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Tree Climber Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tree Climber

Upland, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Climber I is a beginner level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals. Supports ...

tree climber

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

Climber II is an intermediate level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals.

tree climber

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

Climber II is an intermediate level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals.

Tree Climber

Martinez, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

You know basic tree care principals, cabling, pruning techniques, tree ID and disease ID. * Youre not afraid of heights. Youll be climbing trees over 15, performing work on branches and truck ...

tree climber

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

Climber II is an intermediate level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals.

You know basic tree care principals, cabling, pruning techniques, tree ID and disease ID. * Youre not afraid of heights. Youll be climbing trees over 15, performing work on branches and truck ...

You know basic tree care principals, cabling, pruning techniques, tree ID and disease ID. * Youre not afraid of heights. Youll be climbing trees over 15, performing work on branches and truck ...

Tree Climber

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

You know basic tree care principals, cabling, pruning techniques, tree ID and disease ID. * Youre not afraid of heights. Youll be climbing trees over 15, performing work on branches and truck ...

Tree Climber

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

You know basic tree care principals, cabling, pruning techniques, tree ID and disease ID. * Youre not afraid of heights. Youll be climbing trees over 15, performing work on branches and truck ...

Tree Climber

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$26 - $35.75/hr

The Tree Care team applies expertise in climbing, pruning, and safety to ensure the health and well-being of each client's landscape. What a day is like : Daily focus is working together on a General ...

Tree Climber/Driver

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Qualifications * 1 year of experience in tree climbing and rigging * Able to demonstrate working knowledge of basic climbing knots and rigging devices used in tree trimming and removal operations

Climber II is an intermediate level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals.

Tree Climber/Driver

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Qualifications * 1 year of experience in tree climbing and rigging * Able to demonstrate working knowledge of basic climbing knots and rigging devices used in tree trimming and removal operations

Tree Climber

Upland, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Climber I is a beginner level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals. Supports ...

Tree Climber

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

The Tree Care team applies expertise in climbing, pruning, and safety to ensure the health and well-being of each client's landscape. What a day is like : Daily focus is working together on a General ...

Joshua Tree Climber Stewards

Joshua Tree, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Climber Stewards Needed for Joshua Tree National Park Access Fund is the nonprofit advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of ...

Qualifications * 1 year of experience in tree climbing and rigging * Able to demonstrate working knowledge of basic climbing knots and rigging devices used in tree trimming and removal operations

Crew Lead Tree Climber This position currently has a sign-on bonus of $2,000 and pays $35-37/hr depending on your experience + paid PTO + paid benefits and 401K! What We Offer At SavATree, your ...

Showing results 21-40

Tree Climber information

See California salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in California is $24.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tree climber?

Tree climbers are skilled professionals who ascend trees to perform various tasks such as pruning, trimming, removing dead branches, or felling whole trees. They use specialized equipment like ropes, harnesses, and climbing spikes to safely reach and maneuver within the tree canopy. Tree climbers often work for arborist companies, landscaping services, or municipal parks departments, ensuring the health and safety of trees and the surrounding environment. Their work requires physical fitness, knowledge of tree biology, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

What does a tree climber do?

A Tree Climber, or Tree Trimmer, specializes in climbing tall trees to access limbs for removal. As a Tree Climber, your duty is to use safety equipment and other tools to remove limbs which often pose a threat to the property. You work under the supervision of an experienced arboriculture professional who can advise you on the best removal tactics. You must work with your team to remove the dead or damaged branches without causing harm to yourself or the property below.

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

To thrive as a Tree Climber, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of arboriculture, and experience in safe climbing techniques, often supported by relevant certifications such as ISA Certified Tree Worker. Familiarity with climbing gear, chainsaws, rigging equipment, and aerial lift systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help Tree Climbers work safely and efficiently within a team. These skills are crucial for ensuring personal safety, protecting property, and delivering high-quality tree care services.

What are some common challenges faced by tree climbers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Tree climbers often encounter challenges such as working at significant heights, unpredictable weather conditions, and navigating dense or hazardous tree canopies. To manage these challenges, climbers use specialized safety equipment, adhere to strict safety protocols, and maintain strong communication with ground crews. Regular skills training and physical fitness are also essential to handle the physical demands and ensure safety. By staying prepared and vigilant, tree climbers can perform their role efficiently while minimizing risks.

What is the difference between Tree Climber vs Arborist?

