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Tree Falling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Bucket Operator Union CDL Required

Herndon, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Performs tree and bucket rescue. * Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and ... Exposed to hazards of working near power equipment, traffic, high voltage wires, and falling limbs.

Tree Falling information

See Washington salary details

$17

$33

$56

How much do tree falling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree falling in Washington is $33.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $37.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What safety measures should I expect to follow when working as a tree faller?

As a tree faller, adhering to strict safety protocols is essential due to the hazardous nature of the work. You will routinely use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, eye and ear protection, chainsaw-resistant clothing, and safety boots. The job also requires constant communication with your team to ensure everyone is aware of the direction of the fall and any potential hazards. Regular safety briefings, equipment inspections, and adherence to industry best practices are key parts of the daily routine. Being proactive and attentive to safety not only protects you but also your coworkers and the surrounding environment.

What are tree falling jobs?

Tree falling jobs involve the process of cutting down trees in a controlled and safe manner. Professionals who perform this work, often called fallers or arborists, use specialized equipment and techniques to remove trees for reasons such as safety, land clearing, or timber harvesting. The role requires knowledge of tree biology, safety protocols, and environmental regulations. Tree falling can be dangerous, so proper training and protective gear are essential. These jobs are commonly found in forestry, landscaping, and utility maintenance industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tree Faller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Faller, you need expertise in tree assessment, safe cutting techniques, and physical stamina, often supported by forestry training or certification. Proficiency with chainsaws, safety gear, and sometimes GPS or mapping tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication are essential soft skills for ensuring safety and effective teamwork. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing hazards, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a high-risk environment.

What is the difference between Tree Falling vs Tree Climber?

AspectTree FallingTree Climber
Required CertificationsChainsaw certification, safety trainingClimbing safety, chainsaw operation
Work EnvironmentGround-based, often remoteIn trees, at various heights
Industry UsageTree removal, land clearingTree maintenance, pruning

Tree Falling and Tree Climber roles often overlap but differ mainly in focus. Tree Falling involves cutting down trees from the ground, requiring specialized safety and chainsaw skills. Tree Climber involves ascending trees for pruning or maintenance, emphasizing climbing safety and tree care skills. Both roles are essential in arboriculture and often work together on tree removal projects.

What are popular job titles related to Tree Falling jobs in Washington? For Tree Falling jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Falling jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Falling jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Tree Falling job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,721 per year, or $33 per hour.
Bucket Operator Union CDL Required

Bucket Operator Union CDL Required

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Herndon, VA

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Asplundh Tree Expert rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 238 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies


Job 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: Competitive, hourly

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.


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