Lead Arborist

About the role

The Lead Arborist will oversee advanced tree care operations, ensuring safety and quality while working at height on trees of any size. This senior position combines hands‑on climbing, pruning, and removal work with technical rigging and rescue responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• Perform modern arboricultural practices at a high level, following ISA pruning standards.
• Ascend and work safely in tree canopies using Single Rope System (SRS), Multiple Rope System (MRS) and traditional climbing methods.
• Execute spur‑assisted hazard tree removal and prune trees to industry standards.
• Operate aerial lifts, brush chippers, stumpers and chainsaws with precision.
• Conduct technical rigging for large limb and tree removal, install static and dynamic cabling and bracing systems.
• Perform aerial rescues and demonstrate safe work practices and proper PPE use.

Required profile

• Minimum 4 years of professional arboriculture experience.
• Post‑secondary education related to arboriculture.
• Valid driver’s licence with a clean abstract; D licence with Z endorsement preferred.
• Current certifications: Working at Heights, WHMIS, First Aid.
• ISA Certified Arborist or Ontario Certified Arborist (asset).
• Utility Arborist 444A/444B, 0‑8 tonne crane competency, IHSA Line Clearing Safety (assets).

Required skills

• Proficiency with SRS and MRS climbing systems.
• Traditional tree‑climbing techniques and spur‑assisted hazard removal.
• Operation of aerial lifts, brush chippers, stumpers and chainsaws.
• Technical rigging, static and dynamic cabling installation.
• Aerial rescue techniques.
• Knowledge of ISA pruning standards.