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Tree Climber Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Climber

Hampton, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Truetimber Arborists as a dedicated Tree Climber and tree care professional! As a leader in the arboriculture industry, Truetimber Arborists is committed to providing exceptional tree care ...

Climber

West Point, VA

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Truetimber Arborists as a dedicated Tree Climber and tree care professional! As a leader in the arboriculture industry, Truetimber Arborists is committed to providing exceptional tree care ...

Climber

Newport News, VA

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Truetimber Arborists as a dedicated Tree Climber and tree care professional! As a leader in the arboriculture industry, Truetimber Arborists is committed to providing exceptional tree care ...

Climber

Chesapeake, VA

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Truetimber Arborists as a dedicated Tree Climber and tree care professional! As a leader in the arboriculture industry, Truetimber Arborists is committed to providing exceptional tree care ...

Be Seen First

Experienced Tree Climbing Arborist/Sales

Staunton, VA · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train new young employees in proper climbing and tree care practices * Maintain work records daily * Loading/unloading equipment/tools * Keeping the work area clear of debris, cleaning up limbs and ...

Climber

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

The Climber performs advanced aerial tree care operations, including climbing, pruning, rigging, and rescue procedures. This position works at height using both Single Rope Technique (SRT) and Double ...

Climber - Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. 1-2 years previous ... Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all ...

Climber - Petersburg, VA

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. 1-2 years previous ... Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all ...

Climber - Suffolk, VA

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. 1-2 years previous ... Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all ...

Climber - Suffolk, VA

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. At least one year of previous ... Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all ...

Climber - Covington, VA

Covington, VA · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. At least one year of previous ... Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all ...

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. 1-2 years previous ... Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all ...

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. 1-2 years previous ... Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all ...

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. At least one year of previous ... Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all ...

Showing results 41-60

Tree Climber information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Virginia is $24.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How do you become a tree climber?

To become a tree climber, individuals typically need to gain experience in arboriculture through training or apprenticeships, develop climbing skills using ropes and harnesses, and obtain relevant certifications such as the ISA Certified Tree Worker. Physical fitness and knowledge of safety procedures are also essential for working at heights in tree care environments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Tree Climber jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Tree Climber job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,168 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Climber - Hampton Roads, VA (Residential/Commercial)

Xylem Tree of Hampton Road LLC

Norfolk, VA

$26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Xylem Tree Care is hiring Climbers for our Residential/Commercial crew in Hampton Roads, VA. The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. Previous professional experience as a climber is required to be considered for this role.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Perform tree climbing using rope and saddle techniques in accordance with industry standards
  • Prune and remove trees safely and efficiently
  • Operate chainsaws, rigging equipment, and other tree care tools
  • Assist with job site setup, traffic control, and cleanup
  • Follow all safety procedures and company policies
  • Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors
  • Maintain equipment and report any issues

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Climbers have no direct reports.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum of two (2) years of professional tree climbing experience (Required)
  • CDL (Preferred but not required)

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • High School diploma or education equivalent preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Self-motivated, with great attention to detail and a strong work ethic, taking pride in delivering high-quality tree work
  • Prior experience as a tree climber or arborist (preferred)
  • Knowledge of proper pruning techniques and tree biology
  • Proven experience as a tree climber with a strong understanding of basic climbing and rigging techniques, including knowledge of knots and roping procedures
  • Ability to safely operate chainsaws and climbing equipment
  • Strong understanding of safety standards (ANSI Z133 preferred)
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
  • Must be able to work outdoors, year-round, in varying environments
  • Must have a Valid driver’s license

Work authorization requirements:

Must meet I-9 requirements.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.

Benefits Offered:

This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.

AI Usage Disclaimer:

As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.