Apprentice Tree Climber

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

13d•$16 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity , Respect, Professionalism , and Customer Service , and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces Growth is the name of the game for our next Apprentice Tree Climber, and we are looking for someone ready to branch out into a rewarding forestry career. You will join a dedicated team maintaining the city’s canopy through pruning, planting, and essential ground operations. This role suits individuals who enjoy fresh air and don’t mind a workplace that occasionally requires a literal leap of faith. Candidates need 1,000 hours of recognized tree-trimmer training and a strong commitment to safety protocols. We value hard workers who can handle 24-hour emergency responses while keeping a professional attitude toward our citizens. Your office will have the best views in town as you help our local environment thrive one limb at a time. The deadline to submit applications is April 26, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine that we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. The hiring range for this role is $15.58 - $19.47/hour. Salary to be commensurate with experience. This is classified as VHBE (Variable Hour Benefit Eligible), where the selected candidate can work up to 40 hours per week.  The selected candidate will be eligible to elect Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, accrue paid time off, and receive 11 paid holidays. Position overview:

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
At least 1000 hours of training in a recognized a US Department of Labor Tree Trimmer Apprenticeship.
Hazards and safety practices common to tree maintenance operations.
Principles and techniques of job site safety and maintaining a safe work space
Follows the standard operating procedures of a safety sensitive work environment
Operates chipper
Courteously drives CDL city vehicles
Operates chainsaws and other hand tools
Maintains a safe work environment
Team player. Can coordinate activities with other crew members.
Ability to work in unpleasant and sometimes hazardous weather conditions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Able to learn technical material quickly and apply lessons consistently
Ability to learn skills and do tasks that require physical endurance
Valid driver’s license with clean driving history
Class B Colorado Commercial Driver's License.
CPR and First Aid certification
TCIA Chipper Operator Specialist
TCIA Ground Operations Specialist
Core 4 Training

Nice To Haves

One year of manual labor experience in the green industries
And/or college level education in horticulture, natural resources, aboriculture, forestry, or related field

Responsibilities

Follows directives of technicians and lead worker on daily assignments
Prunes, grinds stumps, plants, and waters trees under supervision
Operates machinery needed in ground operations for tree maintenance
Educates and explains forestry standards of street tree maintenance to citizens
Serves as crew leader on volunteer work projects
Maintains equipment for daily use
Performs 24 hour emergency storm response and snow removal duties in coordination with other departments
Maintains a safe working environment
Performs additional duties as assigned