Climbing Arborist

Schedule: Four 10-hour days, Monday–Thursday. Three-day weekends are the norm.

Location: Our days start and end at our yard in South Park, Seattle. Most of our work is in Seattle and nearby communities.

About Conservation Tree Care

Conservation Tree Care is a small, environmentally conscious tree care company based in South Seattle. We focus on thoughtful, preservation-oriented arboriculture and long-term stewardship of the urban forest.

Our work includes pruning trees of all sizes, tree planting, soil improvement, tree health care, and occasional tree removal. We work primarily in residential and commercial settings throughout the Seattle area.

We are serious about good arboriculture. We would rather tell a client that a tree does not need work than sell unnecessary pruning. We value tree biology, thoughtful pruning, habitat, continuing education, and giving experienced arborists the opportunity to exercise professional judgment.
We are looking for an experienced ISA Certified Arborist to join our field team as a climbing arborist. This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for someone who already has a strong foundation in professional tree climbing and pruning and wants to continue developing their skills while doing high-quality tree care.

Compensation and Benefits

• $35–$42/hour, depending on experience and qualifications
• Four-day workweek, Monday–Thursday, approximately 40 hours per week
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (or stipend of equivalent value)
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor employer contribution
• Two weeks paid vacation
• Seven paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• $1,000 annual training and continuing education budget
• Three additional paid training days each year
• Paid attendance at the PNW-ISA Annual Training Conference
• Climbing equipment provided by Conservation Tree Care, or a $1,500 annual gear budget for employees who prefer to use their own equipment
• ISA membership dues and certification/recertification fees
• Occasional optional Friday or weekend work, with weekends paid at double time

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Current ISA Certified Arborist credential
• Professional tree climbing and pruning experience
• Strong pruning skills and an understanding of modern arboricultural practices
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with customers and coworkers
• Driver's license and reasonable driving record; CDL is not required
• Commitment to safe work practices and compliance with the ANSI Z133 Safety Standard
• A conscientious and kind person with a genuine interest in trees and the natural world

Especially Valuable:

• Extensive experience pruning mature trees
• Strong modern climbing skills
• Experience with technical rigging and tree removal
• Experience operating medium-duty trucks and trailers
• Experience with aerial lifts and/or crane operations
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

The Position

This position works primarily as a field arborist under the direction of a crew lead. We are a small company, so we value people who communicate well, contribute their knowledge, help coworkers improve, and take ownership of doing good work.
We are not looking for the fastest production climber at the expense of tree care, safety, or coworkers. We are looking for a capable professional arborist who takes pride in good pruning, works efficiently, enjoys continuing to learn, and wants to work with other people who care about their craft. Our start date is flexible. We are willing to wait for the right person.

Please email a resume in PDF format to info@conservationtreecare.com. No cover letter is necessary. If it looks like a good fit, we'll be in touch.