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Tree Climber Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Arborist Climber Trainee

Genoa City, WI ยท On-site

$17 - $22.25/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 ...

Arborist Climber Trainee

Genoa City, WI ยท On-site

$17 - $22.25/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Tree Climber information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$25

$35

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Wisconsin is $25.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $28.37 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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin? For Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Tree Climber jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Tree Climber job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in WI? For Tree Climber jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,094 per year, or $25 per hour.

Trimmer/Climber - Union Driver License Required - NTS

Nelson Tree Service, LLC

Brillion, WI โ€ข On-site

$159 - $175/day

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description
Job Title: Trimmer/Climber
Job Type: Full-Time +; Non Exempt
Pay: Competitive - $20.94-$36.25 Per Hour; Based Upon Experience
Benefits:
Union benefits package includes, but is not limited to:
  • Family health, dental, and vision insurance (LINECO)
  • HRA
  • TWO retirement plans: National Electrical Annuity Plan AND National Electrical Benefit Fund
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Pay
  • $75, $159, or $175 Daily per diem when requirements are met

Disclaimer - above rates, benefits, and opportunities are applicable at the time of this posting and are subject to change per the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Other benefits of working at Nelson Tree Service include:
  • Fulltime work - Year Round
  • 4, 10-hour days which allows for a 3-day weekend.
  • Overtime opportunities.
  • The potential to work out-of-state storms.
  • Weekly direct deposit.
  • Excellent growth opportunities.
  • Industry-leading safety and training programs.
  • 1st aid/CPR training.
  • All PPE and tools required to perform applicable position provided by Nelson Tree Service.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Trims and/or removes trees, branches, trunk sections
  • Operate and service all required tools/equipment.
  • Cuts and splits large debris into manageable pieces.
  • Sprays areas with equipment to prevent further growth.
  • Loads/unloads trucks.
  • Feeds brush & debris into wood chipper.
  • Repairs minor job-related-damage to lawns, fences, and walk-ways.
  • Services gasoline, air, and hand-powered tools and other equipment.
  • Relays hand-signals, directs traffic, drives, and operates trucks and equipment, as assigned.
  • Keeps trucks and work area clear and orderly.
  • Safeguards employees and public from hazards in and around work area.
  • Cooperates with customer, police, and fire departments when blocking street or driveways.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and public.
  • Trained to perform tree and bucket rescue.
  • Assists training new employees.
  • Assumes responsibility for the inspection and proper working conditions of tools, truck, and other work equipment.
  • Requests repair or replacement, when necessary.
  • Maintains good housekeeping on truck and at work locations.
  • Performs other related work, as assigned by superiors.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to work with hands above head for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to walk, climb, and work from ladders, or at various heights, on uneven and slippery surfaces, performing mentally/physically demanding work under unfavorable weather conditions while handling equipment or material.
  • No fear of heights.
  • Must have good hand-to-eye coordination.
  • Must be willing to join local union and pay union dues.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Entry-level position, no experience required.
  • Previous experience a plus.
Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Valid driver's license required
Travel Requirements:
  • Must have own transportation to and from the show up location.
Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): Sitting, Kneeling, Crawling, Color Vision, Climbing Stairs
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): Stooping, Squatting, Climbing On/Off Truck, Climbing Ladders, Pushing, Reading,
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): Carrying, Pulling, Lifting up to 50 lbs., Balancing, body-twisting, Hearing/Speech Range, Lifting, Lifting up to 10 lbs., Manual Dexterity, Speaking Clearly, Walking
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Standing, Sense of Touch, Gripping, Seeing Distant, Reaching, range-of-motion, Depth Perception, Lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Climbing Poles, Sense of Touch
Safety
Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note:
  • All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
  • Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.