Arborist/Tree Climber

Job Overview

Job Description

Vancouver Island Tree Services Ltd. is seeking an Arborist/Tree Climber to work in Vancouver Island and remote locations in BC. It’s a full-time (40 hours per week), permanent position, $37.00/hour paid on a bi-weekly basis. Overtime compensation is based on the current BC Employment Standards Act (1.5 times the regular wage paid if the daily hours exceed 8 hours or the weekly hours exceed 40 hours). Two weeks of paid vacation each year. We also offer an extended medical and dental employer contribution RRSP plan.

Location of employment: Approximately 60% of the work will be on Vancouver Island and 40% in other regions of British Columbia. Travel expenses are covered by the employer, and employees will receive a daily food allowance of $55.
Start date: March 2026
Business Address: 2150 S Wellington Rd., Nanaimo, BC, V9X 1R5

Job duties:
- Perform qualified safety climbing to remove hazard trees and limbs located near energized and de-energized powerlines under BC Hydro contracts, following utility and industry safety standards.
- Work in teams of two to three arborists, supporting and assisting the Qualified Safety Climber with rigging, lowering, cutting, and ground operations.
- Safely operate chainsaws, handsaws, pole saws, and climbing equipment including ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and rigging systems.
- Assess trees for structural defects, disease, and risk factors to determine safe and effective removal or pruning methods.
- Set up and maintain safe work zones, including traffic control, signage, cones, and public safety barriers when working near roads, homes, or businesses.
- Follow strict safety procedures when working around powerlines, including maintaining minimum approach distances and complying with BC Hydro and WorkSafeBC regulations.
- Travel to remote and urban job sites across British Columbia, with approximately 40% of work in remote areas on BC Hydro hazard tree contracts and 60% on Vancouver Island for residential and commercial arborist services.
- Perform residential and commercial tree services including pruning, removals, storm damage cleanup, and general tree maintenance.
- Maintain, inspect, and care for climbing gear, rigging equipment, chainsaws, and vehicles to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and clients to coordinate work, identify hazards, and ensure jobs are completed safely, efficiently, and to specification.

Requirements:
- Minimum level of education high school
- Minimum 2 years of experience as an Arborist Technician or a combination of experience and education in arboriculture, forestry, agronomy, horticulture, landscaping, or landscape technology;
- Strong knowledge of tree biology, structure, and pathology and knowledge of tree species identification and recognition of defects and hazard trees;
- Training in tree rescue procedures;
- Level 2 First Aid certification;
- WHMIS certification;
- BC Hydro Green Card (Electrical Awareness) or the ability to obtain;
- Air brakes endorsement is required to operate bucket trucks;
- Ability to read and understand work plans, maps, and job specifications;
- Comfortable working at heights using climbing and rigging systems;
- Willing and able to work in all weather conditions and travel to remote locations throughout BC;
- Physically fit and capable of performing demanding outdoor work;
- Able to work independently and as part of a team of two to three arborists;
- Good communication skills and ability to follow safety procedures;
- Must have interpersonal skills that allow to communicate effectively with clients and other workers, be flexible, team player organized.
- Must be able to speak, read, and write in English.

To apply, please email your resume to