Arborist Ia

CivicInfo BC; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vancouver is seeking an Arborist IA to lead pruning, planting and removal of boulevard and park trees, including work near energized hydro lines. You will supervise crews, respond to public inquiries, and train subordinates in tree care operations.

The role requires climbing, rigging, and operating power tools; certification in ISA Arboriculture and safety training is essential. Regular full-time position starting November 2026 with a salary of GR-365: $43.96.

Qualifications

• Completion of the tenth school grade plus considerable experience in street tree operations and in the operation of a boom truck, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in the use of climbing equipment and rigging techniques, and in planting and transplanting techniques.
• Utility Arborist – Certificate of qualification is required.
• Certification as an Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture is required.
• Level I First Aid Certificate is required.
• Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate when required
• Power System Safety Certificate is an asset.

Responsibilities

• The Arborist IA is the lead worker responsible for allocating, checking and reviewing the work of an arboriculture operations crew.
• Respond to enquiries from the general public in the course of carrying out assignments and provide on the job training to subordinates.
• Operate around energized hydro lines and use power saws; perform pruning, planting and removal of boulevard and park trees.
• Use an aerial bucket truck and climb trees with ropes and safety harness; operate a chipping machine as required.
• Lift and transplant trees, identify hazardous or diseased trees, and inform superiors of urgent safety considerations.

Skills

Tree climbing safety

Public inquiries handling

Record keeping

Performance reviews

Education

Tenth grade + tree ops experience

ISA Arborist Certification

First Aid Level I

Pesticide Applicator Certificate

Power System Safety Certificate

Tools

Boom truck operation

Power saws

Rigging techniques

Climbing gear

Chipping machine

Job description

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose & Function

This is skilled and semiskilled arboriculture work involving pruning, maintenance, planting and removal of boulevard and park trees. Tree pruning and removal is hazardous work performed with minimum supervision.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• The Arborist IA is the lead worker responsible for allocating, checking and reviewing the work of an arboriculture operations crew.
• The successful candidate will respond to enquiries from the general public in the course of carrying out assignments, participate in preparing presentations, public demonstrations and provides on the job training to subordinates in tree care operations.
• The Arborist IA will also be responsible for performing tree pruning operations around energized hydro lines and pruning boulevard and park trees using power saws, and other hand tools.
• This position would operate an aerial bucket truck and climb boulevard and park trees when required, using ropes and safety harness, operating a chipping machine as required and occasionally carrying out cabling and bracing. Additional responsibilities include; planting and removing trees as required with using hand tools and mechanized equipment.
• The Arborist IA will have to lift and transplant established trees to accommodate site modifications, identifies diseased trees or trees that are potentially hazardous to public safety, and undertakes emergency control action as required and informs superiors of situations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of the tenth school grade plus considerable experience in street tree operations and in the operation of a boom truck, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in the use of climbing equipment and rigging techniques, and in planting and transplanting techniques.
• Utility Arborist – Certificate of qualification is required.
• Certification as an Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture is required.
• Level I First Aid Certificate is required.
• Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate when required
• Power System Safety Certificate is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of arboriculture methods, standards and practices, City and Park Board safety protocols, and arboriculture and utility arboriculture safe work procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of growth habits and maintenance requirements of various tree species.
• Working knowledge of arboriculture pests and diseases, and integrated pest management practices.
• Skill in the use of a variety of power and hand tools used in pruning, planting, removal, cable and bracing, pest control and general tree maintenance
• Skill in the use of safety harness and ropes used in climbing trees.
• Skill in the operation and servicing of equipment used in the work and in the use of tools used in minor servicing and repair tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to perform hazardous climbing and pruning tasks at considerable heights and ability to identify hazardous trees.
• Ability to perform manual tasks under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to identify hazardous and diseased trees and to take emergency remedial action.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to assign, check and review the work of subordinates performing semiskilled and unskilled tasks; participate in conducting performance reviews for same.
• Ability to keep records related to work performed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates.
• Ability to meet the public and answer a variety of questions regarding tree management activities, and participate in preparing presentations and public demonstrations.

Driver’s License and Record Checks

• A current and valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License or higher and a Satisfactory National Safety Code driving record
  • 5 years accumulation of no more than 9 points, not in excess of 3 points per single year
  • 3 years accumulation of no more than 1 preventable work related driving or equipment operating accident in any single year
  • Employees who do not demonstrate a satisfactory driving record will have their application reviewed in more detail

Business Unit/Department

Board of Parks & Recreation

Affiliation

CUPE 1004 Parks

Employment Type

Regular Full Time

Position Start Date

November, 2026

Salary Information

Pay Grade GR-365: $43.96

Application Close

Open until filled

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more aboutour commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). More about unceded traditional territories