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Tree Falling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Groundperson - Union

Washington, DC

$24 - $33.25/hr

Works around falling limbs with protection. About Us: As a full-service utility contractor Asplundh performs tree pruning and removals, right-of-way clearing and maintenance, vegetation management ...

Groundperson - Union

Washington, DC · On-site

$24 - $33.25/hr

Works around falling limbs with protection. About Us: As a full-service utility contractor Asplundh performs tree pruning and removals, right-of-way clearing and maintenance, vegetation management ...

... support during tree work. * Watch Safety Zones: monitor where trees are falling and protect people and property. * Inspect Equipment Daily: check chainsaws, chippers, and tools before use.

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 Aug 15, 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.

How are tree fallers paid?

Tree fallers are typically paid based on the amount of work completed, such as a fixed rate per tree or per hour. Payment may also include bonuses for safety, efficiency, or complex jobs, and workers often need certifications like OSHA safety training. Compensation can vary depending on experience, location, and whether they are employed by a company or work as independent contractors.

What is a tree faller?

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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,721 per year, or $33 per hour.

$24 - $33.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 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: Groundperson

**We are hiring Entry-level and Skilled Groundperson** On-the-job training is provided.  The perfect opportunity to build a career in the Line Clearance industry.   If you enjoy the great outdoors, this position is tailor-made for you.   

Our team is on the lookout for bold individuals who love to work in all-weather elements. Wind, rain, sunshine, or snow - we tackle them all! If you want to experience the world from a tree's perspective, this is the job for you.   Our crews trim, top, and reshape trees to remove low-hanging, dead, and excess branches, providing clearance for utility powerlines.  

Are you a real go-getter looking for an amazing opportunity with a nationwide full-service utility contractor offering competitive wages and incredible benefits? Keep reading because this job might be for you!

Since 1928, Asplundh has been dedicated to safe, efficient, and innovative line clearance services for the utility industry. Reliable, uninterrupted power is an important service provided by the world's electrical utilities and Asplundh has the expertise to help keep the power flowing. Diversification over the years has opened up vegetation management services to other specialized markets such as municipalities, railroads, pipelines, helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation.

A family-owned and operated corporation headquartered near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Asplundh has grown to employ over 36,000 service professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Job Type: 
  • Full-Time +, Non-Exempt
Pay: 
  • Competitive, Hourly
Benefits:
  • Company Sponsored Retirement Plan
  • Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life, long-term/short-term disability insurance
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Operate chainsaw to cut brush, logs, and stumps of larger trees.
  • Drag, gather, and feed brush into a woodchipper.
  • Services vehicles and equipment, maintaining them in neat, clean, and specified mechanical order.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years-of-age or older.
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 subject and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Driver's License Preferred, but not required.
Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): Sitting, Crawling, Climbing Poles, Color Vision, Climbing Ladders, Climbing Stairs
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): stooping, kneeling squatting, body twisting, sense of touch, climbing on/off the truck, gripping, lifting over 10 lbs to 50 lbs., reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing ladders, balancing, lifting over 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): standing, walking, manual dexterity, seeing distant, seeing, reading, range of motion, hearing-speech range, depth perception, climbing stairs, lifting up to 10 lbs.
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Sense of Touch, Gripping, Seeing, Carrying, Pulling
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 of time, 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 & handle confrontations professionally.

  • Works around hazardous equipment.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, chain saws, and woodchippers, with hearing protection.
  • Works in all temperatures and weather and will be exposed to nature, i.e., irritating plants, biting, or stinging insects, dust, etc.
  • Works on unlevel ground.
  • Works around falling limbs with protection.
About Us:

As a full-service utility contractor Asplundh performs tree pruning and removals, right-of-way clearing and maintenance, vegetation management with herbicides and emergency storm work and logistical support. Asplundh is the parent company of Asplundh Infrastructure Group whose subsidiaries provide overhead and underground line construction, planning and design, meter reading and AMR/AMI installation, electrical testing, and street lighting/traffic signal services. Asplundh also operates Rotor Blade Airborne Utilities Management, overhead electric distribution, and transmission lines using MD 500 helicopters.

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.


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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