Arborist Apprentice

Specific Duties

• An Arborist Apprentice will have a variety of duties and tasks to perform daily, varying by the type of work being done at each given site.
• Main priorities include assisting Arborists with arboricultural practices and leading crews, equipment selection and maintenance, adhering to safety procedures, and occasional interactions with customers.
• Tasks may include:
  • Assist a tree climber in rigging and removing limbs and tree sections.
  • Take down trees using spurs and an aerial lift truck under supervision.
  • Prune small trees and shrubs under supervision.
  • Limb and buck trees on the ground.
  • Operate a chipper or other specialized equipment, i.e. stump grinder, skid steer, hi-ab, and airspade.
  • Tree installation and transplanting.
  • Invasive species control.
  • Root pruning and install root barriers.
  • Storm cleanup.
• Equipment, Machine, and Tool Use:
  • Choose and load the necessary daily equipment.
  • Perform daily inspections of equipment and vehicles.
  • Drive vehicles including carpool cars, lift/chipper trucks, with or without trailers.
  • Set up and take down of work site.
  • Refuel, sharpen, maintain, and safely operate power tools such as chainsaws and blowers.
  • Inspect/maintain larger mobile equipment.
  • Clean up of job site.
• Safe Work Practices:
  • Choose and inspect personal protective equipment.
  • Inspect worksites and identify risks.
  • Direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
  • Complete aerial rescue and lift truck rescue training.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma and Post Secondary education is an asset.
• WHMIS 2015 and First Aid Certification is mandatory.
• Work experience in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Landscaping, Hardscaping preferred.
• A Class 5 Drivers Licence or will pursue shortly after hire.

Relationships

• Reports To: Branch Manager, Operations Manager, GTC Supervisor, Crew Leaders.

Working Conditions

• BCPHC performs services for a wide variety of clients all year round in diverse locations, such as private gardens and backyards, public spaces, and remote areas.
• The majority of work time is spent in the field operating heavy machinery or hand tools, performing arboricultural services, clean-up, and being courteous to customers.
• Physical fitness and the ability to work outside is required for a successful career as an arborist.
• Occasional office work needed to complete paperwork and attend meetings/training.

Knowledge, Skills, And Other Attributes

• Enjoys hands-on, physical, and outdoor work.
• Adheres to and promotes a strong safety-focused company culture.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy.
• Collaborative and supportive.
• Approaches learning and work in a flexible manner.
• Proactive approach to personal and career growth.
• Effective communication skills – verbal and written.
• Result-focused work ethic.
• Sensitivity to deadlines and time management.
• Works well on teams and crew.

Pay

Income: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Benefits

• Opportunity for a Relocation Bonus
• Self-directed benefits package ($2,500/year)
• Dental Coverage and Insurance Options
• PPE supplied
• Safety Allowance for special items
• Education/Professional Development Allowance
• Paid Birthday Off
• Paid Vacation/Holidays and Sick Days
• Employee Carpool Program