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Tree Climber Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Groundperson

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

You will assist the climbers, foreman, and other crew members. * Performing all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully for clients Including but not limited to: * Operate ...

Perform and direct tree trimming, removal, and clearance near energized lines using climbing or aerial lift techniques. * Operate and oversee use of equipment, including trucks, chippers, aerial ...

Showing results 21-40

Tree Climber information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Rochester, NY is $24.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 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 popular job titles related to Tree Climber jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What job categories do people searching Tree Climber jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Climber jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Tree Climber jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Tree Climber job openings:

Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,946 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Arborist Trainee Internship | Rochester, NY

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Rochester, NY

$22/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted yesterday

New


Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,055 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company  
Locations: Rochester, NY  
Additional Locations: Rochester, NY 
Work Site: On Site   
Req ID: 228639 

Position Overview

Arborist Trainee Internship with The Davey Tree Expert Company

ROCHESTER, NY

Grow your skills. Build your future. Experience Davey.

Currently accepting applications for a field-based Internship beginning in Spring-Summer 2027

Job Duties

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  •  Learn to be a tree doctor! Join us and Discover Davey's career pathways in the green industry. Work in the field, side-by-side with experienced Arborists, Climbers and Plant Health Care technicians and Landscape professionals to deliver exceptional client service and maintain the health and beauty of trees & landscapes. 
    • Tree pruning, removing, cabling, bracing and maintenance
    • Tree & Landscape Installation
    • Safe operation of equipment including chainsaws, chippers, and other tools used in the field
    • Plant Health Care, including deep root fertilization, soil care and integrated pest & disease management
    • Exposure to the daily operations and business components that power a successful Residential Tree Care office
    • Client service, sales, management, and leadership fundamentals

WHAT WE WILL DO:

  • Introduce career orientated students to exceptional opportunities in the green industry, providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging work environment for students to learn, develop, and employ life and job skills from Davey professionals.
  • HOURS:  40-50 hours per week; Monday - Friday with some Saturdays
  • SALARY:  $22 -$ 23 hourly
Qualifications
  • Studying Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Forestry or related discipline
  • Driver’s license required. Commercial driver’s license a plus

EXPERIENCE WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

  • Must have enthusiasm for proper plant care and arboriculture
  • Love of the Outdoors!
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Demonstrated ability to report to work regularly and punctually
  • Collaboration and communication skills
Additional Information

WHAT WE OFFER:

 145 Years of Industry Experience

 Career Development & Advancement

Hands-On Training & Safety Commitment

  • Interns work toward completing the CDP “C” Climber/Trimmer & Plant Health Care Career Development Booklets
  • All climbing gear, uniforms, and PPE are provided
  • Access to industry-leading training through our Learning Management System (LMS)

Internship Support & Enrichment

  • Winter Virtual Orientation to prepare for the field season
  • Regional Summer Intern Workshops featuring one-on-one instruction with Skills Trainers & Scientists
  • Monthly Check-In Calls with Davey Leaders to review progress and build connections

Year-Round Growth Opportunities

  • Paid online learning during the school year
  • Potential to work during school breaks at select locations

Four Diverse Service Lines. Locations Nation-wide. Endless Opportunities.

With locations across the country, Davey’s nationwide presence offers career stability, growth, advancement, and a sense of adventure across our four diverse service lines. Whether you're climbing trees, preserving ecosystems, supporting utility infrastructure, or enhancing landscapes—your future grows here.

Company Overview

At Davey we provide ‘Proven Solutions for a Growing World’ and have done so since our founding in 1880. Our roots are in tree care expertise and, over the past 140 years, we have grown into leaders in grounds maintenance, environmental consulting, and utility solutions. Davey is at the forefront of corporate responsibility - demonstrating environmental, social, and economic stewardship in everything we do. Encompassing over 11,000 employees, Davey ranks as the 8th largest employee owned company in the United States. With operations throughout North America our branches have expanded but our commitment to scientifically-based horticultural, environmental impact, and outstanding client service has never wavered.

Divisional Overview

The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.

Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.

Employment Type: Intern 
Job Type: Full Time 
Travel Expectations: Up to 25% 


Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, we care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance


What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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