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Tree Planting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Urban Forestry Manager

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Summary The Urban Forestry Manager leads Casey Trees' tree planting and maintenance programs across the Washington, DC region. This role manages a team of Urban Forestry Foremen, oversees residential ...

Tree Trimmer

Hollister, CA ยท On-site

$67K - $82K/yr

Tree planting, maintenance, and removal methods and techniques according to industry standards. * Occupational hazards, safety precautions, and laws & regulations pertaining to tree maintenance work.

Tree Service Worker

Toledo, OH ยท On-site

$55K - $58K/yr

Prepares trees for planting, digs holes, and plants, waters, stakes, wraps, mulches, fertilizes ... Tree trimming, tree treatment, and tree removal methods and techniques * The hazards and safety ...

The organization plants thousands of trees each year grown at our own nursery; cares and maintains ... Summary The Tree Operations Crew Member performs a variety of field operations for all tree ...

Tree Crew Specialist

Corvallis, OR ยท On-site

$32.88 - $41.81/hr

Performs tree establishment maintenance including scheduling and watering of all newly planted trees. Conducts safety inspections and tree risk assessment of public trees. Determines priorities of ...

New

Balls, burlaps, plants, transplants, prunes and mulches trees and shrubs. Waters, fertilizes, and sprays trees and shrubs for insect and disease control. Installs tree wrap, stakes and braces. Fells ...

Plants and transplants trees; Removes fallen trees, dead limbs, and other debris resulting from storm damage and general conditions; Treats cut surfaces to protect trees from insects and tree ...

Tree Trimmer I/II

Redlands, CA ยท On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Plants and transplants trees; * Removes fallen trees, dead limbs, and other debris resulting from storm damage and general conditions; * Treats cut surfaces to protect trees from insects and tree ...

Crew members will perform a variety of field tasks including tree watering, mulching, pruning, planting, invasive species management, and general stewardship activities. The position also supports ...

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Tree Planting information

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How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in the United States is $17.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money can you make growing trees?

Tree planting jobs typically pay between $10 and $20 per hour, with seasonal or contract positions sometimes offering higher wages. Experienced tree planters or those working for specialized organizations can earn more, especially with certifications or in regions with high demand for reforestation or landscaping projects.

How do I get paid to plant trees?

Tree planting jobs typically pay hourly or per project, with wages varying based on location, experience, and organization. Many positions are seasonal and may require physical fitness and knowledge of planting techniques; some organizations also offer training or certifications. Payment is usually processed through direct deposit or checks after each pay period.

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 10 20 30 rule for tree planting?

The 10-20-30 rule in tree planting suggests that trees should be planted at least 10 feet apart, with 20 feet of clearance from structures, and 30 feet from other trees to ensure healthy growth and reduce competition. This guideline helps tree planters, including those in forestry or landscaping, promote proper spacing for mature trees. Adhering to these distances can improve tree health and safety in planting projects.

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 much money can you make being a Tree Planter?

Tree planters typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with some seasonal positions offering bonuses or higher pay based on productivity. Wages can vary depending on location, experience, and the company, and physical endurance and efficiency are important for maximizing earnings.

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 cities are hiring for Tree Planting jobs? Cities with the most Tree Planting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Planting jobs? The most popular types of Tree Planting jobs are:
What states have the most Tree Planting jobs? States with the most job openings for Tree Planting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,665 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Urban Forestry Manager

Urban Forestry Manager

CASEY TREES

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Compensation

Salary range: $95,000-$110,000. Casey Trees offers excellent benefits including health, dental, vision, flexible spending account, paid holidays, paid time off, and retirement plan 403(b).

About Casey Trees

In pursuit of its mission to restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the nationโ€™s capital, Casey Trees (CT) delivers a broad base of programs and services to the DC Metro area. The organization plants more than 6,500 trees each year grown at our own nursery; cares and maintains those trees; conserves greenspace; conducts school and community-based youth STEM programming; and advocates for stronger policies and laws to preserve trees across the area. Casey Trees emphasizes innovative solutions and working with diverse partners to advance and promote tree canopy solutions that meet the needs of the communities that we serve.

