Career Change - Testing the "trees"

[durham_john]

Hi All,

I am interested in a career change and nothing said here will change my stance on that point, however I am so stubborn as to say Arborist is the only job for me (been down that road before and it has landed me in my current predicament)

I could read all the responses to this thread, agree and disagree with many of your comments, however it is only words at the end of the day and its difficult to relate your experiences into the written word, so here's my plan...

I am looking for a local company (Canada, Ontario, Durham region) that would be kind enough to allow me to tag along on a typical day in the life of an arborist. I would like to tag along on a few different occasion so I can get at least a small taste of what the job looks like and feels like (smells like?), something I am sure I wont get from reading, so :

1. Is there anyone here that could direct me to a company that would allow this?
2. Is it a good idea or worthless? (Remember, just trying to get a feel, not trying to experience the entire job)
3. Are there any obstacles you can foresee?
4. I know some companies in the area, if I contact them, who should I contact? (I don't really want to ask the receptionist or human resources, do I?)
5. I have read about "tree climbing" for fun, is this a fair taste of the job? (i.e. If I don’t like it, I wont be able to do the job? i.e. Tree Climbing is a requirement, you cant be an Arborist without it).

Thanks for reading this far, any responses appreciated.

Regards,

John.
:greenchainsaw:

 

[clearance]

John, welcome, my advice, call up a small outfit, tell the guy you want to check it out and will work one day for free. You want to do it, if you can take it, work hard and put up with the b.s., you will make it. Someone will give you a chance, the big outfits will probably not, good luck.

 

[arboralliance]

What Thu!

You can be an Arborist without climbing trees...

 

[OTG BOSTON]

You can be an Arborist without climbing trees...

It would be sorta like the marriage therapist who never got married.

 

[moss]

5. I have read about "tree climbing" for fun, is this a fair taste of the job?

Tree climbing for fun will give you an idea of what it's like to climb a tree but will give you only a very small taste of what it's like to work in and around trees. Until you get up-to-speed with climbing skills just getting into a tree will seem like a lot of work. Get yourself a copy of Jepson's Tree Climber's Companion to get a good overview of arborist climbing technique.
-moss

 

[Blinky]

I'm in a similar situation, changing career, absolutely sure tree care is where I want to be. I've been very lucky, I found two local arborists on this board who are allowing me to work with them and get a feel for the job.

The thing that I've learned is most important is knowing trees, horticulture, why trees stay healthy, why they get sick, how to improve their living conditions, how, what and when to prune... that takes a lot of time and experience to learn.

Then there's all the practical stuff like safety, climbing, saws, cuts, rigging, disposal.

Removals are the easiest place to start if you're coming from another profession but there are still several obstacles.

What experience do you have that makes you want to make arborcare your vocation? Have you done other sorts of climbing? Have you done tree removals or firewooding? Do you love to work with woody plants?

For me it was a convergence of circumstances, this is how it's gone so far...

When I made the choice to move into aboriculture I knew I could climb, I've been into technical rock climbing most of my life, I'd done lots of windthrown tree removals and a few simple climbing removals... I had nearly been killed once... (they don't call'em widowmakers for nothin', lemme tell ya!) There is so much about trees you have to experience to actually know.

I'm into reading and learning as much as I can, I do it whenever I'm not working or taking care of family... but let me tell you, actual climbing is nothing like reading about climbing. A person's reaction to fall exposure, even with a perfect safety system, requires conditioning and the ability to put falling out of your mind. Managing your equipment under climbing stress is tricky and potentially confusing... getting it wrong could cost you big. That's not mean't as a put-off but really, you need to get way up in some trees and do some sawing before you decide climbing is your bag.

It took me several trips up into trees (thank you Ryan) before I started to feel good about the exposure, my balance on limbs, my strength, my gear, my technique, etc. ...Hell, I still don't trust my split tail.

