Tree Crew Leader/ Climber

Arbor Masters•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

Arbor Masters is seeking a Tree Crew Leader/Climber to perform tree pruning and removals and help lead a two-person crew. The role combines climbing and tree-care work with crew leadership, equipment operation and maintenance, job-site safety, and customer communication. The posting also refers to the role as a Secondary Climbing Arborist and Tree Climber. Compensation is $70,000–$90,000 per year, with the opportunity for quarterly bonuses. Arbor Masters is a third-generation, family-owned tree service and plant care business that emphasizes safety, excellence, and a culturally inclusive workplace. The company describes the position as a career path and says it provides experience and training to support employee growth and advancement.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have a valid driver’s license and possess a Class C driver’s license.
Minimum of 3 years of climbing experience and/or 2 years of documented foreman experience.
Advanced knowledge of proper tree pruning and removal techniques.
Skilled in cabling and bracing techniques and knowledgeable about knots used in roping and technical rigging.
Experience with technical rigging for trimming and large removals.
ISA Certified Arborist certification or be in the process of obtaining it.
Ability to complete labor-intensive outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.
Ability to navigate uneven terrain; stand, walk, bend, crouch, and reach; regularly lift more than 50 pounds; and work effectively at heights above 10 feet.
Must be a team player with a positive attitude and able to lead, train, and motivate team members.

Nice To Haves

CDL Class A or Class B license with airbrake endorsement (preferred but not required).
Experience operating bucket or claw trucks.

Responsibilities

Lead, motivate, guide, and train crew members while helping meet daily production goals.
Lead a two-person pruning crew and supervise tree pruning and removal projects.
Operate heavy, hand, and power equipment, including bucket and claw trucks, chippers, stump grinders, aerial lifts, chainsaws, saws, and pole pruners.
Perform basic felling and rigging, aerial rigging over obstacles, and supplemental cabling and bracing work.
Repair, sharpen, maintain, inspect, clean, and prepare tools and equipment, including checking fuel and fluids.
Ensure required tools, supplies, and materials are loaded, maintained, and accounted for.
Review work with customers, complete paperwork, conduct post-job walkthroughs, and collect payment upon completion.
Conduct job briefings, assign crew tasks, and help set up work zones.
Communicate and reinforce industry safety standards and company policies, and use appropriate safety PPE.
Assess tree risks and job sites; communicate with homeowners about services and conduct pre- and post-job walkthroughs.
Communicate verbally and visually with crew members.
Assist with debris cleanup at job completion.
Complete OSHA and AMTL accident and incident reports when necessary.

Benefits

Medical plan effective 60 days after start date.
Dental plan.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match up to 4%/2%, as stated in the posting.
Short-term disability.
Long-term disability, 100% company paid.
$25,000 AD&D insurance, 100% company paid.
Employee Assistance Program, 100% company paid.
Six paid holidays.
Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and bereavement.
Professional certification and registration renewals.
Professional development training.
Opportunity for quarterly bonuses.