What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contract Groundworker/Apprentice Arborist position at Deadwood Climbing?
Job Overview
Love trees? Prefer an office with a view?
As Deadwood Climbing continues to grow, we're looking for a dependable independent contractor to provide additional support on an as-needed basis. This is a paid, project-based 1099 independent contractor opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to gain hands-on experience in professional arboriculture.
This is not an employee position and does not guarantee employment, a minimum number of hours, or future work. Work is offered on a project-by-project basis as our workload requires. Some weeks may have multiple jobs available, while others may have none. As we move into the fall season, workload is expected to increase.
Working alongside the owner of Deadwood Climbing, an ISA Certified Arborist, you'll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in arboriculture while assisting with professional tree care operations. Depending on your experience, ambition, and the needs of each project, you'll gain exposure to proper pruning techniques, safe rigging practices, tree removals, crane-assisted removals, plant health care (PHC), equipment maintenance, client interaction, and environmental stewardship.
This opportunity is ideal for a highly motivated individual with little to no experience who enjoys physically demanding work, wants to spend their days outdoors, and has a genuine interest in arboriculture. If you're willing to work hard, show up with a good attitude, and take pride in producing quality work, we'd love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Assist with tree care operations including pruning, planting, and preservation practices that promote healthy tree growth, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal, with a strong emphasis on proper pruning techniques.
- Assist with professional climbing, rigging, and safe tree removal operations while working alongside experienced arborists.
- Assist with job site cleanup by dragging brush, raking, loading logs and debris, feeding brush into chippers/trailers, and ensuring every property is left clean and professional upon completion.
- Assist with equipment setup, inspection, and maintenance, including chainsaws, climbing equipment, ropes, rigging gear, and other arboricultural tools.
- Help conduct job site safety inspections while following established safety procedures and industry best practices.
- Assist with plant health care (PHC) treatments and learn to identify common tree species, pests, diseases, and structural defects.
- Interact professionally with clients while representing Deadwood Climbing on every project.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
- A strong interest in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, dendrology, landscaping, or environmental stewardship.
- Previous outdoor work, landscaping, gardening, forestry, logging, or related experience is a plus, but not required.
- Ability and willingness to safely learn chainsaw operation, climbing systems, rigging equipment, and the use of arboricultural tools.
- Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a strong safety-first mindset.
- Excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine desire to learn.
- A strong work ethic and pride in producing quality work.
- Physical ability to perform demanding outdoor labor, including dragging brush, raking, lifting logs, climbing, bending, carrying equipment, and working in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
- Reliable transportation is required.
Position Information
- This is a 1099 independent contractor opportunity.
- This is not an employee position.
- Work is offered on an as-needed, project-by-project basis.
- There are no guaranteed hours, projects, or future work.
If you're passionate about trees, enjoy working outdoors, and are looking for an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience alongside an ISA Certified Arborist, we'd love to hear from you. Deadwood Climbing is committed to providing exceptional tree care while preserving the health, beauty, and safety of Utah's urban forest, and we're looking for a dependable contractor who takes pride in hard work, professionalism, and doing the job right.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Professional development assistance
- Safety equipment provided
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25