1

Traveling Arborist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arborist

Elon, IA · On-site

Arborist Position Type: Staff Full-Time Days Per Week: Monday - Friday 6:00AM-2:30PM. Hours Per ... travel destinations. Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Traveling Arborist information

See salary details

$15

$29

$50

How much do traveling arborist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for traveling arborist in the United States is $29.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What common challenges do traveling arborists face, and how can they prepare for them?

Traveling arborists often face challenges such as adapting to varied regional climates and tree species, coordinating logistics for equipment transport, and managing time across multiple job sites. Preparation includes staying up-to-date on local regulations, researching native and invasive species in each area, and maintaining strong communication with clients and team members. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are key to successfully navigating the unique demands of this mobile role.

How much money do traveling arborists make?

Traveling arborists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects. Those with specialized skills or certifications like ISA Certified Arborist can command higher wages, especially when working in remote or high-demand areas.

What is a traveling arborist?

Traveling arborists are trained tree care professionals who travel to various locations to assess, maintain, and care for trees. Unlike arborists who work in a fixed region, traveling arborists often work for companies or organizations with clients spread across multiple cities or states. Their duties can include tree inspection, pruning, disease diagnosis, and sometimes emergency response after storms. This role requires flexibility, expertise in arboriculture, and the ability to adapt to different environments and tree species. Traveling arborists play a crucial part in maintaining healthy urban and rural forests across diverse regions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a traveling arborist?

To thrive as a Traveling Arborist, you need a solid understanding of tree biology, plant health care, and safe climbing or aerial lift techniques, typically supported by an arboriculture degree or ISA certification. Familiarity with specialized tools such as chainsaws, rigging equipment, GPS mapping systems, and tree assessment software is crucial. Strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help you interact with diverse clients and manage unexpected site challenges. These abilities ensure safe, effective tree care and client satisfaction across varied locations and environments.

What is the difference between Traveling Arborist vs Climbing Arborist?

AspectTraveling ArboristClimbing Arborist
CertificationsCertified Arborist, Climbing CertificationCertified Arborist, Climbing Certification
Work EnvironmentTraveling between sites, often across regionsOn-site tree climbing and maintenance
Employer & IndustryTree care companies, utility companiesTree care companies, municipal services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles involving travel and site visitsFocus on climbing skills and on-site work

The main difference between a Traveling Arborist and a Climbing Arborist is that the Traveling Arborist typically moves between multiple job sites across regions, focusing on travel logistics, while the Climbing Arborist specializes in on-site tree climbing and maintenance. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and daily tasks.

What type of traveling arborist makes the most money?

The highest-paid traveling arborists typically have extensive experience, advanced certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist or Certified Treecare Safety Professional, and specialize in complex or hazardous tree work. Those working in high-demand regions or on large commercial projects often earn higher wages due to the skill level and risks involved. Specialized skills in crane operation, rigging, or urban forestry can also increase earning potential.
More about Traveling Arborist jobs

What cities are hiring for Traveling Arborist jobs?

Cities with the most Traveling Arborist job openings:

What states have the most Traveling Arborist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Traveling Arborist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Traveling Arborist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Traveling Arborist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Traveling Arborist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,675 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Elon University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Arborist

Apply now Job no: 494268
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Elon Main Campus
Categories: Facilities

Title: Arborist

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday - Friday 6:00AM-2:30PM.

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: Finance and Administration

Department: Facilities Management

Location: Elon Main Campus

Position Summary

The Arborist position is responsible for the health and appearance of the trees on the Elon University campus. This is a skilled position which works with the other university arborists to maintain, prune, remove, transplant, and plants trees using horticultural and industry approved practices. They are also responsible for keeping the tree inventory up to date.

Benefits of Working at Elon

As an Elon University employee, you'll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon's personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities.
Elon University's home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you'll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation's premier travel destinations.
Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes:
28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation.
Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses
Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment.
Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university.
Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic.
Free use of campus fitness facilities.
Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.
Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service. After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.
Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon's principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one's identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED with more than 8 years of experience

Preferred Education and Experience

Associate degree, or vocational or technical school degree in Arboriculture or related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No formal supervisory responsibilities are included with this position. However, when augmented with seasonal workers or leading a project, the arborist must coordinate their efforts to accomplish the work assigned.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Must have the ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals and technical literature. Verbal skills required to effectively communicate work assignments and interacting with landscape contractors.
MATHMATICS SKILLS
Must be able to understand basic arithmetic calculations in order to calculate areas, calibrate application equipment and apply fertilizers and pesticides accurately. Able to perform accurate materials and cost estimates for projects.
REASONING ABILITY
Must be able to perform detailed visual observation of trees and ascertain information, while working in the field, to determine if there is a general decline in the health of plant material and determine what corrective measures must be taken.
OTHER SKILLS REQUIRED
Computer experience with PC's, experience with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel is required. Familiarity of Arborscope program a plus.
Two (2) years' experience in all phases of arboriculture equipment use including stump grinders, chain saws, woodchippers, aerial lifts, and other equipment of the trade. Climbing highly preferred.

Required Other Training, Certifications, or Licensing

Must possess a valid NC Driver's license and be insurable by the University carrier.
A NC Pesticide License is required or must be obtained within six months of employment.
An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification is preferred. A NC Certified Plant Professional certification is desired.

Job Duties

  • Responsible for managing the health and appearance of trees throughout the university landscape and university owned property. This shall include diagnosing: tree health issues or improper growing conditions, understanding and following appropriate IPM practices to determine and perform pesticide applications, perform: weed control and removal, fertilization, watering, planting, pruning and removal of tree material.
  • Arborist will maintain, document, and report the tree inventory on-campus annually and update through the Arborscope database. They will recommend trees for removal annually, unless immediate removal is necessary. They assist with safely removing the tree, debris, and stumps. This includes coordinating efforts with tree contractors when necessary. Make recommendations for replacement trees and assist with acquisition of trees to be planted.  Order, install, and maintain the tree labels throughout the campus botanical garden.
  • Arborist will maintain the pot-in-pot nursery to include potting trees and periodically moving to larger pots before going out into the campus landscape, They will recommend placement of the trees on-campus and assist with planting the trees. Record current inventory in the nursery bi-annually, as well as documenting species that did not survive in the pots.   Recommend new trees to add to the nursery collection.
  • Perform scheduled maintenance activities to include but not limited to the support of special events, projects, conferences, and other activities hosted on the campus of Elon University.
  • Inclusive Community Building Community is foundational to Elon and a shared responsibility within our residential campus. All who work at Elon should demonstrate an understanding of and engagement with Elon's foundational commitment to relationships, mentoring and collaboration in a close-knit residential community. We embrace the shared responsibility to foster inclusive excellence within a strong residential community. Accordingly, employees are expected to join together and build connections in activities that foster an active and engaged campus environment and engage in professional development to support the shared responsibility of enriching diversity, equity, and inclusion through meaningful relationships and mentoring at Elon. Employees are encouraged to, for example, attend or participate in campus activities such as College Coffee, Numen Lumen, campus cultural events, athletic events, continuing education, professional development opportunities and trainings, employee resource groups and other university-sponsored activities to demonstrate an active commitment to the Elon community.

Special Instructions to Applicants: The position is part of the Elon Emergency Response team and is required to be available to assist with preparation, throughout, and after inclement weather events. This is not limited to only inclement weather events, but all University emergency events. There is assigned evenings and weekend work from time to time.

Advertised: 01 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What Elon University employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom