Arborist Assistant

Arborist Assistant

(Temporary) (Open)

Start Date

2026-07-03

End Date

2026-07-18

Primary Posting

No

External Posting URL

Careers: myworkdayjobs.com

Internal Closing Date

Jul 11, 2026

External Closing Date

Jul 18, 2026

Note: Posting comes off at 12:00AM on the closing date, with the competition closing at 11:59pm the day prior.

Hourly Rate

39.51

Temporary. Subject to return of the incumbent.

Reporting to the Manager, Parks and Public Spaces Maintenance, this position operates all equipment and related attachments required in the maintenance of boulevard and park trees and shrubs and performs manual labour tasks in support of park and road construction and maintenance in compliance with W.C.B. regulations and City of Vernon safety policies.

Duties Include

• Operates all public works equipment and vehicles (as defined below) in compliance with municipal and provincial bylaws and regulations required in the maintenance of boulevard and parks trees and shrubs.
• Performs all tree related maintenance tasks including tree pruning, tree removal, tree cabling and bracing, tree moving, tree root pruning, root barrier installation and application of pesticides and fertilizers as directed by the Public Works Arborist.
• Performs manual tasks in support of road, utility, and parks construction and maintenance, and snow and ice control.
• Equipment used includes, but is not limited to the following: hand tools, power tools, jackhammers, shovels, rakes, compressors, hammers, tampers, rollers, loader (yard use only), fork lift, one ton, pulley blocks, winches, chokers, bucket truck, chain saw, pole saw, chipper and stump grinder.
• Performs daily maintenance checks on all equipment operated to ensure adequate fluid levels are maintained and equipment is properly greased, sharpened and is in good working condition. Reports on prescribed forms any malfunctions and/or repair requirements and fills in pre-trip inspection forms.
• Washes and greases equipment as required.
• Takes a lead role in the process of tree work and maintenance as assigned by the Horticulturist or Arborist.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• All persons employed by the City of Vernon will be required to assist the City in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum 3 years experience in tree and general landscape maintenance.
• Must hold a current B.C. Driver's Licence.
• Endorsement 15 Air Brake Ticket.
• Bucking training compliant with Work Safe BC regulations.
• ISA Certified arborist
• ITA Certified Arborist Technician
• A combination of related education and experience may be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work tactfully with the public.
• Thorough knowledge of the methods, practices, tools and equipment used in tree climbing, pruning, trimming, removal, planting and maintenance of park and boulevard trees.
• Working knowledge of tree identification and common pests and disease.
• Ability to use field related equipment as assigned.
• Ability to identify potentially hazardous situation to report to supervisor.
• Working knowledge of International Association of Arboriculture terminology and standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of Work Safe BC regulations concerning standard practices for tree maintenance.
• Working knowledge of safety procedures of underground and surface utility services.
• Working knowledge of traffic control required in the process of tree maintenance.
• Skilled in the operation of a bucket truck.
• Experience using a computer and related software, and general office equipment.
• Ability to perform manual work.
• Ability to perform thorough daily pre-trip inspections and comply with the requirements as set by the national safety code.
• Able to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions, using independent judgment.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Diploma in horticulture, arboriculture and/or a related field.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, quoting the appropriate competition online at vernon.ca/careers by selecting “apply” and creating a candidate profile.

• Internal applicants are asked to apply using their worker profile.

By making application, you are authorizing the City of Vernon to verify, through whatever means deemed appropriate, any information included in your applicant profile.

The City of Vernon wishes to thank all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that we are unable to accept phone calls regarding application status.

Worker Sub-Type

Temporary

Location

Operation Services Building

Time Type

Full time

Locations Supervisory Organization

Parks

Education : Other trades certificate or diploma

Experience : 3 years to less than 5 years