Arborist Trainee Internship | Chesterfield, MI

Davey Tree Expert•Chesterfield, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Davey Tree Expert Company is hiring a field-based Arborist Trainee Intern in Chesterfield, Michigan, with work beginning in Spring–Summer 2027. Interns work alongside experienced Arborists, Climbers, Plant Health Care technicians, and landscape professionals to provide client service and care for trees and landscapes. The internship introduces students to career opportunities in the green industry through hands-on field experience and exposure to residential tree-care operations. Interns learn tree pruning, removal, cabling, bracing, and maintenance; tree and landscape installation; safe operation of field equipment; and plant health care, including deep-root fertilization, soil care, and integrated pest and disease management. They are also introduced to client service, sales, management, leadership, and the business operations of a residential tree-care office. The internship is on site, pays $22–$23 per hour, and is scheduled for 40–50 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with some Saturdays. Travel expectations are up to 25%. Davey provides climbing gear, uniforms, and personal protective equipment, along with hands-on training, safety instruction, intern workshops, check-ins, and learning opportunities during the school year.

Requirements

Currently studying Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Forestry, or a related discipline.
Driver’s license required.
Enthusiasm for proper plant care and arboriculture.
Love of the outdoors.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Ability to report to work regularly and punctually.
Collaboration and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Commercial driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Work in the field alongside experienced Arborists, Climbers, Plant Health Care technicians, and landscape professionals.
Perform or learn tree pruning, removal, cabling, bracing, and maintenance.
Perform or learn tree and landscape installation.
Operate chainsaws, chippers, and other field tools safely.
Learn plant health care practices, including deep-root fertilization, soil care, and integrated pest and disease management.
Develop knowledge of client service, sales, management, and leadership fundamentals.
Gain exposure to the daily operations and business components of a residential tree-care office.
Attend regional summer intern workshops, monthly check-in calls, and winter virtual orientation as applicable.

Benefits

Career development and advancement opportunities.
Hands-on training and safety commitment.
Climbing gear, uniforms, and personal protective equipment provided.
Access to industry-leading training through the Learning Management System.
Winter virtual orientation to prepare for the field season.
Regional summer intern workshops with instruction from Skills Trainers and Scientists.
Monthly check-in calls with Davey leaders.
Year-round growth opportunities.
Paid online learning during the school year.
Potential to work during school breaks at select locations.