Job Detail

Lead Climbing Arborist & Equipment Operator

Location: Ely, MN
Salary: 65k-100k Annually

Lead Climbing Arborist & Equipment Operator

Dutchman Tree Service | Ely, Minnesota
Full-Time | $5000 Sign-On Bonus | Wages Base on Experience & Quals ($25-$45)

Dutchman Tree Service LLC is looking for a top-tier climbing arborist with a strong equipment background to join our wildfire mitigation and tree care team in Ely, MN. This is a leadership-level role with a fast-growing, mission-driven company working at the front lines of forest health, fuels reduction, and technical removals in beautiful Northern Minnesota.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform technical tree climbing for removals, pruning, and rigging operations
• Operate forestry equipment (mini-ex, faller buncher, tracked chipper, mini-loader)
• Lead field operations and direct small crews on-site
• Assist in wildfire fuels reduction planning and implementation
• Maintain safe, efficient, and professional job site standards
• Participate in financial planning, strategy, safety, and sales meetings 

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional climbing experience (sRT/dRT) 
• Proficiency with rigging, removals, and pruning in tight/confined spaces
• Strong mechanical/equipment aptitude
• Forestry/Parks degree, ISA or TCIA certifications, or wildland fire background preferred
• Military experience is a plus 
• Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred or willingness to obtain)
• ISA Certified Arborist (preferred but not required)
• DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Why Dutchman Tree Service?

At Dutchman, we do more than remove trees — we protect cabins, communities, and forests from tree damage & wildfire while creating healthier, more resilient landscapes. We combine technical arboriculture with heavy equipment and practical forestry knowledge to get real work done in challenging environments. 

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Purpose-Driven Work: You’ll be on the front lines of wildfire mitigation, and forest restoration/transformation—not just pruning and removing suburban trees. We do, on occasion, run into those urban or cabin trees that may require a crane or extensive rigging to safely remove. 
• Elite Equipment: We keep new, well-maintained machines—from tracked chippers to mini-excavators with feller buncher attachments—built for real production.
• High Standards: Our crews operate with precision, efficiency, and pride. We don’t cut corners. We raise the bar. We learn from mistakes and follow the philosophy of continual improvement (Kaizen).
• Real Growth: This isn’t just a job; it’s a leadership opportunity in a company that’s scaling fast and investing in its people. We strive to provide all the best training, tools, and skills one will need to become and improve as a true industry professional.
• Respect & Autonomy: You’ll be trusted to do your job and supported to keep getting better at it. We are not friends, but brothers and sisters, holding each other accountable to be better in all aspects of life. 

If you want to take your career further, in a place that values grit, skill, and stewardship—you’ll find a home here.

How to Apply

Send a resume or description of relevant experience to:
📧 [email protected]

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