Arborist Climber

Position: Arborist Climber

To Apply: Submit your resume and a cover letter to info@vistatree.ca with the subject line “Arborist Apprentice.” Read about us in the latest issue of Landscape Trades: https://landscapetrades.com/living-wage-employers 

We’re currently seeking an Arborist Climber to join our team in 2023. We are a small company going into our third season with two full crews and a variety of equipment housed at a conveniently located east end shop. Relative to our size, we do a larger percentage of technically challenging, hazardous or large removals, however, pruning and tree maintenance makes up a significant proportion of our work as well. As a climber, you’ll work in the field under the supervision of a crew lead, assisting in or completing tree maintenance and removal with the support of equipment and ground crew.

***International Applicants: Visa Tree will provide support to obtain an appropriate work visa for this position, however, processing times for visa applications are long. The cut-off date for international applicants in January 5, 2023.

Compensation:

• $27-$34, for full-time work, commensurate with experience
  • Full time winter hours available, or optional lay-off or hour banking
• 10 days’ paid sick leave annually
• 3 weeks’ vacation annually (6% of earnings)
• Paid statutory holidays
• Comprehensive Medical and Insurance Benefits
  • Extended Health, Eye and Dental Plan paid for by employer
  • Includes extended coverage for paramedical practitioners (i.e. massage, chiropractor etc.), fertility, gender, and other inclusions
  • Health Care Spending Account for individual or Family
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance as well as WSIB
• All required equipment, uniforms and PPE provided
• Paid formal training, licensing/certification (I.e. ISA and other professional dues), including provincial ISA conference and international educational opportunities or conferences
• Mandatory annual inflation-based salary increases
• Merit based raises, credential raises

Duties:

• Supervise and participate in tree crew activities including tree care and maintenance, tree removal, felling, rigging, debris management and removal, chipping, stump grinding, bucking wood, site cleanup and other tasks as required
• Perform work while aloft in trees both large and small, from poor to good condition, including pruning, trimming, cabling and bracing, removals
• Setup and maintain work-zone, following all applicable legislation and safe work procedures, including completion of pre-work risk assessment / tailboard for all sites
• Safely Operate vehicles, chainsaws, stump grinders, chippers and other equipment and assist in the care and maintenance of equipment
• Apply relevant industry standards and legislation with regards to best arboricultural practices, environmental protection and safe work procedures and abide by all company policies
• Participate in ongoing formal learning opportunities as required, including but not limited to environmental, safety, technical and apprentice training
• Provide on the job training to subordinate crew members
• Maintain a professional environment with employees and clients at all times, including following OHRC, Bill 168 and other applicable legislation

Qualifications:

• Minimum 1 years climbing experience, 3 years industry experience
• Able to follow direction, follow company policies and procedures and adhere to safe work legislation
• Experience in the care, maintenance and removal of dead, dying, damaged, hazardous, storm damaged and/or large trees or mature trees
• Experience with rigging, arborist knots, tree identification and best practices for arboriculture (pruning, cabling and bracing, and other related topics)
• Excellent site and time management skills; attention to detail and work ethic
• Able to work as part of a team, with a willingness to progress and take direction from supervisors
• Committed to a culture of safety and contribute to a positive working environment
• Valid provincial driver’s license or equivalent with clean drivers abstract preferred, preference given to individuals with DZ or AR-Z or equivalent
• Graduation from or current enrollment in ISA or provincially recognized Arboriculture program (e.g. Arborist Apprentice college programs in Ontario or other provinces, or equivalent) preferred
• ISA Certified Arborist preferred, or willing to obtain within probationary period
• Possess and maintain or be willing to obtain (as required) certifications in Emergency First Aid / CPR C and AED, Ontario Chainsaw Operator Training, Working at Heights, Aerial Rescue, Aerial Lift, Crane Operations, Apprenticeship, ISA Qualifications, Environmental Site Assessment, Erosion Control