Type: Full-Time, Permanent 

Reports to: General Foreman 

Program: Vegetation Management 

Location: North Vancouver, BC 

About Us: Established by Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Inlailawatash Limited Partnership (ILP) is an innovative and growing First Nations-owned company providing a range of natural and cultural resource services to Indigenous and crown governments, utilities, private sector businesses, and non-profit organizations. ILP is an interdisciplinary firm with several departments engaged in Utilities Vegetation Management, Forestry, Ecosystem Services, Archaeology, GIS, Fisheries, and Indigenous Community Support. ILP prioritizes respect for Indigenous and environmental values throughout its business endeavours.

Visit www.inlailawatash.ca for more details. 

Job Summary: 

The Apprentice Utility Arborist performs a variety of skilled arboriculture tasks, which may include tree risk assessments, tree climbing, hazard tree removals, aerial lift truck operation and assistance with all aspects of Utility Vegetation Management work. 

Working primarily out of North Vancouver, occasional travel to Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton may be required. The Apprentice Utility Arborist assists utility vegetation management crews and contractors engaged in the removal of vegetation from proximity to high voltage electrical conductors, while promoting safety awareness. Considerable independence, safety consciousness, and an ability to follow instructions and demonstrate sound judgement are exercised as a part of this job. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Work collaboratively with the Manager and Vegetation Management Coordinator to manage and coordinate all key areas of the program, including Utility Vegetation Management (e.g., BC Hydro).
• Assist experienced arborists in tree risk assessments, inspect sites and trees for damage and hazards, perform job estimating, tree inventories, and tree appraisals; ISA-certified candidates may prepare arborist reports from time-to-time as a component of their job duties. 
• Inspect and identify diseased trees and/or trees posing an actual/potential hazard to public safety; determine required treatment; undertake emergency control action as required.
• Performs physically demanding manual labor in various weather conditions(chipping debris, saw use, rope and rigging setup, etc.).
• Assist in site set-up and take-down, including equipment handling and maintaining site cleanliness.
• Safely operate tools and equipment associated with arboriculture work, including operating an aerial lift truck, pruning, climbing, rigging, cabling, and felling.
• Perform additional duties as required or assigned. 

Education and Experience:   

• Completion of a diploma in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field, and BC Utility Arborist Level 2 certification with sound related experience. Candidates with their Level 1 Utility Arborist certification, and/or an equivalent combination of training and experience, will be considered at a lower rate. 
• Willing to work towards becoming a Certified Utility Arborist.
• Interest in First Nations cultural and environmental values. Past work with First Nations is considered a definite asset. Experience working in a team environment.
• Current clean Class 5 Drivers license; an air brake endorsement is an asset.  

Technical Skills: 

• Technical abilities consistent with industry expectations of a Level 2 AUA.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, detail oriented.
• Fair knowledge and understanding of Utility Vegetation Management rules and regulations.
• Ability to perform Tree Risk Assessments.
• Fair knowledge and understanding of tree biology.
• Strong awareness of the importance of safety; ability to develop and implement safety
• protocols and procedures in coordination with work crews.
• Experience using Microsoft 365 and tablets for basic reporting and inspection functions.
• Level 2 First Aid preferred, but not essential (training provided). 

Personal Attributes: 

• Thrive in a constantly changing environment; able to handle a range of tasks and responsibilities.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner (gather and analyze information and develop alternative solutions using a reasoned approach).
• Proactively take ownership of projects and independently drive them forward.
• Work independently and as part of a cohesive team.
• Learn on the job; adaptable.
• Work outdoors comfortably in physically demanding conditions. 

Working Conditions:

Physical

• Extensive outdoor work in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and heat.
• Frequent walking, standing, and navigating uneven terrain at work sites.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of field equipment and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Possible exposure to contaminants (e.g., fuel) requiring proper handling and cleanup.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as boots, gloves, and safety gear.

Psychological

• Attention to detail required for accurate field observations and reporting.
• Ability to focus and remain organized while handling multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Critical thinking skills; will assess environmental conditions and recommend appropriate safe work actions.
• Ability to remain calm, composed, and professional while addressing unexpected challenges in the field.

Travel: Travel may be required for meetings, training and fieldwork

Working Hours: 40 hours a week with occasional overtime

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible; willing to wait for the right candidate

Compensation: $33.00 - $36.00 per hour, with benefits, 2 weeks’ paid vacation to start, and pension matching up to 5.5%.

Apply by emailing your cover letter and resume to employment@inlailawatash.ca.

Please use subject line: AUA - Last Name, First Name (e.g., AUA – Riviera, Peter).

Applicants of Indigenous ancestry are strongly encouraged to apply.

We thank you for your interest in advance. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted; others will be kept in our database for future consideration.