Arborist Assistant

SavATree Careers; Surrey; Hybrid; CAD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus

Self-directed benefits package

Dental coverage

PPE supplied

Safety allowance

Education/professional development

Paid birthday off

Paid vacation/holidays and sick days

Employee carpool program

Job summary

SavATree Careers is seeking an Arborist Apprentice in Surrey/Metro Vancouver to support arborists, lead crews, and work at diverse sites. You will learn rigging, tree removal, pruning, and equipment operation while assisting with safety and customer interactions.

The role emphasizes outdoor, physical work with training in safety practices, and growth opportunities within a field service environment in Canada.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 (e.g. stump grinder, skid steer, hi‑ab, airspade).
• Tree installation and transplanting.
• Integrated pest management and invasive species control.
• Root pruning and install root barriers.
• Storm cleanup.

Skills

Hands-on work

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Effective communication

Education

High School Diploma

Post-secondary education asset

Tools

Chainsaws

Blowers

Chipper trucks

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