Arborist Apprentice

 

Purpose

Assists crew members in arboricultural practices while providing the highest performance in safety, quality, efficiency, and customer service when required.

Specific Duties

An Arborist Apprentice will have a variety of duties to perform daily, varying by the type of work being done at each given site.  The main priorities are to assist Arborists with arboricultural practices and leading crews, equipment selection and maintenance, adhering to safety procedures, and occasional interactions with customers.


ARBORICULTURAL

  • Read and understand job details in a work order

  • 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

  • Integrated pest management and invasive species control

  • Root pruning and install root barriers

  • Storm cleanup.


EQUIPMENT, MACHINE & TOOL USE

  • Choose and load 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

  • High School Diploma and Post Secondary education is an asset

  • WHMIS Certificate

  • Work experience in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Landscaping, Hardscaping preferred

  • Class 5 Drivers Licence or will pursue shortly after hire.

Knowledge, Skills & 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 crews

Relationships

  • Reports To: Operations Manager, District Manager(s), Safety & Training Officer, General Foreman, Crew Leader

  • Direct/Indirect Reports: None

  • External Reports: Clients, Contractors, and Third-Party Organizations

Working Conditions

  • BCPHC performs services for a wide variety or clients all year around in diverse locations from private gardens and backyards, to public spaces, or remote areas

  • Majority of work time is spent in the field operating machinery or hand tools, performing PHC/arboricultural services, clean-up, and being courteous to customers

  • Physical fitness and ability to work outside is required year around, with duty modification during specific seasons throughout the year

  • Office work and time needed to complete paperwork, and attend meetings/training

Benefits

  • Self Directed Benefits Package

  • Medical, Dental, and Insurance Options

  • PPE Safety Allowance

  • Employee Carpool Program

  • Paid Vacation/Holidays

  • Education/Professional Development Allowance

 

We thank all those who apply, however, only those requested for an interview will be contacted. Please submit your cover letter and resume, stating the position you are applying for in the subject line, to arborcareer@bcplanthealthcare.com.