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Tree Planting Jobs in Yakima, WA (NOW HIRING)

Yakama Nation

Fuels Crewmember II

Toppenish, WA · On-site

$16.53/hr

Incumbent will participate in burn unit prep, fire operations; mop up, monitoring, search and rescue, tree planting, fuels reduction, maintenance and repair of Fuels/Fire tools, equipment, supplies ...

Wright Tree Service

Journeyman

Yakima, WA · On-site

$29 - $38.25/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 ...

All JobsTree Planting JobsTree Planting Jobs in Yakima, WA

Tree Planting information

See Yakima, WA salary details

$11

$17

$24

How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in Yakima, WA is $17.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $19.28 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 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.

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.

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

Getting a job as a tree planter typically requires physical stamina, the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, and sometimes prior experience or training. Many positions are seasonal and may not require formal education, but good teamwork and reliability are valued by employers.

How much do people get paid to plant trees?

Tree planting jobs typically pay between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and organization. Some positions may offer a flat rate per tree planted or seasonal wages, especially for large-scale reforestation projects or conservation efforts.
More about Tree Planting jobs

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The top searched job categories for Tree Planting jobs in Yakima, WA are:

What cities near Yakima, WA are hiring for Tree Planting jobs?

Cities near Yakima, WA with the most Tree Planting job openings:

Tree Planting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in Yakima, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,750 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Fuels Crewmember II

Yakama Nation

Toppenish, WA • On-site

$16.53/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2026-170

Issue Date:

08-18-26

Closing Date:

08-31-26

Fuels Crewmember II

Fuels Management

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $16.53/Regular/Furlough

Position functions under the Yakama Nation Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Tribal Forestry Fuels Management program. Primary responsibilities include hazardous fuels reduction and restoration of fire adapted ecosystems. Incumbent will participate in burn unit prep, fire operations; mop up, monitoring, search and rescue, tree planting, fuels reduction, maintenance and repair of Fuels/Fire tools, equipment, supplies, vehicles, and facilities along with assisting the Yakama Nation community.

Examples of Work Performed:

Primary responsibility includes working as a Fuels crewmember, participating in a variety of hazardous fuels reduction projects. The projects may include but are not limited to the following: thinning of timber, woodlands, or shrubs with chainsaws; utilizing prescribed fire to reduce fuels; piling and chipping of slash; chemical application to undesirable fuels; monitoring pre and post fire effects; and fire suppression. Fuels crewmembers are skilled in a variety of hand tools and chainsaws use.

Participates in wildfire suppression and pre-suppression activities. Attends various fire and fuels training courses.

Moves dirt, chops brush, small trees to construct control lines using various hand tools including: Pulaskis, Shovels, McLeods, power tools, chainsaws, and portable pumps to control prescribed fire and/or to prepare control lines prior to burning.

Patrol prescribed fire line to locate and extinguish sparks, flare-ups, and hotspot fires that may threaten control lines.

Participate in safe techniques, practices, and methods of prescribed fire/fire suppression and the safe use of tools, equipment and vehicles used in prescribed fire and wildland fire activities. Must participate in crew proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions and After-Action Reviews (AAR). Ensures own and others welfare and safety in all aspects of projects and assignments.

Other duties as assigned, which may include but are not limited to: cleaning outdoor recreational facilities, mows grass, trim shrubs, pull weeds, performs trail building maintenance, completes resources management projects, may go to off-reservation fire assignments, removes and disposes of hazard trees, tree planting, tree thinning, tree marking, cone collection, stand exams, and pole collection. Any task will be asked of the incumbent to perform whether its Fuels/Fire related or non-fire related.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to perform arduous work involving considerable physical effort, stamina, and exposure to various weather conditions and extreme temperatures.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be able to pass the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) national standards for arduous work level which includes pack test, physical and mandatory firefighting training.

Must be willing to participate in Prescribed Fire Operations and Wildland Fire suppression in a variety of roles, including night and weekend activities.

The hazardous nature of the job requires that protective clothing be worn (hard hat, leather gloves, leather boots, flame resistant clothing and other personal protective equipment).

Must be able obtain certification of Introduction to ICS (1-100), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and Firefighting Training (S-130).

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Preferred Requirements:

At least one season of working with Fuels Management or Fire Management is preferable but not required.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Apply