Tree Crew Leader - Apprentice Arborist

Tree Climber / Crew Leader – Full-Time

Location: Hilliard, OH

Pay Range: $32.00 – $38.00 per hour (based on experience and skills)

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 40+ hours per week

Sign-on bonus offered

Are you a skilled tree climber ready to lead a professional crew with a focus on quality, safety, and growth? A well-established, industry-leading tree care company in Central Ohio is seeking a Tree Climber / Crew Leader to join its team in Hilliard. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits, training opportunities, and a collaborative, supportive work culture.

Our company is nationally accredited and a member of leading arboriculture associations. We take pride in delivering scientifically based, environmentally responsible tree care services. Our team is guided by values of quality, reliability, safety, ethics, and education—with a strong emphasis on family culture and long-term career development.

Position Overview:

As a Crew Leader, you will be responsible for overseeing a team of arborists and ground crew members. Your role is hands-on, combining expert climbing and pruning with leadership, safety oversight, and daily team management. You'll set the tone for professionalism and performance while ensuring the highest quality standards are met on every job site.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage day-to-day operations of your assigned crew

Assign tasks and communicate clear daily objectives to team members

Ensure productivity, efficiency, and job completion timelines are met

Monitor quality standards and ensure safety compliance at every job site

Train team members in best practices, equipment use, and safety protocols

Communicate regularly with managers and sales arborists on project status and challenges

Maintain all assigned equipment, gear, and vehicles in working order

Complete all required paperwork and job documentation accurately

Represent the company professionally with clients and team members alike

Qualifications:

Minimum 1 year of experience leading a tree care or landscaping crew

3–5 years of experience in the arboriculture industry

Strong climbing and rigging skills, including aerial lift operation

Valid driver’s license (CDL a plus)

Working knowledge of tree biology, pruning standards, and plant health care

Excellent communication and customer service skills

Ability to mentor and train junior crew members

ISA Certified Arborist or willingness to become certified within 6 months of hire

What We Offer:

Competitive hourly pay: $28 – $38/hour (based on experience and skills)

Sign-on bonus

Full relocation assistance package (all expenses paid)

Year-round, full-time work (40+ hours/week)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

On-the-job training and continued education support

Opportunities for advancement within a growing company

Work Environment:

Outdoor, hands-on work environment

Physical role involving climbing, rigging, lifting, and equipment handling

Team-oriented culture focused on professionalism, safety, and learning

If you’re an experienced tree climber with leadership skills and a passion for quality tree care, we want to hear from you. Join a company where your expertise will be valued, your growth supported, and your work appreciated.

Apply today to take the next step in your arboriculture career.