I hurt all the time now, I'm 46 and have chronic tendonitis in my right elbow and my knees are showing wear too. My loved ones worry about me even though they are always supportive. The work isn't steady and probably won't be for a long time. Without some pretty expensive equipment, there are jobs I simply can't touch. Customers are, well... customers. If you've dealt with them directly before you understand what I mean.

OK, so that's the unknown/possibly negative side. The positive side is, tree climbing is really fun and will keep you in shape... it's actually not so bad, being sore all the time that is. If you like trees, heights and exposure, it's the ultimate way to make a living. You go home feeling like you did something (after swaying in a treetop you feel like your still swaying when you go to sleep... very cool). If you have kids, they will think it's cool (a major factor for me). Once you have your basic gear, there will be no healthy tree you can't climb.

When I was young I got into all the complexity I could find, I loved digging into 'systems' of any type. Now that I'm old, I like plants and animals... nature. The systems in nature are complex but to care for them, your aproach has to be wholistic... you treat the system as a whole, not the pieces... It's really satifying how simplicity and time matter more than complexity and speed for me now..

I think you should definitely find a local consulting arborist (check the ISA and ASCA websites) and trade learning time for work... but do a lot of it, not just 'a day in the life of'. Your already sure this is what you want so commit some serious time to it. Once you've been up a few times you may want to invest in climbing gear, then you can climb every tree in your yard and take out the deadwood... if you're like me, that's a LOT of climbing and you'll soon be valuable enough to earn some money for yourself and your mentors. From there, you'll just have to see what happens.

Good luck, update your progress every once in a while.

Chip

 

[Jumper]

Get yourself hired on as a Groundsman-send some resumes to people in the phone book or look for yourself at www.jobbank.gc.ca, use tree or chain saw as a keyword and the jobs will show up. I am not sure what the number of companies are like out in Durham; there are a lot more in Toronto and York Region IMHO.

In all honesty you are starting at the wrong time of the year as most tree services around here are slowing down with the onset of cooler weather.

Good luck with the job hunt!

 

[Jumper]

One more point-I saw a folder today put out by the government of Ontario part of www.youthjobs.gov.on.ca , 1-888-JOBGROW. You might be able to get some more information from them on Arborist apprenticeship programs here in Ontario.

 

[durham_john]

Thanks for all your responses. Blinky I hope your wrist has recovered from writing that essay, thanks.

I will be looking into the Ontario apprenticeship program however I need to make sure I am suited to this job. I will be seeking some professional advice (vocational aptitude tests) in order to determine if I am on the right track.

I was also wondering about the weather so thanks for pointing that out.

 

[RedlineIt]

john,

You're not that far from Humber college, it might be just a bit too late in the year, but they do allow students to take just the field exercize part of the Urban Arboriculture program, for no credit.

Then, if you like the climbing part, take their whole course, starting in January.

If you do, tell Paul Pietch that ID'ing 50 new trees a day is a bit much.

Worst instructor I've ever had.

But the rest of the program gets my big thumbs up!



RedlineIt

 

[jomoco]

Certified Arborist's don't all climb trees

In fact there are probably many hundreds of them that couldn't climb a tree if their life depended on it.

Some of the worst tree butchers I've seen are Certified Arborists, in the end it means very little other than a very basic understanding of trees in a general sense.

jomoco

 

[tree jumper]

I was originally going to stay ground based however I have found Arb very infectious. I have been felling for about two years before I started climbing about a year ago and I love it! Let your experience grow gradually maybe starting off with (ground side) felling cuts.
Here in the U.K. we have to pass competence Tests to prove our ability and the first two ground based courses are pre-requisite to using a saw in a tree. (along with the 'Climbing & Rescue Test')

Its really worth it - the sense of achievment & job satisfaction are immense.

- Having said that the work is hard and once you pass a certain age the aches & pains last for ages. But if you find you have a passion for Arb - it will probably grow and grow.

I wish you all the best in your Arb Career!

 

[OTG BOSTON]

In fact there are probably many hundreds of them that couldn't climb a tree if their life depended on it.

