Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Arborist Climber

💰 $ - $

ArboricultureTree CareLandscapingForestry

🎯 Role Definition

An Arborist Climber (Tree Climber) is a skilled tree care professional responsible for safely accessing and working in trees to perform pruning, removals, rigging, and emergency response. The position emphasizes advanced rope and harness techniques, chainsaw operations at height, rigging and lowering of large sections, hazard and health assessment of trees, and adherence to industry safety standards (ANSI/ISA/OSHA). The Arborist Climber works closely with ground crew, equipment operators, and supervisors to deliver high-quality tree care services for residential, commercial, and municipal clients.

This role requires physical fitness, technical climbing and rigging expertise, strong situational awareness, and commitment to continuous learning and safety. Ideal candidates hold relevant certifications (e.g., ISA, First Aid/CPR, aerial lift operation, commercial pesticide applicator) and have hands-on experience in a professional tree care environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Groundsworker / Laborer with tree care experience
  • Landscape technician or grounds maintenance worker
  • Apprentice tree climber or entry-level arborist assistant

Advancement To:

  • Lead Arborist Climber / Crew Leader
  • Certified Arborist / ISA Credentialed Arborist
  • Tree Care Supervisor or Foreman
  • Plant Health Care (PHC) Specialist or ISA Arborist Representative

Lateral Moves:

