CPT Trainee Jobs
Trainee roles on CPT let you apply classroom learning to structured, supervised work in your field before graduation. Your DSO must authorize each position, and the training program must directly connect to your degree curriculum. Most trainee programs run on a fixed schedule that aligns with your academic term.
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Position Overview
Trim and remove trees, remove unwanted, diseased or dying limbs on trees, or to affect the health and safety of trees or surrounding areas by performing the following duties.
Job Duties
What You’ll Do:
- Learn to climb trees! (Yes, we will pay you to do that.)
- Operate as a member of a tree crew while progressively learning new skills
- Learn to perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully for clients. Including but not limited to:
- Tree identification and industry pruning guidelines
- Prune, thin, and remove deadwood throughout the tree canopy
- Learn how to install cables, bracing, and lightning protection systems
- Assist in removal of hazardous trees
- Properly maintain, prepare and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and more.
- How high you grow depends on you!
Qualifications
What We’re Looking For:
- Love of the outdoors
- Preferred: Background in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscaping, or working at heights
- Ability to complete the Davey Tree Trimmer Orientation Program upon hire
- Ability to complete the Davey Tree First Aid, CPR and defensive driving course upon hire
- Preferred: Relevant pesticide and related licenses and certificates, if required by state law
Additional Information
What We Offer:
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Opportunities for advancement
- All job specific equipment and safety gear provided
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
- Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options
- Group Health Plan
- Employee referral bonus program
- Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas
- Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers
- Scholarship Program for Children of Employees
- Charitable matching gift program
- Starting pay rate: $20-$23 per hour
- All listed benefits available to eligible employees
Company Overview
Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee owned companies in the nation! Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchange of ideas, community partnerships, a commitment to safety, and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services.
We are currently looking to add a dynamic Climbing Arborist Trainee to our passionate team of tree care professionals. Your office is outdoors, and you get a new view every day!
Divisional Overview
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.
Employment Type: Intern
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%
Location: Crystal Lake, IL
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Get Access To All JobsTrainee CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a trainee role qualify for CPT authorization?
A trainee role qualifies for CPT if it's directly related to your major and is an integral part of your curriculum, meaning it must connect to a specific course or degree requirement. Your DSO makes the final determination. Structured corporate training programs, internship rotations, and apprenticeship-style roles typically qualify when the employer provides a written training plan tied to your field of study.
Can I work as a trainee on CPT before completing my first academic year?
No. F-1 students must complete one full academic year before becoming eligible for CPT. This rule applies regardless of whether the trainee position is part-time or full-time. If your program is less than a year long, such as some certificate programs, your DSO may have limited or no authority to authorize CPT at all.
How do I find trainee employers who already understand CPT?
Migrate Mate lets you search for employers with structured trainee programs that have experience working with F-1 students. Targeting companies already familiar with the CPT process matters because employers unfamiliar with DSO authorization requirements often delay or withdraw offers when they learn the I-20 must be updated before you can legally start.
Does full-time CPT in a trainee role affect my OPT eligibility?
Yes, significantly. Twelve or more months of full-time CPT authorization eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely, including STEM OPT. Part-time CPT, defined as under 20 hours per week, does not count against your OPT regardless of how long you use it. Before accepting a full-time multi-term trainee role, calculate your cumulative full-time CPT months with your DSO.
What documentation do I need from a trainee employer for CPT approval?
Your DSO will typically require an offer letter or employment agreement that states the job title, start and end dates, number of hours per week, and a description of the training activities. Some schools also require a letter from the employer explaining how the role connects to your academic program. The more specific the training plan, the smoother the DSO authorization process.