Join Our Team!
We're serious about the work we do but don't take ourselves too seriously.
We currently have openings for a variety of positions at Independent Tree. Located in Newbury, Ohio, we serve clients across northeast Ohio and the eastern Cleveland area.
We offer a competitive compensation package for full-time employees including medical plans with employer contribution, 401K, and paid vacation/sick/holidays.
Click on the job title(s) below to learn more about our open positions.
To apply for a job with Independent Tree, please complete the Employment Application form below.
Job Descriptions
Ground Crew Member
If you like working outdoors, don't mind getting your hands dirty, and want to learn a skilled trade with real career potential, this could be the right fit. Ground crew members are the backbone of every job we do – and at Independent Tree, that means working alongside ISA Certified Arborists and experienced climbers on properties across Northeast Ohio.
No experience in tree care? No problem. We'll teach you everything you need to know.
Responsibilities
- Assist climbing and aerial crews with ground-level support during tree pruning, removal, and other tree care operations
- Operate handheld tools including chainsaws, pole saws, and hand tools safely and effectively
- Feed brush into the chipper and manage debris cleanup at job sites
- Move and load logs, brush, and debris for disposal or hauling
- Set up and maintain a safe work zone on residential and commercial properties
- Operate and maintain equipment such as chippers, stump grinders, and blowers (as trained)
- Follow all ANSI safety standards, company policies, and crew leader instructions
- Communicate clearly with crew members and represent Independent Tree professionally in front of clients
Requirements
- Willingness to learn and work hard – a great attitude goes a long way here
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds or more
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Valid driver's license in good standing
- Reliable transportation to our Newbury, OH location
Not Required, but a Plus
- Any prior experience in landscaping,tree care, construction, or outdoor labor
- Familiarity with chainsaw operation or chipper equipment
- ISA Arborist certification
- CDL License
Equipment Operator
Independent Tree runs a well-maintained fleet of specialized equipment – and we need skilled operators who take pride in running it right. As an Equipment Operator, you'll play a critical role in the efficiency and safety of every job, moving equipment, preparing job sites, and keeping operations running smoothly across our service area in Eastern Cuyahoga, Geauga, Portage, and Lake Counties.
Responsibilities
- Operate heavy equipment including but not limited to: bucket trucks, log trucks, chippers, skid steers, and stump grinders
- Transport equipment and crew between job sites safely and in compliance with all applicable regulations
- Perform pre- and post-operation inspections on all assigned equipment
- Identify and report mechanical issues, wear, or damage to the appropriate supervisor
- Set up and manage equipment staging at residential and commercial job sites
- Work closely with crew leaders and climbers to coordinate equipment use during operations
- Follow all ANSI standards, OSHA regulations, and company safety policies
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-functioning piece of equipment at all times
Requirements
- Experience operating commercial or heavy equipment (tree care, construction, landscaping, or similar industry preferred)
- Valid driver's license in good standing
- Strong mechanical awareness and attention to safety
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds or more
- Reliable and punctual – crews depend on you
Not Required, but a Plus
- Experience in tree care, land clearing, or utility line clearance
- Familiarity with ANSI Z133 safety standards
- ISA Arborist certification
- CDL License
Crane Operator — CDL Required
Independent Tree uses a crane to tackle some of the most complex and demanding tree removals in – jobs that require precision, nerves of steel, and an operator who really knows their equipment. If you're a licensed, experienced crane operator who takes safety seriously and wants to do work that actually matters, we'd love to talk.
