Tree Climber I

Texscape Services

📍 Houston, TX 💰 $41,600 – $47,840 / yr 🕐 Full Time 📅 Posted May 16, 2026

You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.

Job Description

SUMMARY

Climbs and trims small to medium size trees. Supports team in site clearing and chipping tree debris, and disposing of tree debris.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary function of this position is to work as a support climber for a standard tree crew while performing basic pruning functions in support of jobsite and crew efficiency. A C-1 works as part of an effective tree care team. A climber at this level assists and supports the crew and crew leader in a variety of ways.

Role Specific Responsibilities

  • Working as part of a team.
  • Climb trees to work at heights of up to 60 feet.
  • Perform tree care activities that maintain safe and healthy trees for our clients.
  • Job site set up and clean up.
  • Daily equipment inspection and maintenance.
  • Supporting other team members in tree care activities.
  • Ensuring that all operations, job sites and team members are safe.
  • Ensuring that the general public which might interact with the work area will be safe.
  • Communicating effectively with other crew members and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Demonstration of role specific skills or verifiable requisite experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as sales orders, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to customers or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Ability to perform these operations using weight measurement, volume, and distance. The comprehension levels required to make arithmetic calculations including fractions, decimals, and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY

Apply critical thinking skills to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

DATA

It is essential to make calculations or estimate weight, volume and distance related to arboricultural field operations.

COMMUNICATION

It is essential to communicate using hand signals with climbers and communicate verbally with the general public to direct them safely around the work area. It is critical to communicate effectively with the climber and crew leader to ensure safety and to perform the work within acceptable standards.

BEST PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

It is essential to follow established procedures related to roping and rigging, maintenance of equipment, adjustments to equipment, and report malfunctioning equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in the Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

Climber 1 (C-1) is the beginner level climber position. Team members at the C-1 level have basic skills and demonstrate proficiency in the following areas related to tree care:

Arboricultural work procedures - a C-1 can perform basic tree care operations such as pruning and limb removal on the ground and in small to medium sized trees (up to 60 feet in height)

Tree Access - a C-1 can access a tree safely according to company protocols after having made all the necessary inspections and assessments. A C-1 can safely and efficiently move throughout the canopy, and remove branches without causing damage or injury.

Equipment operation - a C-1 has skills in the safe operation of powered equipment such as chippers, trucks and blowers. Equipment operation- a C-1 has basic to intermediate chainsaw skills, and is proficient in both ground based and canopy based chainsaw techniques.

Tools - a C-1 can effectively use hand tools such as a hand saws, pole pruners, pole saws, rakes and shovels to perform tree care tasks.

PPE - a C-1 uses task specific Personal Protective Equipment according to industry standards and company protocols.

Jobsite Management - a C-1 is responsible for keeping their work zone safe and organized. A C-1 effectively implements plans to prevent property damage and personal injury during tree care operations. A C-1 ensures a protected work zone.

Total Rewards

At Monarch, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain top talent. Elements of our Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. Monarch also provides eligible employees with an array of additional benefits, including:

  • The opportunity to enroll in a variety of healthcare benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision plan options; flexible spending accounts; retirement savings plans; term life/ad&d; and a number of supplemental insurances
  • Company Provided Life/AD&D
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 7 Paid Holidays
  • 3 Days Paid Bereavement
  • 5 Days Paid Jury Duty
  • Employee Equity Program
  • Paid Time Off Starting at 1 week per year
  • Sick Pay in accordance with applicable state or local ordinance
  • On-Demand Pay Through A Partnership with DailyPay
  • Referral Bonuses Programs
  • Gym Membership and Mobile Carrier Discounts
  • Education Assistance
  • Best-in-Class Learning Management System
  • Career Advancement Opportunities

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as position, tenure, geographic location, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. Please note that the salary information shown below is provided in compliance with state specific laws. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations, and therefore may be different in other locations or operating divisions.

Pay range: $20.00 - $23.00

Texscape Service is an EEO and E-Verify participating employer. Texscape Service is an On Demand Daily Pay employer.

What Most Tree Removal Job Listings Don't Tell You

General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.

Tree work does not require a state license in Texas, but the risk is high, so certification and training carry real weight. Many reputable companies want an ISA Certified Arborist on staff and require crews to train on rigging, chainsaw safety, and aerial work. Pay is hourly and climbs fast for climbers and crew leads, since skilled and safe climbers are hard to find. Storm season spikes demand and overtime.

This is one of the more dangerous trades, and new hires learn quickly that safety culture is the difference between a long career and a bad day. You work at height, run chainsaws, and manage heavy limbs with ropes and rigging. Ground crew starts by hauling brush and running the chipper before earning a spot in the tree. Houston storms, hurricanes, and fast-growing species keep the work steady. Anyone who respects the hazard, learns the ropes, and shows up reliably can build real skill and pay in this field.

What to Expect Day-to-Day

General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.

A crew starts by sizing up the job and setting a plan. You identify hazards, drop zones, and rigging points before a saw ever runs. Ground crew stages ropes and gear, runs the chipper, and keeps the work area clear. The climber or bucket operator works up the tree, making cuts in a controlled order so limbs land safely.

Removals and trims follow different rhythms. A trim shapes the canopy and clears hazards while keeping the tree healthy. A full removal takes the tree down in sections, often with rigging to lower heavy pieces past structures and lines. Stump grinding and cleanup close the job. Communication and constant awareness keep everyone safe, since a miscommunication near a running saw is dangerous. Storm calls add urgency, with crews clearing fallen trees off homes and driveways. Expect heavy physical work, real hazard, and the earned pride of taking down a large tree cleanly and safely.

What Tree Removal Jobs Pay in Houston

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (Tree Trimmers and Pruners).

This posting lists $41,600 – $47,840 / yr. Around the Houston market range.
$38,480 Median $39,666 $45,822
Entry (10th)
$38,480
25th
$38,750
Median
$39,666
Experienced (90th)
$45,822

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $19.07/hr.

Building a Tree Care Career in Texas

Texas does not license tree workers, but this is a high-risk trade where certification carries real weight. Many reputable companies want an ISA Certified Arborist on staff and train crews on chainsaw safety, rigging, and aerial work. Pesticide application for tree health can require a Department of Agriculture license. The path is skill and safety based. You start on the ground, earn trust and training, and move into climbing, then crew leadership, where certified and safe climbers are hard to find and well paid.

Career Ladder and Pay

  1. 1
    Ground Crew $38,750/yr

    Haul brush, run the chipper, and manage ropes and the drop zone.

  2. 2
    Climber / Bucket Operator $39,666/yr

    Work aloft making controlled cuts with rigging and safety gear.

  3. 3
    Certified Arborist $45,157/yr

    Assess tree health, diagnose hazards, and guide pruning and removal.

  4. 4
    Crew Lead / Foreman $45,157/yr

    Plan jobs, manage safety, and run the crew on removals and storms.

  5. 5
    Tree Service Owner $45,822/yr

    Run a tree care company and manage crews, bids, and equipment.

Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.

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