Tree Pruner I

City of Vancouver; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vancouver is seeking a Tree Pruner I to support tree care operations, including pruning, planting and removal of boulevard and park trees. The role requires climbing with ladders and rigging, using power saws and hand tools, and performing related maintenance under supervision.

Pay grade GR-325 offers $36.88 per hour with regular full-time employment. Start date October 2026; location is Vancouver parks and green spaces, and a BC driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Education and licensing as listed above with valid BC driver’s license.
• Ability to perform hazardous climbing and pruning at heights.
• Experience handling equipment used in pruning, planting and removals.

Responsibilities

• Climb park and boulevard trees using safe techniques and equipment.
• Assist in tree planting and removal operations and perform heavy manual tasks.
• Operate brush chipper and maintain equipment as required.
• Set out safety cones, warning signs and traffic control barriers.

Skills

Tree pruning

Hazardous work

Climbing trees

Power saws

Ladders & safety

Manual tasks

Education

Grade 10

BC Driver's Licence

First Aid level I

Tools

Brush chipper

Power tools

Hand tools

Ropes

Ladders

Safety harness

Job description

Tree Pruner I

Requisition ID: 47238

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

The Tree Pruner I is responsible for assisting in all aspects of tree care operations including: tree planting, pruning and removal. This position involves climbing trees, using ladders, and as required, ropes and safety harness, and pruning boulevard and park trees using power saws and other hand tools. This is hazardous work that is performed under the direction of a supervisor who checks the work during progress for attainment of desired objectives and adherence to required safety procedures.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The Tree Pruner I is required to climb park and boulevard trees using safe tree climbing techniques, ladders, ropes, safety harness and prunes park and boulevard trees using power saws and other hand tools. This position assists in tree planting and removal operations and performs heavy manual tasks related to the work. The Tree Pruner I will operate a brush chipper as required. This position performs minor servicing and maintenance tasks on equipment operated. The Tree Pruner I will also assist in setting out safety cones, warning signs and traffic control barriers under the direction of a superior.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of Grade 10
• Current and Valid BC Drivers License is required
• Level I First Aid Certificate is desired

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the methods, practices, tools, equipment and safety precautions involved in pruning, removals, and planting boulevard and park trees.
• Ability to perform hazardous climbing and pruning tasks at considerable heights above ground.
• Ability to perform manual tasks under varying weather conditions.
• Skill in the use of a variety of power and hand tools used in tree pruning and planting work.
• Skill in the use of safety harness and ropes used in climbing trees.
• Skill in the operation of a brush chipper machine.
• 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.

Drivers License and Record Checks

Candidates must attach the following records and satisfy the City’s driving requirements to be considered for this role:

• Copy of your five-year ICBC Commercial Driver’s Abstract (N Print) directly from ICBC dated within 30 days of this posting
• Copy of your five-year ICBC Driver’s Claims History directly from ICBC within 30 days of this posting
• If you have less than five years driving experience in BC, a request must be made for out of province/country abstract and claims history

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation

Affiliation: CUPE 1004 Parks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: October, 2026

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-325: $36.88 per hour

Application Close: September 25, 2026

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 gendersand 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