Responsibilities
- Operate a hydraulic crane during tree removal operations, working in close coordination with the ground crew and lead climber
- Execute precise lifts in tight residential and commercial spaces, often near structures, utilities, and landscaping
- Conduct thorough pre-operation inspections and complete required operator checklists before every lift
- Assess site conditions, overhead clearances, and load weights in advance of each operation
- Set up and stabilize the crane correctly on varied terrain and surfaces, including residential driveways and lawns
- Communicate clearly with the crew lead and ground crew throughout every lift via radio or hand signals
- Transport the crane to and from job sites in compliance with all state and federal regulations (CDL required)
- Adhere to all OSHA, ANSI, and company safety standards without exception
- Maintain thorough and accurate operation and maintenance records
Requirements
- Valid CDL (Class A or B) – required
- Verified crane operator experience; certification preferred (NCCCO or equivalent)
- Strong working knowledge of crane load charts, rigging, and lift planning
- Excellent spatial reasoning and calm decision-making under pressure
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Valid driver's license in good standing
- Clean driving record
Not Required, but a Plus
- Prior experience in tree care, land clearing, or utility work
- NCCCO Certification (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators)
- Familiarity with ANSI Z133 safety standards for arboricultural operations
- ISA Certified Arborist
Crew Leader
At Independent Tree, Crew Leaders don't just oversee – they do. You'll be on the tools alongside your team every day while also taking ownership of how each job runs: the safety, the quality, the customer experience, and the efficiency. It's a role that demands both skill and leadership, and we take both seriously.
If you're an experienced tree care professional who's ready to take the next step, this is your opportunity.
Responsibilities
- Lead a crew of 2–4 team members on daily tree pruning, removal, cabling, and plant health care support operations
- Perform hands-on climbing, equipment operation, and ground work alongside your crew as needed
- Review job specifications, scope of work, and site conditions before each job begins
- Assign tasks, direct crew activity, and ensure all work is completed to ANSI A300 standards and company quality expectations
- Enforce all ANSI Z133, OSHA, and Independent Tree safety protocols without exception – safety is never negotiable
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on the job site; maintain a courteous, professional presence at all times
- Conduct toolbox talks and daily safety briefings with crew members
- Inspect and maintain equipment, vehicles, and tools; report issues promptly
- Communicate job status, changes, and issues clearly to the estimating and operations teams
- Mentor and support the development of ground crew and climbing staff
Requirements
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in tree care or arboriculture
- Demonstrated climbing proficiency and hands-on tree work experience
- Strong working knowledge of ANSI A300 and Z133 standards
- Proven ability to lead and motivate a small crew in a physically demanding environment
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- Valid driver's license in good standing
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Not Required, but a Plus
- ISA Certified Arborist credential
- ISA Certified Tree Worker / Climber Specialist
- Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP)
- Prior supervisory or foreman experience in tree care
Office Administrator / Sales & Customer Support
Independent Tree has built a reputation for personal, professional service across Northeast Ohio – and our office is where that reputation starts. As our Office Administrator, you'll be the hub that keeps everything moving: supporting our arborists and crew, helping customers get the answers they need, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
This is a broad administrative role suited to someone who is organized, adaptable, and genuinely enjoys helping people.
Responsibilities
- Answer incoming calls and emails from current and prospective clients; provide professional, helpful responses in keeping with the Independent Tree brand
- Schedule estimates, jobs, and follow-up appointments for the sales and operations teams
- Coordinate and maintain the daily and weekly crew and job schedules
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the company's CRM and scheduling software
- Assist with preparing proposals, job documentation, and client communications
- Support the estimating team with data entry, proposal formatting, and follow-up coordination
- Order and track office supplies, uniforms, and other operational materials as needed
- Handle a wide variety of administrative tasks to support ownership and field operations
Requirements
- Proven experience in an administrative, office management, or customer-facing support role
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities without letting things slip
- Professional, friendly phone and email presence
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
Not Required, but a Plus
- Experience in a home services, landscaping, or field services business
- Familiarity with scheduling or CRM software (e.g., Jobber, ServiceTitan, or similar)
- Basic bookkeeping or QuickBooks experience
Plant Health Care Technician
Independent Tree PHC (Plant Health Care) Technicians work with the latest technology and information in treating our customers’ plant health care problems. As a PHC Technician, you will evaluate, monitor and treat for insect and disease conditions as well as soil conditions. You will work closely with Arborists, providing critical feedback and recommending the appropriate treatments to plant health care problems. We work hard at making sure our PHC Technicians are the best in the business, from getting the right people, to continually providing them with the resources, tools, and education they need to remain leaders in the industry.
