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Tree Planting Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

City of Springfield

Arborist I

Springfield, MA

$58K/yr

Assists with Forestry Division operations including tree planting and tree nursery maintenance. Supervision is received from Lead Arborist. No supervision is exercised over other employees. Essential ...

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$12

$19

$26

How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in Massachusetts is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tree planting?

Tree planting is the process of transplanting tree seedlings, generally for forestry, land reclamation, or landscaping purposes. It involves preparing the land, selecting appropriate tree species, and planting them in a way that promotes healthy growth. Tree planting helps restore ecosystems, combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, and can provide economic and social benefits to communities. The work is often physically demanding and can be seasonal, depending on climate and planting goals.

What are tree planting jobs?

Tree planting jobs include a variety of positions related to planting, nurturing, and caring for trees. Most tree planting jobs do not focus exclusively on planting trees. Your duties may also include logging, trimming, or landscaping areas. Common roles include planting seedlings for horticulture, supporting reforestation efforts, or helping landscape a local park. Most tree planting jobs take place outdoors, but you can find a few jobs working with seeds and pots in factory-like settings to prepare them for shipment. Due to the long growing times, many tree planting jobs are seasonal positions. If you want to work with planting trees year-round, you may need to look for a management position.

What is the difference between Tree Planting vs Arborist?

AspectTree PlantingArborist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but some may have basic horticulture knowledgeRequires certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, planting sites, nurseriesOutdoor, urban and rural trees, often consulting or maintenance
Industry UsageLandscaping companies, conservation projectsTree care, pruning, health assessments, consulting

Tree planting focuses on the physical act of planting trees, often with minimal certification, while arborists provide expert tree care, including pruning, health assessments, and consulting, requiring specialized certifications. Both roles work outdoors and are essential in forestry and landscaping industries, but arborists typically have more advanced training and responsibilities.

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

Tree planting can be physically demanding, with challenges such as working in remote areas, variable weather conditions, and repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain proper hydration, use correct lifting and planting techniques to avoid injury, and wear appropriate gear for protection against weather and terrain. Many crews foster a supportive team environment, encouraging frequent breaks and open communication to ensure everyone stays healthy and motivated throughout the planting season.

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 physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of silviculture and reforestation practices, usually gained through on-the-job training. Familiarity with GPS devices, planting tools, and safety equipment is often required. Strong teamwork, self-motivation, and resilience in various weather conditions are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure efficient, high-quality planting that supports forest regeneration and meets environmental standards.
More about Tree Planting jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Planting jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Tree Planting jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Tree Planting jobs in Massachusetts? For Tree Planting jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Planting jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Planting jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Tree Planting jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Tree Planting job openings:
Tree Planting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,042 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Arborist I

City of Springfield

Springfield, MA

$58K/yr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

City Of Springfield (Missouri) rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

541st of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Position Purpose/Summary Responsible for performing all aspects of tree care including pruning for safety, clearance, and visibility. Position includes assisting with the removal of hazard trees including technical rigging of limbs and wood. Assists with Forestry Division operations including tree planting and tree nursery maintenance.

Supervision is received from Lead Arborist. No supervision is exercised over other employees. Essential Functions Daily work activities to maintain the overall health and vigor of the City of Springfield street tree population.

Assist with the implementation of the work zone safety procedures such as the placement of cones and signs. Operates and maintain chippers, chainsaws, and stump grinders safely. Operates various hand and power tools associated with tree work including handsaws, chainsaws, and blowers.

Assist crew leaders working on the ground and loft. Reports directly to the Lead Arborist for daily work assignment. Daily work will include but is not limited to pruning, removal, and planting of public street trees.

Performs proper clean-up of job sites and maintains a safe work zone. May be called upon to report to storm damage calls outside regular operational hours. Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to perform strenuous labor and work in all weather conditions and seasons Knowledge of methods, equipment, and materials used in tree maintenance and care Ability to safely and effectively fell trees, remove branches, and lower limbs Understanding of industry safety procedures for climbing trees and working around overhead wires. Learn and demonstrated high safety standards sound risk assessment skills, equipment inspection skills, learns proper application in approved knots and proper climbing techniques and procedures, proper pruning and small removal skills, and learns proper rigging skills. Understanding of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.

Ability to plan, organize, and implement tree planting, pruning and removal operation Ability to follow and direct others to follow safe work practices Prepare and maintain records and reports Demonstrate clear and concise verbal and written communication Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others contacted in the course of work Must be exceptional working in a team environment, capable of working with a group of staff in an effective manner Must have experience working collaboratively in a union environment and with the general public. Ability to anticipate, respond to and manage change. Ability to think strategically.

Education and Experience High School diploma and or higher degree in arboriculture or related field preferred ISA Certified Tree Worker preferred 2 years of tree work experience preferred

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