As International Women's Day approaches, we're sharing the story of Arbortec Ambassador Jess Francisco, a climbing arborist whose journey from the forests of Louisiana to the canopy reflects the focus, precision and determination driving arboriculture forward.
Early Years
I grew up in Louisiana, paddling through canals and running through dense southern forests.
I was always outside. Barefoot in the mud, climbing trees, building forts and wandering until the light disappeared.
School days were full of daydreams.
I painted scenes of the American West. Mountains, vast skies and giant sequoias towering over tiny figures. As a girl the world often felt overwhelming but nature felt honest. Loving. Steady.
My parents took me to National Parks growing up and that's where something settled inside me. I didn't have the words for it then but I knew I felt peace in wild places.
Forestry Degree
I followed that feeling to college and earned a Forestry degree.
That's where I first picked up a chainsaw.
First learned about logging.
First stepped into the world of arboriculture.
Days were long. Field labs, timber marking, felling practice, learning tree biology and forest systems. It was the first time I realised I could build a life around the natural world rather than simply visit it.
Trail Crew
After graduation I moved west and joined the Trail Crew at Grand Teton National Park.
Weeks were spent in the backcountry. Camping, covering miles of trail and building log and rock structures. I was living and breathing wilderness.
We worked like dogs. Long days. Heavy loads.
And I fell in love with the feeling of being completely spent at the end of the day.
That bone-deep exhaustion felt like proof.
Proof that I had earned my place out there.
Fire Recovery
Next came Santa Cruz, California, working with California State Parks on fire recovery.
We cleared hazard trees twenty feet either side of trails to create safe corridors for hikers. Burned timber. Unstable trees. High consequence decisions.
When a tree starts to go, the world goes silent.
For the first time ever I feel completely present in that moment.
That's where an obsession with felling began.
Aiming precisely.
Calculating lean, wind and weight distribution.
Making the cut and trusting your judgement.
It's adrenaline — but you have to stay calm.
Peace inside chaos.
Climbing Arborist
Today I'm back in Jackson, Wyoming, working as a climbing arborist with Vertical Services.
We handle large technical removals over high-value properties across demanding mountain conditions. Every job requires physical strength, mental precision and complete focus.
The same calm I learned through felling follows me into the canopy.
Every cut matters. Every rigging point matters.
I love that this work challenges me physically and mentally every single day.
A Woman on the Crew
I'm proud to be a woman in this industry. I love the surprise on people's faces when I lift heavy wood or drop a big tree.
Being a woman doesn't make me an exception.
It makes me an asset.
I bring calm when things get intense.
I bring energy when morale dips.
I believe I play a crucial role on any crew I'm part of and I love the people in this industry. Everyone pushes each other to become the most capable version of themselves — and it's fantastic to be part of something like that.