Summary

The Urban Forestry Manager leads Casey Treesโ€™ tree planting and maintenance programs across the Washington, DC region. This role manages a team of Urban Forestry Foremen, oversees residential and large parcel planting projects, tracks grant deliverables, and ensures compliance with urban forestry best practices. A key cross-functional collaborator, the Manager works closely with internal teams and external partners while representing Casey Trees at community events. The position blends field operation understanding with administrative and strategic responsibility.

Essential Functions

Personnel Management

  • Manages and mentors a team of Urban Forestry Foremen and curates the weekly work schedule
  • Ensures adherence to organizational policies and procedures, including but not limited to attendance, timeliness, conduct, volunteer engagement, resident interaction and customer service, budgets, etc.
  • Conducts periodic performance appraisals of subordinate staff
  • Onboards new staff and develops in-house training sessions

Project Management and Execution

  • Guides the comprehensive design approach to tree planting installations.
  • Reviews all residential and large parcel tree planting designs and work orders to ensure adherence to organizational standards, smooth installation, and maintenance.
  • Manages, tracks, and coordinates grant deliverables for short-term and multi-year projects in collaboration with CTโ€™s Senior Program Manager.
  • Distributes and schedules tree planting consultations among Urban Forestry Foremen.
  • Conducts residential and large parcel tree planting consultations as needed.
  • Works with the Senior Program Manager and Farm Director on tree procurement
  • Collaborates with the Tree Operations Director to cultivate new partner relationships, and advance existing relationships, across the Washington, DC metropolitan region
  • Works with Tree Operations Director and Field Manager to schedule fieldwork and coordinate field crew capacity
  • Manages contracts with outside parties and ensures compliance with Casey Treesโ€™ planting best practices
  • Coordinates with GIS Manager to facilitate public right of way plantings
  • Stays current on arboriculture/urban forestry best practices and emerging trends

Interdepartmental Collaboration

  • Works collaboratively with other CT departments to ensure seamless event execution, donor satisfaction, program improvement, attainment of development goals, exploration of new partner opportunities, etc.
  • Provides advice and technical assistance to support classes, events, public inquiries, community outreach.
  • Attends community meetings to promote CT activities and events
  • Supports tree planting events/programs/activities involving volunteers
  • Provides support to CT Accredited Land Trust stewardship, green infrastructure planning, installation, and maintenance of conservation sites.

Fieldwork

  • Assists in tree installation and maintenance as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Competencies

  • Mentorship/Leadership
  • Problem Solving/Analysis
  • Technical Aboriculture
  • Project Management
  • Safety Orientation
  • Self Motivation
  • Communication Proficiency
  • Decision Making

Working Conditions

The incumbent works in the office and in the field. Must be able to use equipment such as (not an exclusive list): computer; smart phones and tablets; automobile; pickup truck with trailer; dingo machine; various hand tools such as shovels, loppers, chainsaws, hand saws, rakes, ladders, and pruning shears, etc.

Physical Demands:

  • Use of equipment and lifting to plant and maintain trees
  • Working outside year-round conducting site visits, planting trees, instructing volunteers and others year-round in the heat, cold and inclement weather
  • While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The incumbent is constantly required to use hands to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The incumbent is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The incumbent is required to lift and/or move up to 60 pounds, and occasionally up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. In the office environment, this position would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending or standing on a stool as necessary
  • The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position. The incumbent must be able and willing to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when needed.

Travel

Travel is primarily local to the greater Washington, DC metro area including occasional travel to Casey Tree Farm in Berryville, VA. Travel out of the area for training/seminars/events, etc., requiring overnight stay may be expected.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, landscape management or related field, and three or more years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Two plus years of demonstrated experience in project management
  • ISA Certified Arborist credential required upon hire; or within the first year of employment
  • Experience supervising, managing, and mentoring staff of diverse backgrounds and skill levels
  • Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS), Salesforce, Eventbrite, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ability to learn new programs preferred
  • Valid driverโ€™s license; clean driving record; willingness/ability to drive pickup truck and trailer
  • Must be able to establish, track and meet deadlines
  • Professional demeanor, superior written and oral communications skills, and the ability to positively and effectively interact and work with a wide variety of people, including government employees, volunteers, community partners, corporate and individual donors, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Casey Trees is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply:

Go to caseytrees.org/career. Please reach out to Veva Milton, HR Generalist with questions at vmilton@caseytrees.org.