Arborist Team Lead Climber Crew Leader

Job Title: Team Lead - Arborist Crew (Climber / Crew Leader)

Company: Cochrane Tree Care

Location: Cochrane, AB (Work primarily in Cochrane & NW Calgary - Start and Finish in Cochrane)

**Job Type**:
Part-Time (approx. 4-5 days/week to start 6-8hr days for now)

Expected to grow to Full-Time by 2026

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience and certification (clarify an expectation of wage in cover letter)

About Us:
Cochrane Tree Care is a small, fast-growing tree company doing things differently. We focus not just on removals and pruning, but on tree preservation, soil health, and regenerative practices.

Led by an experienced arborist and instructor, our company prioritizes tree biology, holistic care, and long-term client relationships. We’re currently expanding both our traditional services and a new division focused on organic, bioactive spray programs and soil-based tree health solutions.

About the Role:
We’re hiring a Team Lead to run small pruning and removal crews, guide newer staff, and represent the company on-site. This role includes climbing, rigging, pruning, and interacting with clients before and after jobs. You’ll be trusted to lead with safety, communicate clearly, and think critically when challenges arise.

This is ideal for someone with solid arborist experience who also wants to be part of a company focused on regenerative tree care.

Key Responsibilities:

- Supervise a 2-3 person crew (including mentoring junior staff)
- Perform climbing, rigging, pruning, and technical removals
- Communicate with clients before and after work
- Operate and maintain tools and vehicles (F450, Vermeer BC1000XL chipper)
- Identify pests, disease, or stress in trees and offer regenerative treatment options
- Ensure jobsite safety (including tailgate meetings, PPE, and hazard awareness)
- Conduct end-of-day tasks (equipment cleanup, saw sharpening, battery charging, etc.)
- Report deficiencies or supply needs to the owner

Qualifications:
Required:

- 3+ years of arborist field experience (including climbing and rigging and technical tree felling - 5:1 mechanical advantage, Guy lines etc)
- Strong pruning knowledge and understanding of tree structure
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license and ability to drive a trailer
- Leadership ability and experience mentoring others
- Physically fit, safety-minded, and reliable
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills

*

Preferred:

- ISA Certs (and other certs) (or actively working toward it)
- First Aid and/or aerial rescue training
- Knowledge of regenerative tree care or permaculture
- Familiarity with Jobber or other job management software

What Makes This Role Different:

- Mentorship Opportunity: Work directly with the owner (an arborist instructor) to shape a new kind of tree company
- Regenerative Philosophy: We’re about building soil, supporting ecosystems, and helping clients steward healthy trees
- New Growth: Be part of our expansion into organic foliar sprays and soil health treatments
- Balanced Workload: ~0.6 FTE currently, with room to grow into full-time as the company expands

Work Conditions:

- Outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Urban and acreage tree care
- Use of ropes and harness (no bucket truck)
- Lifting, dragging, climbing, and operating loud equipment
- Work hours may vary slightly seasonally
- **To Apply**_:
Send us your resume and a brief message about why this role appeals to you.

Let us know about your arborist experience, any certifications, and what excites you about regenerative tree care or leadership.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal

Pay: $25.00-$35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 - 40 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person