Foreman, Tree Climbing/ Climber

Tree Crew Foreman / Experienced Climber
Northern Woods Tree Service
Pay based on experience and qualifications

Job Summary

Northern Woods Tree Service is seeking an experienced climber and working foreman who leads by example—with honesty, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

You will oversee the crew and daily jobs, perform skilled tree work, communicate with customers, and coordinate with the owner, estimators, and sales team. We need someone who builds trust, brings people together, and helps every crew member do their best work.

Northern Woods is a family-owned, women-owned, second-generation tree service founded in 1977, serving Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists and an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build the team. Set clear expectations, assign responsibilities, coach crew members, and encourage cooperation. Address problems respectfully and maintain a productive, positive work environment.
• Put safety first. Conduct pre-job briefings, assess hazards, verify appropriate protective equipment, inspect climbing and rigging equipment, and establish clear communication and work zones. Stop and reassess work when conditions become unsafe.
• Perform skilled tree work. Lead climbing, pruning, rigging, and technical removals using appropriate tree-care practices. No climbing spikes on live trees being pruned.
• Take ownership of daily operations. Review work orders, plan the work with the crew, confirm equipment needs, and ensure jobs are completed with care for the customer’s property.
• Be the customer’s professional point of contact on site. Listen carefully, explain planned work clearly, answer questions within your expertise, and communicate concerns or requested changes to the office before proceeding.
• Keep everyone working together. Coordinate with the owner, estimators, and sales team about job scope, access, equipment, progress, and unexpected conditions.
• Lead with honesty and accountability. Report mistakes, damage, safety concerns, and incomplete work promptly. Follow through on commitments and expect the same from your team.
• Document the day accurately. Report each job’s completion status, reasons for unfinished work, and the hours each crew member worked at that job.
• Ensure thorough cleanup, proper equipment care, and professional conduct from arrival through departure.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of professional tree-climbing experience.
• Previous experience as a tree crew foreman or supervisor, with demonstrated ability to manage daily jobs and lead a crew.
• Strong skills in rope-and-saddle climbing, rigging, pruning, and technical removals, including work around homes and other structures.
• Experience working with tree-care equipment such as cranes, bucket trucks, chippers, and mini skids.
• Sound judgment, hazard awareness, and a consistent commitment to safe work practices.
• Clear, respectful communication with customers, crew members, and office staff.
• A dependable, honest approach and the ability to remain calm and constructive when challenges arise.
• A willingness to teach, support coworkers, and build a team that takes pride in its work.
• Ability to perform the essential physical duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. CDL preferred.
• ISA Certified Arborist certification is a plus.

To Apply

Email eblakelynwts@gmail.com or Apply through Indeed with your resume or a summary of your climbing and crew-leadership experience. Include any relevant certifications or licenses.

We’re looking for a foreman who takes pride in quality tree work—and in the people who make it happen.

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35 - $45