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

Vancouver Island Tree Service Ltd.

Open Positions

Arborist/Tree Climber