Tree Climber Apprentice

Job Title: Tree Climber Apprentice

Reports to: Crew Leader

Job Summary

This position is an integral member of a tree care crew working alongside our team of Arborists. You will gain practical field experience in scientific tree and landscape health care. This position is an entry-level opportunity into a career in arboriculture. You will learn through hands-on, on-the-job training and through industry learning programs. Through this two-fold approach, you will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a tree climber.

This position supports a tree care crew during pruning, removal, cabling, and stump grinding operations by actively participating in job briefing, performing work to industry and company standards, maintaining secure work and drop zones, protecting property, cleaning up, chipping, and removing brush and logs.

Through on-the-job training, you will learn to safely perform all aspects of arboriculture, including;

• Ascending and descending from trees
• Pruning
• Rigging
• Cabling and bracing
• Removal of trees
• Tree identification
• Maintaining equipment (hand tools, chainsaw, aerial lifts, chippers, etc)
• Implementing work zone safety procedures
• Assisting Climbers and Crew Leaders working on the ground and aloft
• Assisting with driving, backing, dumping, and parking duties
• Learning, understanding, and adhering to all safety rules and company safety policies

Essential Functions

• Assist with pre- and post-trip vehicle and towed equipment inspections
• Assist drivers by being a spotter when backing vehicles
• Assist with work zone set-up when arriving at the job site
• Inspect, maintain, use, and retire PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection, and chaps
• Inspect, maintain, use, and retire personal climbing equipment, including climbing lines, lanyards, and climbing saddles
• Participate in the job briefing
• Ask questions if you don’t understand any part of the job briefing
• Inspect the tree and site before climbing
• Co-develop and follow the work plan
• Protect property from damage
• Securely ascend the tree
• Help establish and maintain the drop zone
• Be aware of ground personnel activities
• Communicate with ground personnel, especially when lowering or dropping objects into the landing zone.
• Use the command and response system.
• Perform pruning, cabling, and other work in accordance with ANSI A300 Standards and job specifications.
• Properly use rigging techniques and equipment, when needed, to safely and efficiently lower limbs and trunk sections.
• Efficiently stack and chip brush – the goal is to keep pace with tree work
• Load logs and trunks onto trucks
• Clean up job sites to company quality standards
• Courteously communicate and accommodate customers, neighbors, and the general public
• Direct traffic as needed
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company’s discretion

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Must-haves:

• A willingness to learn and continue to grow
• A passion for nature and the outdoors
• The ability to work year-round in all weather conditions
• A valid driver's license with the ability to maintain a Texas Class C driver's license

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent, preferred
• A College degree in a field related to arboriculture is beneficial, but not required

Training Requirements (licenses, programs, or certificates):

• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license
• OSHA 10-Hour
• The ability to earn CPR/First Aid Certification within the first year of employment

Knowledge Requirements:

• Bilingual (Spanish and English), preferred

Experience:

• At least an internship in a field related to the green industry
• Prior work experience in tree care, landscaping, forestry, turf, or other green industry-related careers is preferred, but not required
• The ability to regularly use and complete assignments via an online Learning Management Software
• This training program consists of multiple knowledge and field assessments as part of a progressive development plan
• Apprentices must hit benchmarks and milestones to continue their advancement towards becoming a qualified tree climber

Other Information

• Must be able to lift and carry 80 lbs.
• Must be able to work outdoors in weather conditions, including heat and cold for 8 or more hours per day
• Must be able to walk long distances and on sloped, uneven, and slippery terrain
• Corrected vision and hearing to the normal range

Sam Hill Tree Care is a Dallas, TX-based business serving Dallas and the surrounding areas since 1998. We provide our residential and estate clients with excellent diagnostic, tree, plant health, and turf care programs that are custom-tailored to the client’s needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Dallas, TX 75229 (Required)

Work Location: In person