What are the responsibilities and job description for the Arborist Apprentice / Trainee Groundperson position at Sonshine Tree Care?
Love working outside? Enjoy hands-on, physical work in nature? Sonshine Tree Care is hiring — no tree experience required, we'll train you.
About the work Sonshine Tree Care isn't a strip-and-drop outfit. We do preservation-focused work — pruning, cabling, risk assessment, and treatment plans that follow ANSI A300 and ISA Best Management Practices. You'll start on the ground and learn how a real crew runs a job, with a clear path toward climbing and certification if you stick with it.
What you'll do
- Chipping, hauling, rigging assist, site cleanup
- Learn pruning fundamentals and climbing technique from the crew
- Work outside, with your hands, on a small team
What we're looking for
- Physically able to do demanding outdoor work
- Reliable — shows up on time, every time
- Willing to learn and take direction
- Valid driver's license
- Must be 18 or older
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screen
Who thrives here Landscapers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, anyone who wants fresh air and a trade instead of a desk.
Why Sonshine
- We train you — climbing, rigging, certification support
- Paid field trial day before any commitment on either side
- PTO (holidays and vacation), retirement plan, professional development support
Schedule Currently running 2 x 8-10 hour days per week, expanding to 3-4 days/week as we bring on a full-time Crew Leader — get in now and grow with us.
Apply now: sonshinetreecare.com/in/grow-your-career/
Also hiring: Climber ($25.00-$43.50/hr) and Crew Leader ($30.00-$55.00/hr) — see our full careers page for all openings.
Referral bonus: current crew members who refer a hire that stays 6 months get $250.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $22.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Opportunities for advancement
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Safety equipment provided
- Tuition reimbursement
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Landscaping: 1 year (Preferred)
- Horticulture: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- English (Required)
- Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- ISA Certified Arborist (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Silvana, WA 98287 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25 - $44