Arborist Apprentice

Default Brand; White Rock; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local arboriculture company is seeking an Arborist Apprentice in White Rock, BC. In this role, you'll assist with various arboricultural tasks, operate equipment, and learn about tree care. Candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant certifications. The position offers a pay rate of $21.00 - $27.00 per hour based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Relocation Bonus

Self-directed benefits package ($2,500/year)

Dental Coverage and Insurance Options

Paid Vacation/Holidays and Sick Days

Employee Carpool Program Opportunity

Qualifications

• WHMIS 2015 and First Aid Certification is mandatory.
• Work experience in Arboriculture, Horticulture, or Landscaping preferred.
• Class 5 Drivers Licence or will pursue shortly after hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist Arborists with arboricultural practices.
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment.
• Perform tree installation and transplanting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Collaborative and supportive

Proactive approach to personal growth

Physical fitness

Education

High School Diploma

Post Secondary education

Tools

Chainsaws

Blowers

Aerial lift truck

Chipper

Job description

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. 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 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

• 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.
• 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.

Income

$21.00 - $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 Opportunity, dependent on location

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.