Job Description

Climbing Arborist for small company

Location: Portland, OR
Salary: $28-$33 DOE

Foster Trees, LLC is looking to hire a teammate for a climbing arborist role.  We are looking specifically for a teammate who has 2-3 years of experience climbing (and will consider folks with more experience).  Though we wish we could support everyone in their goals in the arboricultural industry, we do not have capacity to support a new team member who is hoping to learn to climb.  We’re seeking a person who has existing experience climbing and is independently able to assess a job, make a plan, and coordinate the ground crew’s support to execute.  The ideal candidate will visualize a job from start to finish and act proactively to ensure smooth operations.  Experience in coordinating with clients is a plus, as is current ISA certification.  We’re a small company currently running only one crew, and as such good relationships with teammates are critical.  We’re seeking someone who is a clear communicator, a good team player, and who can effectively express themselves when concerns arise or conflict develops. 

Role and job responsibilities:

• This role is a skilled position responsible for tree maintenance, pruning and removals on residential and commercial properties.
• Requires daily inspection of all personal and shared safety equipment including rigging ropes, equipment and personal protective equipment.
• In this role, you will perform pruning and tree removals in accordance with industry standards (ANSI A300 and Z133.1).
• This role uses industry standard climbing and rigging techniques, and the right candidate will be experienced with these skills prior to applying.
• Climbers are expected to own and maintain their own climbing equipment.  All PPE is provided by Foster Trees, but a gear stipend is provided to provide funding for climbing equipment.
• The right candidate will be able to effectively direct a small team to prune or remove trees in tight urban locations with safe and effective rigging operations.
• This role is responsible for creating a clear worksite and efficiently participating in ground operations (everyone chips in on the ground as needed here).
• This role will perform proper maintenance and care of gear and equipment.
• Requires operation and basic maintenance of chippers, chain saws, blowers, and various hand tools.
• Requires clear and consistent communication with clients and fellow crew members.
• Requires capability in driving large vehicles, a clean driving record, and experience in backing, dumping, and parking large vehicles. Ability to drive stick shift is a plus.
• May include operation of rented equipment such as boom lifts, skid steers, or stump grinders.
• The Foster Trees work week is Monday through Thursday (10 hour days).
• We’re a small outfit and committed to diversity and equity in our industry, and we expect that the teammate we hire will also be committed to these goals! That means that we make space for underrepresented folks and we have real conversations about our behaviors and ways of working together.

Benefits for this role include:

• Pay is dependent upon experience, but typically between $28 and $33/hour for this level of experience (2-3 years climbing).  We’re happy to discuss this depending on the candidate.
• Paid sick time as required by the State of Oregon (1 hour of accrued time for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year). 
• Two full weeks (80 hours) of paid vacation time.  This time will be made available to you at the start of each year.  Vacation time may be prorated for the year depending on start date.
• 50% of the monthly premium for medical and dental insurance will be covered by Foster Trees, LLC, should you elect coverage. 
• Starting in Q2 2025, Foster Trees, LLC is beginning a retirement program for staff with a 3% safe harbor contribution.
• PPE is provided by Foster Trees, LLC.  Other personal equipment is the responsibility of staff to purchase, and a $125/month gear stipend is provided to all full-time employees to aid in purchasing boots and other necessary gear.
• Foster Trees does not limit the amount of unpaid time off staff are able to take.  With coordination and communication, unpaid time off is granted for as much time as staff desire.
• Foster Trees, LLC supports our staff in their continued education in the industry and pays for available training and workshop opportunities.

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