Trimmer Trainee

Position Overview

The Davey Tree Expert Company is accepting applications for a field-based Arborist Trainee Internship beginning in Spring‑Summer 2026 in Columbus, OH. This internship allows students to grow their skills, build a future, and experience Davey’s career pathways in the green industry.

• Learn to be a tree doctor by working side‑by‑side with experienced arborists, climbers, plant‑health technicians, and landscape professionals to provide exceptional client service and maintain tree health and landscape beauty.
• Perform tree pruning, removal, cabling, bracing, and maintenance.
i>

Assist with tree and landscape installation.
• Operate equipment safely, including chainsaws, chippers, and other field tools.
• Participate in plant health care: deep root fertilization, soil care, and integrated pest & disease management.
• Gain exposure to daily operations and business components that power a successful residential tree‑care office.
• Apply client service, sales, management, and leadership fundamentals.

• Provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging work environment for students to learn, develop, and employ life and job skills.
• Hours:
  
  40–50 hours per week;
  Monday–Friday with some Saturdays.
• Salary: $20–$23 per hour.

• Studying Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Forestry, or a related discipline.
• Driver’s license required; commercial driver’s license a plus.

• Enthusiasm for proper plant care and arboriculture.
• Love of the outdoors.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to report to work regularly and punctually.
• Collaboration and communication skills.

• Interns work toward completing the CDP “C” Climber/Trimmer & Plant Health Care Career Development Booklets.
• All climbing gear, uniforms, and PPE are provided.
• Access to industry‑leading training through our Learning Management System (LMS).
• 145 years of industry experience and a culture that rewards growth and advancement.

• Winter virtual orientation to prepare for the field season.
• Regional summer intern workshops featuring one‑on‑one instruction with skills trainers and scientists.
• Monthly check‑in calls with leaders to review progress and build connections.

• Paid online learning during the school year.
• Potential to work during school breaks at select locations.

At Davey we proudly provide proven solutions for a growing world since 1880, headquartered in Columbus, OH. With over 11,000 employees, we are the 8th largest employee‑owned company in the United States. Our focus on scientific, environmental, and client‑centric solutions has earned us leadership in grounds maintenance, environmental consulting, and utility services across North America.

The Davey Tree Expert Company is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or any classification protected by law.

If requested by employee or as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

For assistance at any time, please contact 1‑877‑411‑7601 or email

Employment type:

Intern

Job type:
Full Time

Travel expectations:
Up to 25%