabilization. While SECC and partners strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change perprojectand weatherneeds. However, tasks may also include, but are not limited to:

  • Riparian buffer restoration

  • Invasive plant species removal

  • Seeding for native plant species

  • Erosion Matting installation

  • Limbing up/pruning trees

  • Litter removal

  • Streambank stabilization

  • Grading

  • Coir log installation

  • Live stake installation

  • Native species planting

  • Tree, shrub, and perennial planting

  • Assistin container tree planting in parks

  • Learn proper tree planting techniques

  • Potential to plant native plant plugs in stream buffers

  • Tree maintenance (watering, pruning,etc)

  • Weekly watering, weather permitting

  • Weekly tree health inspections

  • Weeding mulch rings

  • Refreshing mulch rings when necessary

  • Staking trees

  • Invasive species removal

  • Identification of invasive plant species

  • Mechanical removal of invasive plants will beaccomplishedprimarilythrough the use oftools and hand pulling

  • Larger shrub species will be managed with the use of loppers and weed wrenches to remove the entirety of the root system

  • Smaller vine species will be hand pulled or individuals will be dug up to remove the entirety of the root system

  • Herbicide treatment will be applied to larger shrub individuals that cannot be removed mechanically through a cut and spray method or direct leaf application

  • Herbicide treatment willbe potentiallyapplied to large areas of ground cover or vining species through foliar foam or wipe application.

  • Herbicide application willoverseenby an individual certified in herbicide application

  • Plant and Wildlife Identification

  • Become familiar with local flora and fauna

  • Identifycommon invasive plant species to the area

  • UtilizeiNaturalistand contribute to citizen science data collections

  • Planting procedures

  • Hand weeding

  • Gardening/landscaping

  • Bank stabilization

  • Working with volunteers and engaging with the public

  • Assistancewith volunteer tree plantings or invasive species removals

  • Work beside and engage with volunteers

  • Assistin events such as City Nature Challenge that may occur at theParkduring the term

  • Assistvolunteers with plant identification and/or proper tree planting techniques

  • Potential to help in volunteer day instruction and safety talks prior to the event

  • While working in public parks, citizens will ask questions and want to know about the work being done, you will be expected to engage and talk about the project

AdditionalDuties:

  • Learn and apply conservation, restoration, and outdoor skills

  • Active participation in educationalactivities

  • Practiceappropriate safetymeasures in all assigned tasks

  • Use,maintain, and repair hand and power tools as necessary

ProjectSkillsAcquired Through the Program:

  • Plant Identification

  • Invasive plant species management practices

  • Young tree care

  • Volunteer management

  • Proper planting techniques

  • Erosion control

  • Understanding ofvegetative practices used for stormwater management and improved stream health.

  • A foundational understanding of conservation careers, inparticularly natural resource management within an urban park setting.

  • Proper use/maintenance of hand and power tools.

  • Communication and outreach with the public.

  • Teamwork and collaboration in a field setting.

  • Problem-solving and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

These skills are highly transferable to careers in urban forestry, environmental education, natural resource management, park services, conservation nonprofits, and more.

***Note:Many waterways across Chattanooga are impaired forvarious reasonsincluding, butnot limited to potentially harmful bacteria likeE.coli. All crews will be equipped with theappropriate PPEto work in water that maycontainthesecontaminants,howeverindividuals will be expected to practice best management practices while working in the field.

Crew Life:

  • Crew Structure:This crew consists of4crew members and2crew leaders who will provide projectexpertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants.

  • Schedule:Crew members will report to the SECC office at 7:30am Monday-Friday and will end each day around 4:00pm. Members will have evenings and weekends off. The day includes two fifteen-minute breaks and an unpaid half-hour break for lunch.

  • Camping:This crew will not be camping, as crew members will go home at the end of the day.

  • Housing:Housing IS NOT provided. Crew membersare responsible forsecuring their own housing during off time.

  • Food:Crew members will provide their own snacks and lunches. SECC will provide jugs for members to refill their water.

  • Chores:Crew members collaborate to manage chores (putting away tools, cleaningtools,etc.) andparticipatein any group discussions.

  • Gear:Members must supply their own personal outdoor gear (day pack, water bottle, work pants, hiking/work boots). SECC has a limited supply of loaner gear available for crew members to borrow, but it may not fit personal preferences or specific needs. SECC will provide tools, group equipment, and personal protective equipment

  • Transportation:SECC will provide transportation between SECCofficeand project sites.

***Note: transportation needs will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis.Please contact our Recruitment Coordinator (contact information listed below) with any questions or concerns you may haveregardingyour personal transportation needs.

Responsibilities:

Leadership& Mentorship

  • Mentor assistant crew leader (or Crew Leader in Development Program CLDP): provide valuable feedback, give opportunities for growth, delegate responsibilities, and encourage technical and leadership skill development.

  • Implement skills training on worksite andfacilitateintentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew's personal growth and group dynamics.

  • Promote individual corps member development and a safe, healthy, cohesive, other-centeredand team-oriented community.

  • Follow and enforce all policies,maintainprofessional boundaries, and appropriately represent the program. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program.

  • Contribute to a positive and safe culture, free from harassment.

  • Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level and a willingness to accept differences.

Project Management & Implementation:

  • Train, motivate and supervise a crew of young adults to efficiently complete tasks andobjectivesoutlined in conservation projects, while working long hours and managing highquality ofwork and crew morale.

  • Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems, requesting assistance or help when needed.

  • Communicate & coordinatelogisticswith project partners,Assistant Crew Leader (or Crew Leader in Development), & staff.

  • Be punctual, hardworking, and flexible.Appropriately represent SECC to the public and project partners at all times.

Safety & Risk Management:

  • Monitor, manage, and promote the holistic health of the crew, including physical and emotional (intimidation free community environment) safety.

  • Exhibit strong situational ...

Apply