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Tree Planter Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Groundworker

Bowling Green, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... Tree Service in a professional manner. * Must be able to comprehend and/or read and write both written and verbal job instructions and safety information. * Ability to recognize poisonous plants and ...

Performs tree and bucket rescue. * Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and ... Works in all temperatures and will be exposed to nature i.e., irritating plants and biting or ...

Groundworker

Bowling Green, VA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... Tree Service in a professional manner. * Must be able to comprehend and/or read and write both written and verbal job instructions and safety information. * Ability to recognize poisonous plants and ...

Showing results 41-60

Tree Planter information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$28

$49

How much do tree planter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planter in Virginia is $28.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.16 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tree Planter vs Tree Nursery Worker?

AspectTree PlanterTree Nursery Worker
CertificationsNone required, but safety training helpfulOften requires horticulture or nursery certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, planting in forests or reforestation sitesIndoor and outdoor, working in nursery facilities
Job TasksPlantting trees in natural settingsGrowing, caring for young trees and plants
Industry UsageForestry, reforestation projectsHorticulture, landscaping, nursery industry

While both roles involve working with trees, Tree Planters focus on planting trees in natural environments, often for reforestation, whereas Tree Nursery Workers cultivate and care for young trees in nursery settings. The skills and certifications differ, with nursery workers typically requiring horticultural knowledge. Both roles are essential in forestry and horticulture industries but serve different stages of tree growth and planting processes.

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

To thrive as a Tree Planter, you need strong physical fitness, stamina, and basic knowledge of forestry or environmental science, though formal education is not always required. Familiarity with hand tools like shovels, planting bars, and GPS devices is important, and some employers may require safety certifications. Attention to detail, resilience, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure efficient, high-quality planting while maintaining safety and contributing to successful reforestation efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by tree planters in the field, and how can they be managed?

Tree planters often work in physically demanding environments, facing challenges such as rough terrain, inclement weather, and repetitive motion injuries. Managing these challenges requires proper preparation, including wearing appropriate gear, maintaining physical fitness, and following ergonomic planting techniques to prevent strain. Additionally, effective teamwork and good communication with supervisors can help address site-specific hazards and ensure safety while meeting daily planting targets.

What is a tree planter?

Tree planters are workers responsible for planting trees in forests, parks, or other designated areas to help with reforestation, land restoration, or landscaping projects. They typically work outdoors in various weather conditions and may plant thousands of seedlings per day using specialized tools. Tree planters play a crucial role in restoring ecosystems, combating climate change, and supporting sustainable forestry practices.

How much can you get paid for planting trees?

Tree planters typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with some positions paying by piece rate based on the number of trees planted. Wages can vary depending on experience, location, and the employer, and the job often requires physical stamina and the use of tools like shovels or planting bars.

Do tree planters make good money?

Tree planters typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with some seasonal positions offering additional bonuses or incentives. Earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the volume of trees planted, and physical stamina and safety training are important for success in this role.

How hard is it to get a job as a tree planter?

Getting a job as a tree planter can be competitive, but many positions are available seasonally and do not require prior experience. Physical fitness, the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, and a willingness to work long hours are important factors for success in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Tree Planter jobs in Virginia? For Tree Planter jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Planter jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Planter jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Tree Planter job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,155 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Bucket Operator ATE

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

South Hill, VA

$17 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 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

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:
  • Company Sponsored Retirement Plan
  • Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life, long-term/short-term disability insurance
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 property. Arranges with customer or property owner to obtain access, advises of interruption, explains 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 hazard.
  • Possesses working knowledge and can identify tree and shrub species.
  • Work demands physical energy, twisting, some lifting ability, and hand-to-eye coordination.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • 1+ year of related industry experience required.
Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to subject and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Commercial Driver's License 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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