Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
STATUS: Temporary Full Time
NO. OF POSITIONS: 1
UNION: CUPE, Local 387
HOURS OF WORK: 7:00AM – 4:00PM, 40 hours per week SALARY: $44.61 per hour
+ comprehensive benefits package

As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 92,000 residents. New Westminster is rich in history with a viable and thriving economy and has a population representative of the diversity of the region. The City is staffed by talented and dedicated employees who work together to achieve its strategic vision. We have earned a proud reputation for civic leadership, service delivery, and outstanding employee relations.

The City of New Westminster is currently seeking a qualified Arborist to join our Urban Forestry Operations Division. This full-time job opportunity will allow you to apply your varied work experience and skills to meet the challenges of managing and growing the city’s urban forest. Under the direction of the Urban Forestry Superintendent, you will be responsible for carrying out skilled arboricultural work including tree planting, cultivation, pruning and tree removal; pest and disease control; climbing trees of considerable height to either prune or perform tree removal; and operating an aerial lift truck.

If you have the following characteristics and attributes, we want to meet with you!

• Completion of Grade 12, supplemented by formal training and/or completion of an arboricultural apprenticeship program.
• A minimum three (3) years of experience performing a variety of arboricultural work tasks as part of a crew (i.e. tree worker or utility arborist).
• Arborist certification (International Society of Arboriculture) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
• Can work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Has superior public relations, interpersonal, communication, organizational, multi-tasking and leadership skills.
• Has comprehensive knowledge and experience demonstrating best practices used in tree planting, pruning, removing, relocating, climbing and mitigating risks related to trees; and can assist in identifying and monitoring tree pests, diseases, and potential hazards.
• Has knowledge of tree biology for a range of tree species, varieties, and related growth and cultural requirements to support healthy specimens.
• Has proficiency in safe tree climbing techniques (MRS and/or SRS) and aerial lift operation.
• Has experience in pruning trees per ISA Best Management Practices.
• Can assist with routine site inspections, and with tree bylaw compliance investigations as required.
• Must have a valid Class 5 BC driver’s license (with air brake endorsement) with safe driving history.
• Must be able to successfully pass and maintain a clear Police Information Check.
• The following certifications are considered assets:
o Traffic Control Person (TCP) Training;
o Utility Specialist certification;
o Completion of additional post-secondary education in arboriculture, landscape technology or related field;
o ITA Climbing Arborist or Arborist Technician certification; and
o Valid BC Pesticide Applicator’s License.
Apply online with your resume and cover letter in one document at www.newwestcity.ca/employment by April 10, 2026.

We offer our employees great work-life balance, including competitive salaries, comprehensive health and wellness benefits and retirement plans (a percentage in lieu of benefits for auxiliary positions). We also offer a hybrid remote work schedule in accordance with our Remote Work Policy, opportunities for education and training, and engaging, rewarding work.

To support a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community; women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversity of our workforce, are encouraged to express their interest.
New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halq’eméylem-speaking peoples. It is acknowledged by the City that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land.
We are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.
We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.

Required languages: english

Education level: • Completion of Grade 12, supplemented by formal training and/or completion of an arboricultural apprenticeship program. • Arborist certification (International Society of Arboriculture) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).

Required skills: • A minimum three (3) years of experience performing a variety of arboricultural work tasks as part of a crew (i.e. tree worker or utility arborist).

Additional skills / Assets: • Can work independently, as well as in a team environment. • Has superior public relations, interpersonal, communication, organizational, multi-tasking and leadership skills. • Has comprehensive knowledge and experience demonstrating best practices used in tree planting, pruning, removing, relocating, climbing and mitigating risks related to trees; and can assist in identifying and monitoring tree pests, diseases, and potential hazards. • Has knowledge of tree biology for a range of tree species, varieties, and related growth and cultural requirements to support healthy specimens. • Has proficiency in safe tree climbing techniques (MRS and/or SRS) and aerial lift operation. • Has experience in pruning trees per ISA Best Management Practices. • Can assist with routine site inspections, and with tree bylaw compliance investigations as required. • Must have a valid Class 5 BC driver’s license (with air brake endorsement) with safe driving history. • Must be able to successfully pass and maintain a clear Police Information Check. • The following certifications are considered assets: o Traffic Control Person (TCP) Training; o Utility Specialist certification; o Completion of additional post-secondary education in arboriculture, landscape technology or related field; o ITA Climbing Arborist or Arborist Technician certification; and o Valid BC Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Closest intersection: Royal Ave and 6th Street