Arborist Sawyer – Colorado Springs, CO
The Arborist Sawyer at Confidential Client plays a critical role in forest health and restoration projects across Colorado and New Mexico, including fuels reduction and post-fire rehabilitation. This physically demanding, full-time position involves chainsaw operation, erosion control, and directing subcontractors, requiring travel and adherence to safety and cutting prescriptions to positively impact forest management practices.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Trade & Construction.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Confidential Client is hiring an Arborist Sawyer based in Colorado Springs, CO. This is a field-focused, full-time role working on forest health, fuels reduction, post-fire rehabilitation, and defensible-space projects across Colorado (and possibly New Mexico). Travel is significant (approximately 75–90%) and projects often require long days in remote terrain and variable weather.
What You’ll Do
- Chainsaw operations: directional felling, hazard felling, limbing and bucking
- Slash management: lop-and-scatter, chipping, and hauling material
- Climbing, rigging, and roping for tree work and removals
- Erosion-control tasks: contour felling and LEB creation/installation
- Assist with project layout, marking, and directing subcontractor cutting prescriptions
- Perform chainsaw and tool maintenance
- General forestry labor and implementation of cutting prescriptions
Requirements
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one upon hire)
- 1–2 years of outdoor experience in forest management, restoration, or related logging operations (non-certified professionals with 2+ years’ experience will also be considered)
- Able to travel extensively (75–90%); extended periods on the road and remote job sites
- NWCG S-212 or equivalent certificate preferred (or demonstrated equivalent experience)
- Physically fit: able to bend, squat, and lift up to 50 lbs; hike with heavy gear in elevations 6,000–10,000+ ft; frequently away from vehicles and amenities
- Willingness to perform strenuous outdoor work in varied weather and remote field conditions
- English required; bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
Preferred Background & Experience
- NWCG S-130/190 wildfire training
- ISA certification or Electrical Hazard tree-trimming certification
- Saw mechanic experience
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related natural resources field (current students considered)
- Ability to identify tree species and calculate basal area
- Experience with helicopter logging and operating/heavy-equipment exposure (or willingness to train)
- First Aid/CPR/Wilderness First Aid or similar medical certifications
- Sawyer certification or prior sawyer-specific training
Compensation & Benefits
Pay is competitive and based on experience and qualifications (Colorado pay ranges provided):
- Hourly pay ranges:
- Entry-level: $22–$25 per hour
- Mid-level: $25–$28 per hour
- High-level: $28–$31 per hour
- Estimated annual midpoint: ~$55,453 (for reference)
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Supplemental insurance (life, short- and long-term disability)
- Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
- Retirement plan with company match
- Annual performance reviews
- Company-provided training and career advancement opportunities
Location & Travel
- Headquartered: Colorado Springs, CO
- Projects: Primarily Colorado; occasional New Mexico assignments
- Travel: ~75–90% (extended road assignments and remote field camps possible)
Confidential Client is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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