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Tree Climber Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Birchcrest Tree and Landscape

Landscaper

Rochester, NY

$18 - $26/hr

Gripping, climbing, balancing, pulling, and pushing Join a team that values safety, reliability, and professional development. At Townsend Company LLC. and Gunnison Tree Service, our employees, play ...

Birchcrest Tree and Landscape

Landscaper

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Gripping, climbing, balancing, pulling, and pushing Join a team that values safety, reliability, and professional development. At Townsend Company LLC. and Gunnison Tree Service, our employees, play ...

Lewis Services

Crew Leader with CDL

Rochester, NY

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 ...

Dollartree

Merchandising Assistant Manager

Victor, NY · On-site

Your Role at Dollar Tree: As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store ... kneeling, climbing, pushing, pulling, and repetitive lifting, with or without reasonable ...

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All JobsTree Climber JobsTree Climber Jobs in Rochester, NY

Tree Climber information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do tree climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree climber in Rochester, NY is $24.48, 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 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
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:
Tree Climber jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Climber job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,923 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Bucket Operator/Trimmer Union CDL Required Region 32

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Batavia, NY • On-site

$27.80 - $31.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 15 days ago

Asplundh Tree Expert rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies

Job description

Description
Job Title: Bucket Operator (CDL Required)
This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift device (bucket truck) to reach branches interfering with electric lines.
Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt
Pay: $27.80 to $31.44 per hour
Benefits:
  • Available Benefit options vary based on tenure, position, and work location.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Plans, assigns, directs, checks, and coordinates work.
  • Obtains written or oral permission from property owners to trim or remove trees or perform other work on the property. Arrange with the customer or property owner to obtain access, advise of interruption, explain work to be done, etc.
  • Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through the effective accomplishment of assigned work and the appropriate behavior of employees on the crew.
  • Cooperates with customers, police, and fire departments when blocking streets or driveways.
  • Safeguards employees and the public from hazards in and around the work area.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and the public.
  • Responsible for quality and quantity of production and for following safe practices and rules while clearing and trimming trees and brush away from utility lines.
  • Operates and services equipment, such as gasoline, hydraulic tools, power saws, power winches, buckets, chippers, and sprayers.
  • Operates a Bucket near energized lines to remove branches and tree material.
  • Performs tree and bucket rescue.
  • Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and tackle, pruners, etc.
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris.
  • Sprays brush and stumps, making proper and selective application of herbicides.
  • Trains new personnel.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be familiar with the electrical hazards.
  • Possesses working knowledge and can identify tree and shrub species.
  • Work demands physical energy, twisting, some lifting ability, and hand-to-eye coordination.
  • Must be willing to join the local union and pay union dues.
Education & Experience:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Entry-level position, no experience required.
  • Previous experience is a plus.
Pre-Screen:
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to subject and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • A valid Commercial Driver's license (CDL) is required.
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, Lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): Carrying, Pulling, 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, Reaching, range-of-motion, Depth Perception, Lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Climbing
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.
  • Works in all temperatures and will be exposed to nature i.e., irritating plants and biting or stinging insects.
  • Works near energized parts or equipment.
  • Works in traffic.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, jackhammers, gas drills, and other equipment with proper hearing protection.
  • Exposed to hazards of working near power equipment, traffic, high voltage wires, and falling limbs.

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.

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