Arborist Climber
Bartlett Tree Experts
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
About the Role
If you enjoy working outdoors in a professional and safe environment, consider a career with Bartlett Tree Experts! At Bartlett, we value a strong culture of excellence in safety, scientific research, lifelong learning, and career development. As an Arborist Climber, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew with the primary responsibility of tree climbing and assisting Arborist Crew Leaders in performing all tree and shrub care services on residential and commercial properties.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation
- A safety-first culture and professional workplace
- Advancement opportunities - we promote from within
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- 401k retirement plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Industry credential/license pay increases - we encourage and invest in your professional development
- Company provided uniforms, PPE, gear, and equipment
- Boot reimbursement up to $150
- Access to training, continuing education programs, and a variety of resources provided by the Bartlett Tree Experts Research Laboratories in Charlotte, NC
What You'll Do
As an Arborist Climber, you will play an important role in:
- Performing ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments, as directed by the Arborist Crew Leader
- Safely performing all aspects of arboriculture, including: Tree identification, Tree risk assessments, Pruning, Removals, Cabling and bracing, Root collar excavations
- Properly maintaining and operating tools and equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts)
- Learning, understanding, and adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies
Requirements
- A passion for nature, the environment, and the outdoors
- At least one (1) year of tree climbing (DdRT or SRT) and aerial lift operation experience in the tree care industry
- Valid driver's license (Class B CDL preferred)
- Ability to work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions
The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.
What Most Tree Removal Job Listings Don't Tell You
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
Tree work does not require a state license in Texas, but the risk is high, so certification and training carry real weight. Many reputable companies want an ISA Certified Arborist on staff and require crews to train on rigging, chainsaw safety, and aerial work. Pay is hourly and climbs fast for climbers and crew leads, since skilled and safe climbers are hard to find. Storm season spikes demand and overtime.
This is one of the more dangerous trades, and new hires learn quickly that safety culture is the difference between a long career and a bad day. You work at height, run chainsaws, and manage heavy limbs with ropes and rigging. Ground crew starts by hauling brush and running the chipper before earning a spot in the tree. Houston storms, hurricanes, and fast-growing species keep the work steady. Anyone who respects the hazard, learns the ropes, and shows up reliably can build real skill and pay in this field.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
A crew starts by sizing up the job and setting a plan. You identify hazards, drop zones, and rigging points before a saw ever runs. Ground crew stages ropes and gear, runs the chipper, and keeps the work area clear. The climber or bucket operator works up the tree, making cuts in a controlled order so limbs land safely.
Removals and trims follow different rhythms. A trim shapes the canopy and clears hazards while keeping the tree healthy. A full removal takes the tree down in sections, often with rigging to lower heavy pieces past structures and lines. Stump grinding and cleanup close the job. Communication and constant awareness keep everyone safe, since a miscommunication near a running saw is dangerous. Storm calls add urgency, with crews clearing fallen trees off homes and driveways. Expect heavy physical work, real hazard, and the earned pride of taking down a large tree cleanly and safely.
What Tree Removal Jobs Pay in Houston
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (Tree Trimmers and Pruners).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $19.07/hr.
Building a Tree Care Career in Texas
Texas does not license tree workers, but this is a high-risk trade where certification carries real weight. Many reputable companies want an ISA Certified Arborist on staff and train crews on chainsaw safety, rigging, and aerial work. Pesticide application for tree health can require a Department of Agriculture license. The path is skill and safety based. You start on the ground, earn trust and training, and move into climbing, then crew leadership, where certified and safe climbers are hard to find and well paid.
Career Ladder and Pay
- 1 Ground Crew $38,750/yr
Haul brush, run the chipper, and manage ropes and the drop zone.
- 2 Climber / Bucket Operator $39,666/yr
Work aloft making controlled cuts with rigging and safety gear.
- 3 Certified Arborist $45,157/yr
Assess tree health, diagnose hazards, and guide pruning and removal.
- 4 Crew Lead / Foreman $45,157/yr
Plan jobs, manage safety, and run the crew on removals and storms.
- 5 Tree Service Owner $45,822/yr
Run a tree care company and manage crews, bids, and equipment.
Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.
About This Employer
Bartlett Tree Experts is listed in the Houston Home Services Guide directory of tree removal in Brookhollow. It holds a 4.1-star rating from 52 reviews.
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