Arborist / Climber Level 2 & 3
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: March 1, 2025 Compensation: $27.50 - $35/hour
About Us: ARBORPOLITAN is a full-service arboriculture firm specializing in tree services, garden maintenance, and holistic plant health care. We promote a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and continuous learning. Learn more about us at arborpolitan.com.
Type: Full-Time
Location: Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY
Compensation Range: $27.50 - $35 hourly pay based on qualifications and experience
Benefits & Perks:
- Competitive compensation
- Opportunities for training, certification, and advancement
- Supportive team environment
- Healthcare benefits
- Employer-match retirement program
- Paid time off for vacation and holidays
- Education and gear allowance
- Monthly stipend (for use toward cell phone bill, transportation, etc.)
Hours:
- Monday - Friday, typically 7:15am/7:30am to 4pm
- Occasional overtime and weekend work
- Overtime and weekends fairly compensated
The Role: We’re seeking an experienced climbing arborist to join our team. A crucial part of our Tree Care division, the Climber role is all about teamwork and exemplifying the ANSI standards to deliver quality tree care safely, smoothly, and efficiently. This role is passionate about specializing in the care of trees, woody shrubs, and vines through pruning, training, planting, maintenance and removals.
Climber Level 2 is perfect for those intermediate climbers with several years of arboriculture experience; this is an assistant climber role on a path to becoming a lead climber. Level 3 is ideal for seasoned climbers who can lead job sites and mentor ground crews and other climbers.
Responsibilities/Duties
General Responsibilities (Level 2 & 3):
- Serve as both climber and ground crew depending on job site needs
- Operate tree care equipment, including chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and other tools
- Operate and park vehicles such as trucks with chipper attachments and vans
- Collaborate on planning site setups and jobs; support job site and work zone setup
- Communicate clearly with ground crew and workers aloft
- Perform rigging and knot tying
- Make pruning decisions with a focus on tree biology
- Assist with cleanup at job sites and the yard, clearing debris, and maintaining a tidy workspace
- Handle stump grinding operations
- Conduct routine equipment maintenance
- Liaise with clients
- Maintain daily records
Level 2 Responsibilities:
- Learn and adhere to ANSI A300 Standards for tree care practices
- Assist with planning climbs, rigs, and setups under the guidance of senior team members
- Collaborate with the team to ensure safe and efficient execution of tree care tasks
Level 3 Responsibilities:
- Take on foreperson responsibilities, overseeing the execution of various job types
- Supervise crew safety and ensure employees follow all safety protocols on the job site
- Develop comprehensive plans for climbs, rigs, and setups, and communicate these plans effectively to the team
- Uphold ANSI A300 Standards and assist in teaching them to less experienced team members
- Instruct crews on the proper operation, maintenance, and safety of equipment, including trucks, chippers, lowering devices, and chainsaws
- Coach Level 1 and Level 2 climbers and ground crew in technical skills and safety practices
Qualifications/Requirements
General Qualifications (Level 2 & 3):
- 3+ years experience in arboriculture, including previous climbing experience
- Valid driver’s license required; truck-driving experience in NYC a plus
- Ability to lift 40 lbs or more and sustain full days of physically active labor outdoors in all weather conditions
- Familiarity with hand signals and common phrases used in tree work
- Knowledge of tree biology, pruning techniques, and A300 standards
- Familiar with ANSI Z133.1 guidelines and PPE protocols, including chipper safety, stump grinding, and chainsaw use
- Experience with equipment maintenance, incl. basic chainsaw repair
- First Aid/CPR certification preferred
- Strong time management and punctuality
- Collaborative team player, clear communicator, and proactive problem solver with ability to work well independently
- Passion for ethical, safe tree care
Level 2 Qualifications:
- ISA Certification a plus
- Working knowledge of proper pruning techniques and tree hazard identification
- Basic understanding of tree physics, pruning biology, and safe job site setup
- Prior experience with rigging and knots (one and two rope techniques, knots, port-a-wraps, drop zone safety, etc.)
Level 3 Qualifications:
- ISA Certification required
- Foreperson/management-level leadership experience, including leading diverse job types such as pruning, removals, and cabling
- Advanced understanding of forces, balance, rigging, and mechanical advantage
- Proficiency in aerial rescue techniques
- Skilled in teaching and mentoring team members in knots, job site setup, tree physics, and biological effects of pruning
- Capable of planning climbs, rigging setups, and hazard assessments
Additional Information
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are committed to building a diverse workforce and provide equal employment opportunities to all. All applicants will be considered based on merit and qualifications. We encourage applications from members of groups historically underrepresented in the field of arboriculture, including but not limited to BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Arborpolitan makes reasonable accommodations when requested for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in our application process or perform essential job duties, please reach out to Sandy at sandy@arborpolitan.com.
Hiring Process:
We’re looking to fill this position by March 1st, or as soon as possible. We advance qualified candidates to a phone interview, onsite interview, reference check, and paid trial day before a decision is made.
To Apply: Please email your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to sandy@arborpolitan.com with the subject line CLIMBER LEVEL 2 or CLIMBER LEVEL 3.
Contact Information
Arborpolitan Tree & Garden Care
Contact Name: Sandy
Email: sandy@arborpolitan.com