High Lonesome Timber LLC
Currently Hiring: Arborist / Climber / Crew Leader
We are looking for a skilled tree care worker to join our quality and safety oriented team. We are specifically looking for someone with climbing and/or crew leading experience, but we welcome applications from candidates of all skill levels who are motivated to learn. This is a full-time field position performed at variable locations near Burnsville, NC.
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About Us
High Lonesome Timber is a small business located at the base of the Black Mountains in the Toe River Valley near Burnsville, NC. We provide high-quality tree care to Yancey and Mitchell Counties. We are a safe, professional, and conscientious company using modern methodology to keep our clients’ trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. On a larger scale, we work with the National Park Service and US Forest Service to protect and maintain the public lands that make our region so special. We are seeking self-motivated individuals with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and the ability to perform physical tasks in a team-oriented environment.
Why Work Here
- Work outdoors every day in beautiful Western North Carolina
- Competitive pay, commensurate with skills, experience, and certifications.
- Living Wage Certified employer.
- Consistent year-round employment.
- Retirement with company match after one year.
- Supportive and inclusive team environment that values skill, safety, and integrity.
- Flexible time off
- 4/10 schedule
Basic Requirements For All Field Positions
- Ability to lift heavy objects (50+ lbs) and work in physically demanding conditions.
- A strong commitment to safety and following OSHA / ANSI standards.
- Wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
- Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with diverse clients and coworkers.
- Willingness to learn and grow in the tree care industry.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions (rain, heat, cold).
- A valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Ability to reliably commute to work and show up on time.
- Ability to comply with drug and alcohol free workplace requirements
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
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Responsibilities for Ground Workers
- Assist tree climbers and arborists in pruning and removing trees safely.
- Operate and maintain ground-based equipment, including chainsaws, excavators, skid steers, brush chippers, stump grinders, etc.
- Manage the removal of tree debris, ensuring that work sites are kept clean and safe.
- Safely load and unload equipment and materials at job sites.
- Help prepare the work area by setting up safety zones and traffic control measures.
- Support team members with rigging and climbing operations as needed.
- Assist in transporting tools and materials to and from job sites, driving trucks towing trailers
- Maintain and inspect tools and equipment to ensure proper functionality.
- Provide excellent customer service by ensuring that all job sites are clean and organized at the end of each job.
Preferred Skills/Qualifications
- Previous experience in landscaping, forestry, or tree care.
- Experience with chainsaw and/or equipment operation.
- Arborist certification or an interest in pursuing certification.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Ability to identify tree species.
- Experience with ropes and rigging.
- Ability to back a trailer
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Responsibilities for Tree Climbers / Arborists
- Assist with all ground operations as needed.
- Perform aerial tree work in accordance with ANSI A300 standards.
- Climb trees without spikes for pruning according to Best Management Practices.
- Set up technical rigging.
- Work with crane operators for removals.
- Operate aerial equipment.
- Collaborate with ground crew to ensure efficient and safe worksite operations.
- Inspect and maintain climbing equipment to ensure safety.
- Inspect tree defects for safety.
Preferred Skills/Qualifications
- 1+ year of professional tree climbing experience
- Forestry degree, ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Treecare Safety Professional, or interest in pursuing certification
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Responsibilities for Equipment Operators
- Safely operate equipment (excavator, skid steer, mini skid steer, chipper, stump grinder, etc.) to facilitate successful completion of projects
- Move, load, and haul tree debris
- Minimize/repair damage to jobsites (and equipment)
- Perform daily maintenance checks and scheduled maintenance on equipment
- Transport equipment between jobsites
- Assist ground crew and climbers as needed
Preferred Skills/Qualifications
- 1+ years of experience operating construction or forestry equipment
- Mechanical knowledge of equipment operation, safety, and basic troubleshooting
- Ability to safely maneuver equipment in tight, residential, or rugged terrain
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
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Responsibilities for Crew Leaders
- Supervise and lead field crew on job sites
- Read and interpret site plans and work orders
- Ensure safe and proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective gear
- Conduct daily job briefings, tailgate safety meetings, and site hazard assessments
- Coordinate with the scheduler/operations team to ensure timely project completion
- Train and mentor new crew members in arboriculture techniques and safety standards
- Maintain equipment and report maintenance needs
- Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, team members, and supervisors
Preferred Skills/Qualifications
- 3+ years of professional tree work experience
- Forestry degree, ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Treecare Safety Professional, or interest in pursuing certification
- Strong leadership, communication, and organization skills
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How to Apply
- Please submit a resume along with references to:
- For inquiries call: 828.284.8353
- Learn more about us at: highlonesometimber.com/employment
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