  • Bucket Truck Operator / Aerial Lift Technician
  • Stump Grinding and Equipment Specialist
  • Urban Forestry Technician or Municipal Tree Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform safe and efficient tree climbing using rope, harnesses, and personal protective equipment to access tree crowns for pruning, deadwooding, crown reduction, and selective limb removal in accordance with ISA/ANSI standards.
  • Execute complex tree removal operations by rigging, lowering, and dismantling large sections of trees using mechanical advantage systems, lowering devices, slings, and tag lines while protecting property and personnel.
  • Operate chainsaws, pole saws, and hand tools at height to section and remove limbs and trunks; consistently follow manufacturer guidelines, cutting techniques, and company operating procedures to minimize risk.
  • Conduct on-site tree risk assessments and visual inspections to identify structural defects, decay, pests, disease, root issues, and overhead utility conflicts; communicate findings and safe action plans to supervisors and clients.
  • Utilize advanced aerial rescue and self-rescue techniques when required, participate in rescue drills, and maintain proficiency in emergency procedures to ensure crew safety during high-angle operations.
  • Set up and use rigging hardware such as blocks, mechanical advantage systems, friction savers, anchor slings, and carabiners to control direction and speed of lowered loads; inspect and log rigging gear before and after use.
  • Collaborate with ground crew to plan cut sequences, establish drop zones, secure work areas, and coordinate crane or bucket truck support when needed for complex removals and hazardous trees.
  • Operate bucket trucks, aerial lifts, chippers, stump grinders, and other ground equipment safely and according to training and licensing requirements; assist in vehicle and equipment setup and stabilization on site.
  • Install cabling, bracing, and support systems in trees to mitigate failure risk, improve structural integrity, and extend tree lifespan; follow manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices for hardware placement and tensioning.
  • Apply pruning standards for crown cleaning, thinning, reduction, restoration, and training to encourage tree health, structure, and longevity while maintaining aesthetic and species-appropriate considerations.
  • Perform root collar excavations, root pruning, and minor root care under guidance of supervisors or ISA-certified staff to assess root health and support tree preservation efforts.
  • Identify common tree pests and diseases; implement non-chemical integrated pest management strategies and prepare sites for treatment or referral to licensed applicators as appropriate.
  • Perform stump grinding and removal tasks, including site cleanup, grinding to specified depth, and restoring ground surface; operate stump grinders safely and manage debris removal.
  • Maintain accurate job-site documentation including daily safety logs, job reports, time sheets, incident reports, and materials used; document final work for client records and invoicing.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with clients on-site to explain recommended work, safety considerations, timelines, and post-service care instructions; contribute to customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Ensure consistent compliance with OSHA, ANSI Z133, company safety policies, and local regulations while maintaining a proactive approach to hazard recognition and mitigation.
  • Participate in pre-job planning and tailgate safety talks to review job-specific hazards, emergency access, equipment needs, and rescue plans; ensure understanding across the crew before work begins.
  • Perform routine maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and basic repair of climbing gear, chainsaws, rigging equipment, and PPE; escalate larger maintenance and repairs to the shop or supervisor.
  • Respond to storm and emergency calls for hazardous tree removal and public safety incidents; work extended hours and in adverse weather conditions as required during emergency response operations.
  • Mentor and train apprentices and less-experienced climbers on safe climbing techniques, cutting procedures, rigging setups, and company safety culture; provide on-the-job coaching and feedback.
  • Load, secure, and organize materials, wood, and debris on trucks and trailers; ensure safe transport and adherence to weight limits and municipal disposal guidelines.
  • Follow environmental protection practices such as erosion control, avoiding root disturbance in critical zones, and preventing hazardous material exposure during chemicals or fuel handling.
  • Support crew leaders in job estimating by providing input on access, equipment requirements, manpower needs, and anticipated time to complete complex climbs and removals.
  • Maintain situational awareness of power lines, traffic, and public spaces; coordinate with utility companies and traffic control personnel when working near energized equipment or public roadways.
  • Use mobile devices or tablets to access work orders, site maps, and digital checklists; upload completed work photos and documentation for office processing and client records.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in regular safety meetings, certifications, and professional development; maintain required licenses and qualifications such as ISA, pesticide applicator, or aerial lift certification.
  • Assist with equipment inventory, ordering of climbing and safety gear, and organization of the shop or truck stock to ensure readiness for daily operations.
  • Support pre-construction site assessments for bids and proposals by providing climbing-based insight into access, rigging anchors, and crew requirements.
  • Help coordinate logistics for larger jobs including crane positioning, utility notifications, traffic control, and permit acquisition.
  • Contribute to marketing initiatives by providing high-quality before-and-after photos, client testimonials, and demonstrating professional conduct on client properties.
  • Assist in training programs for new hires including orientation to company policies, emergency protocols, and hands-on skills progression.
  • Support the tree planting and transplanting team during off-peak seasons by preparing planting sites, installing stakes, and adjusting root balls as required.
  • Participate in community outreach programs, municipal inventories, and volunteer tree care events to promote company presence and urban forestry health.
  • Provide input to supervisors on equipment upgrades, process improvements, and safety tool investments based on field experience.
  • Help maintain job-site cleanliness, drainage paths, and erosion prevention measures once tree work is complete.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced rope access and tree climbing techniques (single rope technique [SRT] and double rope technique [DRT]).
  • Chainsaw operation and maintenance for elevated work, including safe cutting techniques and kickback prevention.
  • Rigging, lowering, and mechanical advantage systems setup (blocks, friction devices, pick-off systems).
  • Aerial lift / bucket truck operation and safe deployment (cherry picker operation and fall protection).
  • Tree risk assessment, tree defect identification, and basic diagnosis of pests and diseases.
  • Installation of cabling and bracing systems, and use of tree support hardware.
  • Stump grinding operation and stump removal best practices.
  • Safe use and inspection of PPE, climbing hardware, carabiners, slings, and anchors.
  • Knowledge of ANSI Z133, OSHA standards, and local tree care regulations and permit requirements.
  • Familiarity with plant health care practices, integrated pest management (IPM), and pesticide application protocols (and licensing when required).
  • Basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting for chainsaws, chippers, grinders, and hydraulic systems.
  • Emergency and aerial rescue skills, first aid and CPR certification capability.
  • Ability to read site plans, job specifications, and use mobile devices for job documentation and mapping.

Soft Skills

  • Strong commitment to safety culture and proactive hazard recognition.
  • Clear verbal communication with crew members and clients; professional customer service.
  • Teamwork and collaboration in high-risk, coordinated operations.
  • Physical stamina, manual dexterity, and comfort working at heights.
  • Problem-solving and sound judgment under pressure.
  • Attention to detail for precision cuts, rigging setups, and record-keeping.
  • Time management and ability to prioritize tasks on multi-stage jobs.
  • Leadership and mentoring capability for training apprentices and coordinating small crews.
  • Adaptability to changing weather, site conditions, and client needs.
  • Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or diploma in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, or Landscape Technology.
  • ISA Certified Arborist credential or progression toward ISA certification.
  • Formal training in chainsaw safety, aerial lift operation, and rope rescue.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Arboriculture
  • Forestry
  • Horticulture
  • Landscape Management
  • Urban Forestry
  • Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–7 years of progressive hands-on experience in professional tree climbing, rigging, and removal operations.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years as a professional Arborist Climber or experienced tree care technician with documented large tree removals, complex rigging experience, and certifications (ISA, First Aid/CPR, aerial lift).
  • Experience responding to storm damage and emergency tree work.
  • Demonstrated history of following safety protocols and contributing to low-incident job records.
Explore More Careers