Tree Climber - Experienced

NOTE: Please apply for our Grounds-to-Climber Apprenticeship role if you have not yet worked as a PROFESSIONAL TREE CLIMBER.

Pay

Starting hourly rate of between $32.00 and $36.00 or more, depending on your relevant work experience, gear, fit to the role, and fit to our company culture.

Benefits

• Full-time, year-round work at a stable company that’s 45 years old
• Paid vacation (earned/accrued as you work/accumulate hours)
• 50% contribution toward medical, dental, and optical insurance for employees
• 5 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Access to a 401(k) account immediately
• Company-issued safety equipment, gear, and clothing
• Employee referral program: $400.00 per referral who becomes an employee
• Training and development resources, plus opportunities for advancement
• Tree industry certification and license reimbursement for those who qualify

About the role

In this position, you’ll join a highly experienced team of certified professionals known for removing enormous trees using large cranes and equipment, and providing excellent customer service. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional tree Climber who seeks to lead their own crew, is comfortable working at heights most of the day, physically fit, and eager to demonstrate their knowledge to be promoted. The right person for this job will be a natural leader who enjoys directing and coaching their crew while working safely and efficiently. They will have enough climbing knowledge to lead their own team with minimal training and take pride in completing projects on budget.

About Us

Since 1980, The Professional Tree Care Company has been trusted for tree services throughout Northern California. Based in Berkeley, CA, we service commercial, residential, and public works projects from Mendocino to Monterey, and from San Francisco to Sacramento. We recycle 100% of material removed from job sites at our own Green Waste Recycle Yard, custom mill logs, and create organic mulch—and soon, electricity—from the wood chips. Our best team members are optimistic, hardworking, and dedicated to arboricultural science. Most of our managers have been with us 10+ years; many over 20.

Responsibilities

• Safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including daily climbing to heights of 10 to 150 feet using SRT, DRT, and DdRT climbing systems
• Manage a team of Grounds-people and Climber Apprentices: confirm timecards, assign daily tasks, and ensure jobs are completed on time and on budget
• Perform tree inventories and risk assessments
• Install bracing, cabling, and lightning protection systems
• Work in the tree canopy to prune, thin, and remove dead wood
• Remove dangerous and/or hazardous trees
• Ensure the health, safety, and beauty of trees through routine maintenance, insect and disease management
• Perform emergency tree services, such as removing fallen trees from driveways and structures
• Adhere to all safety rules and company safety policies
• Maintain clean and hazard-free work sites
• Serve as part of a multi-person crew, typically including a Climber/Foreman and Ground Crew
• Hit bid targets for daily job hours
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts) safely
• Operate trucks and equipment safely
• Oversee grinding of material, raking, blowing, and debris disposal
• Participate in routine safety meetings
• Assist in developing processes to increase efficiency
• Follow verbal and written instructions accurately

Requirements

• Two years of experience as a TREE CLIMBER or production Arborist
• Reliable transportation to job sites throughout the greater Bay Area
• Clean and current California Driver’s License (ABSOLUTELY CLEAN CA DL)
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Physically fit, able to lift +/-50 pounds, and work comfortably at heights for much of the workday
• Clean background check
• Proficiency with roping systems (Double or Single Rope Technique)
• Proven record of safely using chainsaws, harnesses, and ropes
• Strong communication (written and verbal), time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work an 8-hour shift without using a phone for non-work purposes (except during breaks or emergencies)

Skills

• Leadership by example
• Emotional intelligence (ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions and those of others)
• Experience operating a 30-ton crane (bonus)
• Tree certifications or coursework related to tree trimming, maintenance, and/or arboriculture (e.g., ISA, TRAQ, CPR, First Aid)
• Supervisory experience
• Class-A driver’s license in good standing (bonus)
• Ownership of a wide variety of sturdy climbing gear
• Spanish language skills or industry-specific Spanish to lead a crew (bonus)

Schedule

Full-time, year-round, Monday through Friday. Arrival time: 6:15 a.m., start time: 6:30 a.m. Work sites vary throughout Northern California.

Who Should Apply

• Experienced climbers seeking career advancement in the tree care industry
• Individuals who lead by example
• Those with tree-related certifications and licenses (e.g., ISA, TRAQ, CPR, First Aid)
• Candidates within an easy commute to Richmond, CA
• Egalitarians who thrive in a collaborative work environment