Tree Worker/Climber Leader (12545, Grade 18)

Montgomery Parks is hiring a Tree Climber Leader to join the Arboriculture team in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This position helps care for trees across Montgomery County parkland by leading tree crews, performing climbing and aerial lift work, and supporting safe, efficient tree maintenance operations that keep parks accessible and safe for the community.

The Tree Climber Leader works as part of an innovative team of tree climbers and arborists, providing day-to-day leadership in the field while developing specialized skills through education, training, and on-the-job experience. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:45 PM, with occasional emergency response work in evenings or on weekends.

About the Arboriculture Program

The Arboriculture Program within the Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division performs tree maintenance and stewardship work on parkland throughout Montgomery County.

About Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, including trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Provides Leadership to Crews Performing Tree Work

• Obtain work requests, plan job assignments, and delegate tasks so work is completed safely, efficiently, and productively.
• Lead field operations, coordinate crew activities, and help resolve job site issues that affect safety, productivity, or completion timelines.
• Conduct job safety briefings in accordance with MOSH standards and verify that personnel use required personal protective equipment.
• Ensure proper tools and equipment are on site and provide input to supervisors on crew member performance.

Performs Tree Care Operations Using Specialty Equipment and Practices

• Climb trees and use aerial lift equipment to prune and remove trees in accordance with applicable ANSI standards.
• Use saddles, ropes, climbing hooks, safety lanyards, lowering devices, pulleys, chainsaws, and related specialty equipment to perform tree work safely.
• Inspect trees before work begins to identify hazards and safety concerns using industry standards.
• Remove or lower trees and limbs, including unwanted, diseased, hazardous, or dead trees, while maintaining safe work practices.

Maintains and Operates Tools, Vehicles, and Equipment

• Inspect, operate, and maintain chainsaws, chippers, hand tools, bucket trucks, aerial lifts, trailers, log trucks, pickup trucks, and related equipment.
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and report major maintenance or repair needs to fleet services.
• Drive trucks, often with trailers, to transport crew members and equipment to work sites.
• Inspect climbing and rigging equipment before use and maintain compliance with safety expectations.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Skill operating CDL vehicles, aerial lift trucks, chainsaws, chippers, hand tools, and specialty tree care equipment.
• Knowledge of tree trimming, removal, tree maintenance practices, local tree species, related diseases, and safety precautions.
• Strong communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills when working with crews, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to lead a crew, solve field problems, and interact effectively with others in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of tree maintenance and tree climbing experience.
• One (1) year of foreman or leadership experience.

Tree Worker/Climber:

1. High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
2. One (1) year of tree maintenance experience including six months of tree climbing experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 1 year.
4. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
5. Depending on area of assignment, a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, and must be in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.
6. Pass Commission medical examination.

Class/Specification: Tree Worker/Climber

Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required at time of hire. 

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing. 

Working Conditions

• Primarily works outdoors and is exposed to adverse weather conditions, noise, vibration, dust, and hazardous materials while working at considerable heights.
• Hazardous conditions may include exposure to power tools, power lines, wild animals, stinging insects, poison ivy, poison oak or sumac, and dead or dangerous trees and limbs.
• Frequently remains in a stationary position, balances and pulls while removing trees, operates vehicles, tools and equipment, ascends and descends ladders and trees, positions self to complete manual work, and moves equipment, tools and supplies weighing over 100 pounds.
• Overtime and emergency on-call time may be required.

Additional Details

• The salary range shown reflects the full earning potential for this role. Actual pay will be based on experience.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Montgomery Parks offers a flexible and competitive benefits package.
• Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:45 PM.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.