AspectTree ClimberArborist
CertificationsClimbing and safety certifications, such as ANSI or OSHAArborist certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentPrimarily climbing and pruning trees in outdoor settingsIncludes tree care, diagnosis, planting, and consulting
Job ResponsibilitiesClimbing, pruning, and removing treesTree health assessment, planting, and overall landscape management

While a Tree Climber specializes in climbing and pruning trees, an Arborist has a broader role that includes tree health assessment, planting, and consulting. Both roles require climbing skills and safety certifications, but Arborists often hold additional credentials and perform more comprehensive tree care tasks.

What do you need to become a tree climber?

To become a tree climber, you typically need physical fitness, training in climbing techniques, and knowledge of safety procedures. Many employers require certification in first aid and sometimes specialized certifications like aerial rescue or tree climbing courses. Experience with tools such as ropes, harnesses, and climbing gear is also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Climber jobs in California?

The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in California?

For Tree Climber jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Tree Climber jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tree Climber job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in CA?

For Tree Climber jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,935 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


BrightView Landscapes rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 36 rated gardening and landscaping


Job description

The Best Teams are Created and Maintained Here.
Job Summary
  • Climber I is a beginner level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals. Supports team in site clearing and chipping tree debris and disposing of tree debris.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform basic tree care operations such as pruning and limb removal on the ground and in small to medium sized trees (up to 60 feet in height)
  • Access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. Safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy and remove branches without causing damage or injury
  • Safe operation of powered equipment such as chippers, trucks, and blowers
  • Basic to intermediate chainsaw skills and proficiency in both ground-based and canopy-based chainsaw techniques
  • Effectively use hand tools such as hand saws, pole pruners, pole saws, rakes, and shovels to perform tree care tasks
  • Use task specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to industry standards and company protocols
  • Maintain safe and organized work zone
  • Effectively implement plans to prevent property damage and personal injury during tree care operations

Education and Experience:
  • Demonstration of role specific skills or verifiable requisite experience.
  • Able to successfully follow directions and established procedures related to roping and rigging, maintenance of equipment, adjustments to equipment, and reporting malfunctioning equipment.
  • Read and interpret documents such as sales orders, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • Ability to perform mathematical operations (add, subtract, multiply and divide) using weight measurement, volume, and distance
  • Ability to calculate or estimate weight, volume and distance related to arboricultural field operations
  • Apply critical thinking skills to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
  • Effective communication skills
    • Communicate using hand signals with climbers to ensure safety and to perform work within acceptable standards
    • Communicate verbally with the general public to direct them safely around the work area
  • Able to become certified in EHAP, First-Aid and CPR
  • Strong work ethic

Physical Demands/Requirements:
  • Be at least 18 years old (21 if operating company provided vehicles)
  • Possess strong stamina and have the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
  • Able to safely operate landscaping equipment (e.g., mowers, trimmers, blowers, edgers).
  • Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, stand, walk continuously throughout the day and perform repetitive motions for extended periods.
  • Able to perform manual labor using a variety of hand tools (e.g. shovels, rakes)
  • You are able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., safety shoes, high-visibility clothing, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, head protection)
  • Landscapers who will be operating a BrightView fleet vehicle are required to have a valid driver's license and meet company standards as it relates motor vehicle performance identified on a state issued motor vehicle record check.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends or holidays if needed.
  • Ability to maintain, in your possession at all times, required medications to address any known allergic reactions should they occur.

Work Environment:
  • Ability to work outdoors/indoors in moderate to extreme weather conditions (e.g., temperatures more than 100°F, temperatures below 32°F, various levels of humidity)
  • Ability to work in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
  • Work outdoors near automotive traffic, bodies of water, fumes, dust, mechanical and/or electrical hazards.
  • Ability to work in environments where extended periods of loud noise are present.
  • Ability to work in environments where exposure to allergens such as pollen and rag weed, insects such as bees and spiders and reptiles such as lizards and snakes.

Brightview Landscapes LLC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.
This job description is subject to change at any time.
Compensation Pay Range:
Tree Climbers needed
BrightView offers a suite or health, wellness, and financial benefits to full-time team members. Benefits offerings for full-time team members include medical, dental, and vision insurance, ancillary and voluntary products, a 401k savings plan with employer contributions, and 6 to 9 company paid holidays per year. Employees may also be eligible to receive paid time off for vacation and/or sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and/or potential variable pay opportunities based on position and performance. A detailed benefits package will be provided during the interview process.
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