Responsibilities
- Diagnose insect, disease, and cultural/environmental conditions.
- Evaluate and recommend treatment options.
- Ensure proper filling/mixing procedures and material dilution are followed.
- Understand and operate state-of-the-art equipment.
- Learn/understand insect & disease life cycles, plant biology, and soil biology.
- Perform accurate and timely record-keeping.
- Maintain a safe and controlled work environment.
- Adhere to company safety, state and local regulations.
- Operate, calibrate and maintain equipment.
- Maintain open communication with Arborists and clients to provide feedback on plant health care issues.
- Interact with clients & the public in a professional manner
Requirements
- Training Provided
- Two/four-year degree in arboriculture, Forestry/Urban Forestry horticulture (or related field) a plus
- Certified applicators license a plus where applicable
- Enthusiastic about what you do and the ability to work seasonally in a variety of weather conditions.
- Knowledge of local trees & shrubs and knowledge of growth rates, insects & diseases.
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
- Valid driver’s license in good standing
Climbing Arborist
Come join an innovative and growing firm with opportunity for training and advancement.
Our team members enjoy an excellent working environment and are truly valued and appreciated; we work hard to find great people and keep motivated, hardworking individuals.
If you like the outdoors, love nature & challenging yourself, you may be an ideal candidate. No experience needed to apply—just a positive attitude, propensity for learning, and willingness to work hard.
Responsibilities
- Perform all required ground, climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments
- Learn to climb trees!
- Learn what it means to be a team member of a tree crew while progressively learning new skills
- Learn to perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully Including but not limited to:
- Tree identification
- Tree pruning to industry standards
- Installing cabling & bracing systems
- Tree planting & care
- Tree Removal
- Properly maintain and operate all tools and equipment including hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and more
- Climb to new heights!
Requirements
- Willingness & drive to learn
- Work well & safely with others in a team environment
- Strive for exceptional customer service
- Demonstrates the ability to follow directions and pay close attention to detail
- Ability to work outside in all kinds of weather
- Ability to lift or carry 50 pounds or more
- Valid Driver’s License
Not Required, but a Plus
- Background or education in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscaping, or working at heights
- Class A or B CDL
- Relevant pesticide and related licenses and certificates
Sales Arborist
Are you an experienced Arborist, love trees, enjoy working with people, and desire limitless potential?
Independent Tree is looking for an individual who is passionate about the environment and the field of arboriculture to join our growing team. The role of a sales arborist requires meeting potential and existing clients at their properties to assess and define their tree service needs and develop relationships. The applicant must be proficient at identifying different plants and shrubs, indicators of insect or disease-related issues, and other health and structure related issues that affect plants. In addition, a strong applicant will be capable of prescribing the appropriate course of action as well as accurately estimating the associated time and cost of treatments/services.
Above all, the applicant must have outstanding communication and customer service skills. The ideal candidate will have a passion for quality work in accordance with ANSI Standards, excellent organizational abilities, and strong attention to detail. This person must work well under pressure and be able to manage several priorities in a day; must be adaptable, creative, and self-motivated
Our mission is “To provide quality tree care through service, education & science”; these are the three pillars of our business.
Responsibilities
- Sells Arborist services to residential/commercial customers.
- Key priority is proposing and developing sales to existing clients and cultivation of new customers in the territory.
- Must be knowledgeable and experienced with tree care, hazard tree evaluation, integrated pest management, and industry-approved tree care practices/ANSI Standards.
- Estimate time/cost for crews to perform tree removal, pruning, cabling, and all other tree care services.
- Direct crews to complete proposed projects.
- Maintain and grow knowledge of tree and shrub species common in Ohio.
Requirements
- ISA Certified Arborist
- Arborist with preferably 3-5 years of experience in the arboriculture field
- Tree, plant, and horticultural knowledge relevant to NE Ohio Region
- Excellent sales and communication skills
- Good people skills; self-motivated; computer proficient and organized
- Two or Four-year degree in a green industry a plus but not required
- CDL-B or higher also highly valuable but not required
Employment Application
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Independent Tree provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship status or genetics.