Job Title: Tree Crew Groundperson / Climber Assistant (Tree Crew)
Company: Atrium Tree Service / U.S. Grounds Maintenance
Location: Papillion, NE + Surrounding Areas
Reports To: Crew Leader / Lead Climber
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
Atrium Tree Service is hiring a Tree Crew Groundperson / Climber Assistant to support professional tree pruning and removal operations. This role is critical to jobsite safety, productivity, and quality-supporting climbers, running ground equipment, managing ropes/rigging, and keeping the site controlled and clean. This is an ideal entry point for someone who wants a growth path into climbing and arboriculture.
Key Responsibilities
- Support climbers and crew leaders during pruning/removal work by managing ropes, staging tools, and maintaining a safe work zone
- Cut, drag, and stage brush/wood; load/unload trucks and trailers; complete jobsite cleanup
- Operate and maintain ground equipment (as trained): chainsaws, chippers, blowers, and hand tools
- Assist with setup/takedown of ropes, rigging systems, and climbing gear; follow direction precisely during critical lifts/cuts
- Drive trucks and/or tow trailers to and from job sites (based on experience and approvals)
- Keep work area orderly; clean and inspect tools/equipment; report maintenance needs promptly (truck, chipper, saws, PPE)
- Follow all company safety expectations and ANSI Z133 standards; help protect crew, customers, and the public through proper barriers/signage and hazard awareness
- Participate in training to build skills in knots, rigging, pruning fundamentals, and advancement toward climber responsibilities
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record (ability to tow a trailer is a strong plus)
- Tree care, landscaping, or outdoor labor experience preferred
- Familiarity with chainsaws/chippers and safe jobsite practices
- Basic knowledge of knots, rigging, and pruning concepts
- Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions; comfortable working around loud/heavy equipment and uneven terrain
- Able to lift 50 lbs and safely handle repetitive physical tasks (dragging brush, loading debris, feeding chipper, etc.)
- Reliable, safety-first, team-oriented, and coachable
Schedule & Work Conditions
- Full-time role; hours vary based on workload, weather, and seasonal demand
- Overtime and occasional weekend work may be required during peak season or storm response
- Outdoor exposure includes heat, cold, rain/snow, insects, dust, and noisy equipment-PPE is required
Pay and Benefits
- Competitive pay based on experience
- Training and advancement opportunities (clear pathway toward Climber and Crew Leader)
- Bonus potential based on performance
- Health/Vision/Dental insurance options
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and paid holidays