Climber - Arborist

Climber - Arborist

Join a company that grows people

At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees — we're building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Why you'll love it here

• Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
• Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions!
• Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
• Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!
• $600 sign on bonus for new employees with 1+ years climbing experience

Responsibilities

What you'll do as a climber/trimmer

As a trimmer at Lewis Tree Services, you'll build foundational skills in utility vegetation management and provide support for tree trimming and line clearing operations serving utility companies and other clients.

• Ground-level and aloft tree pruning, felling, and vegetation removal to maintain clearance around power lines and equipment (includes climbing or aerial lift work under supervision and proper training).
• Operate chainsaws, chippers, and similar equipment; use handlines to lower limbs and equipment; fell and rig trees.
• Assist with job site set up, maintenance, rigging, traffic control, and general job site cleanup.
• Support job site safety by spotting, assisting climbers, and communicating hazards.
• Apply herbicides in accordance with company and legal guidelines.
• Drive and operate trucks and specialized equipment (certification required).
• Participate in job briefings and follow safety protocols.
• Travel as needed for work, including potential overnight stays.

Qualifications

What you bring

• At least 12 months' experience working on tree crews as a climber/trimmer trainee.
• Basic knowledge of tree species and arboriculture pruning techniques.
• Ability to perform work at heights and use climbing gear or aerial lifts.
• Trimmer technical knowledge and skills certification (or ability to complete).
• Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical certification as required.
• CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
• Acquire and keep the required training and licenses for the safe and proper use of herbicides.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and situational awareness skills.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations

Physical demands

Ability to:

• Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher
• Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain
• Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity)
• Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively
• Operate two-handed tools and equipment
• Progress skill in tree ascent and descent
• Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather conditions

Continuously – standing, walking, handling/grasping, repetitive movements.

Frequently - lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, stooping/kneeling, reaching/tree ascending-descending.

Occasionally – driving/climbing (stairs/ladders)

Rarely – sitting/operating

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental conditions:

Continuously - outdoor work

Occasionally - noise levels

Frequently - extreme temperatures

Rarely - contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never - confined spaces

Comments: You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns. Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & equipment

• Equipment may include:
• Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs
• Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers
• Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes
• Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes
• Sprayers, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs
• Tablets and communication devices

What we offer

Non-union benefits:

• Competitive pay ($24-26/hour)
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Paid training and industry certifications
• Health, dental, vision & HSA options
• 401(k)+
• Paid time off and employee assistance program (EAP)

Our people promise

Our commitment to our people is key to the success of our business. We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated. We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued.

Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service's practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.