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Tree Climber Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber Trainee

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and ...

Lewis Tree Service

Trimmer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Ground-level and aloft tree pruning, felling, and vegetation removal to maintain clearance around power lines and equipment (includes climbing or aerial lift work under supervision and proper ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Crew Leader

Ashburn, VA · On-site

At least three (3) years of tree climbing (DdRT or SRT) and aerial lift experience in the tree care industry * Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record (Class B CDL preferred) * Ability ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Crew Leader

Owings, MD · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

At least three (3) years of tree climbing (DdRT or SRT) and aerial lift experience in the tree care industry * Valid driver's license (Class B CDL preferred) * Ability to work outdoors year-round in ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Crew Leader

Owings, MD · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

At least three (3) years of tree climbing (DdRT or SRT) and aerial lift experience in the tree care industry * Valid driver's license (Class B CDL preferred) * Ability to work outdoors year-round in ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Crew Leader

Owings, MD

$24 - $27/hr

At least three (3) years of tree climbing (DdRT or SRT) and aerial lift experience in the tree care industry * Valid driver's license (Class B CDL preferred) * Ability to work outdoors year-round in ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Crew Leader

Owings, MD · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

At least three (3) years of tree climbing (DdRT or SRT) and aerial lift experience in the tree care industry * Valid driver's license (Class B CDL preferred) * Ability to work outdoors year-round in ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Crew Leader

Ashburn, VA · On-site

At least three (3) years of tree climbing (DdRT or SRT) and aerial lift experience in the tree care industry * Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record (Class B CDL preferred) * Ability ...

Joshua Tree Experts

Tree Care Crew Lead/Foreman

Bethesda, MD

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

As a Tree Care Crew Lead/Foreman , you will be an essential manager of the Tree Crew in Bethesda, MD with the primary responsibility of performing all tree and shrub care services on residential and ...

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All JobsTree Climber JobsTree Climber Jobs in Washington

Tree Climber information

See Washington salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Washington is $28.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $31.88 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.
More about Tree Climber jobs
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What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Tree Climber jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Tree Climber job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in WA? For Tree Climber jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tree Climber jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,454 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Arborist Climber Trainee

Bartlett Tree Experts

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Bartlett Tree Experts rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 36 rated gardening and landscaping

Job description

Overview
If you enjoy working outdoors in a professional and safe environment, consider a career with Bartlett Tree Experts! At Bartlett, we value a strong culture of excellence in safety, scientific research, lifelong learning, and career development.
As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside Bartlett's dedicated team of arborists, gaining practical field experience in scientific tree and shrub care on commercial and residential properties. This is a unique entry-level opportunity to develop your career in arboriculture through hands-on, on-the-job training.
Benefits
We offer competitive compensation, as well as:
  • A safety-first culture and professional workplace
  • Advancement opportunities - we promote from within
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Industry credential/license pay increases - we encourage and invest in your professional development
  • Company provided uniforms, PPE, gear, and equipment
  • Boot reimbursement up to $150
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Access to training, continuing education programs, and a variety of resources provided by the Bartlett Tree Experts Research Laboratories in Charlotte, NC

To find out more about what life is like at Bartlett, check us out on Instagram @LifeatBartlett.
Responsibilities
As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will play an important role in:
  • Learning through on-the-job training to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including:
    • Tree climbing
    • Pruning
    • Rigging
    • Cabling and bracing
    • Removal of hazardous trees
    • Tree identification
    • Properly maintaining and operating equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts)
    • Implementing work zone safety procedures
    • Assisting Arborist Climbers and Arborist Crew Leaders working on the ground and aloft
    • Assisting with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties
  • Learning, understanding, and adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies

Qualifications
  • A passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors
  • Interest in working outdoors year-round in all weather conditions
  • Valid driver's license
  • A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work on a multi-disciplinary team
  • Prior tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf care, or horticulture experience is preferred but not required
  • Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Turfgrass, Environmental Science, Plant Science, Outdoor Recreation, Agriculture or a related field is preferred but not required

The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.
Location : Name
Ashburn
Location : State/Province
VA
Category
Production Arborist
Latest Post Date: englishcareers
7/31/2026
Type
Regular Full-Time

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