Arborist Assistant

**Position: Certified Arborist (Arborist Apprentice)**

Weatherhead Tree is currently looking to hire production Certified Arborists and/or apprentice Arborist. We are a leading tree service company that is locally owned and operated in Oakville, Ontario. We dedicate in preserving and maintaining healthy trees.

We have immediate full-time positions available and offer the security of year-round work. Our current needs include Tree Climbers and Ground Technicians, with work details as follows:
**TREE CLIMBER**

Primary duties:

- Climbing trees using the most recent climbing techniques and gear;
- Complete from large to small pruning including shrubs shaping and hedge trimming as well as removing trees in a safe and timely manner;
- Working with the team from job planning to collecting debris from tree trimming and removal operations into piles to be handles as each job specifies. Hauling, chipping and maintaining a cleared and safe work zone;
- Cabling, bracing, tying, bolting, staking and guying trees and branches;
- Comfortable with working in hot, cold and wet environments.

Specialized skills and requirements for the new hired:

- Bucket Truck experience as well as being comfortable with working at height;
- Capable of reaching daily quota;
- Skill and knowledge to operate and also perform maintenance on specialized equipment including a chipper, stump grinder, and chainsaw in a safe and responsible manner;
- Knowledge in knot tying, rigging, safety procedures and safely working with ropes, rigging blocks and other type of hardware;
- Great customer service and leadership skills;
- 3-4 years’ experience in the field is a plus;
- The desire to continue skill development, advance education and maintain certifications and accreditations.

**GROUND TECHNICIAN**

Primary duties:

- Strong knowledge of tying and specific uses for tree-industry knots;
- Safety for all types of equipment used (Chipper, Stump Grinder, Chainsaw);
- Being a reliable member of the team responsive to visual cues and hand signals from the Climber and acting promptly with ground support. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task;
- Keeping the work area clear of debris, cleaning up limbs and branches as they are brought down in tree cutting work. Raking the area clear to maintain a safe work zone;
- Lining up branches and piling appropriately for loading into the Chipper;
- Keeping tools in the staging area and safe zone;
- Assuring that all lines are kept clear at all times;
- Being attentive to the Climber’s cues throughout the job, always keeping their eyes on the Climber;
- Filling of equipment with gasoline or diesel and maintain the safe handling of fuels;
- Ability to pull, push and lift heavy branches and wood using proper tools and techniques to facilitate the work;
- Comfortable with working in hot, cold and wet environments.

Specialized skills and requirements for the Climber:

- General knowledge of crane operations;
- Knowledge of chain saw blade sharpening and maintenance;
- Stump grinder and chipper operation and maintenance;
- Knowledge of riggings used in tree work - ex. Rope breaks and speed lines;
- 3-4 years’ experience in the field;
- The desire to continue skill development, advance education and maintain certifications and accreditations.

All positions require some of the following qualifications:

- Graduate of arboriculture post-secondary program;
- ISA Certified Arborist or Utility Arborist qualification is an asset
- Ontario DZ drivers’ license with a clean driving record is a plus;
- Physically fit, able to work in all weather conditions;
- Good communication, leadership and customer service skills;
- Commitment to workplace safety;
- Career oriented attitude.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $18.00-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

- Bonus pay

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2020-11-02