Some of the worst tree butchers I've seen are Certified Arborists, in the end it means very little other than a very basic understanding of trees in a general sense.

jomoco

I would have to agree with you that being a C.A. is a basic, minimal qualification.

Having said that, I can't stand arbo's who don't climb. Not the older guys who no longer climb, but the young ones with all the fancy degrees who know it all but can't climb a crabapple.

Can one really understand how trees function if you haven't been up into the canopies and seen the different situations for yourself?

Education is only part of being a well rounded Arborist, practical experience is the most important part.

 

[Blinky]

[...]
Education is only part of being a well rounded Arborist, practical experience is the most important part.

Here, here!
Education is great but experience is where the real learning takes place. Without application, knowledge justs wastes away until you forget it.

Besides, climbing is about as much fun as you can possibly have with your clothes on!

 

[Jumper]

Thanks for all your responses. Blinky I hope your wrist has recovered from writing that essay, thanks.

I will be looking into the Ontario apprenticeship program however I need to make sure I am suited to this job. I will be seeking some professional advice (vocational aptitude tests) in order to determine if I am on the right track.

I was also wondering about the weather so thanks for pointing that out.

DJohn: I think the best way to figure out of you are suited for this line of work is to get hired as a groundsman. Phone some companies in Oshawa
or what ever is closest and explain your circumstances. Maybe some of them do have winter contracts for condo pruning and trimming etc....I worked one winter in Ottawa doing mainly that. Get your self a copy of the tree climber's companion-I believe Vermeer in Brampton stocks copies and run from there. I believe Flemming CC also runs an arborist program or they used to; that might be closer to you than Humber as it is in Peterborough.

I sincerely believe that getting on with a company that has a winter pursuit eg snow plowing is the best way to go, as the weather, cold, snow etc will render you poor Nov-Mar as a climber/arborist here in eastern Canada.

Again good luck.

 

[beowulf343]

I would have to agree with you that being a C.A. is a basic, minimal qualification.

Having said that, I can't stand arbo's who don't climb. Not the older guys who no longer climb, but the young ones with all the fancy degrees who know it all but can't climb a crabapple.

Can one really understand how trees function if you haven't been up into the canopies and seen the different situations for yourself?

Education is only part of being a well rounded Arborist, practical experience is the most important part.

Well put!! I agree with you 100%.

 

[durham_john]

Hi Again,

I have nothing much to report ATM. I am going to a vocational specialist this week, so hopefully they don't tell me I am only suited to an office job

I was looking at employment adverts for Arborists and found three "nice to have" skills that are common.

1. AZ or DZ license.
2. CPR.
3. First Aid.

I was thinking that gaining these types of extra skills will only help encourage potential employers that they would take a chance on me. I would like to know what you all think of these skills, are they useful for the job (Ignore the CPR and FA as it is useful in all jobs, especially ones with higher risks), are there any other “extra” skills that would be useful? (Skills that are not covered in arborist training)

Thanks again for all your responses so far.

Regards,

John.

 

[Jumper]

DJ this appeared Friday in the Job Bank....


Title: Landscape labourer (Landscaper, forestry labourer) (NOC: 8612)
Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: $8.00 to $16.00 Hourly for 40 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Scarborough, Ontario (2 vacancies )
Skill Requirements:
Education: Not applicable
Credentials (certificates, licences, memberships, courses, etc.): Not applicable
Experience: Experience an asset
Languages: Speak English
Other Information: Duties are to assist with tree service operations. Full time and part time positions available. Commercial driving experience an asset. Chainsaw experience an asset. Driver's license an asset.

Employer: CB Tree *

How to Apply:
Please apply for this job only in the manner specified by the employer. Failure to do so may result in your application not being properly considered for the position.
By Phone between 9:00 and 17:00:
(416) 934-2927

Other: You can also call 416-410-1010 Contact: Owner.

 

[Jumper]

DJ this appeared Friday in the Job Bank....


Title: Landscape labourer (Landscaper, forestry labourer) (NOC: 8612)
Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: $8.00 to $16.00 Hourly for 40 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Scarborough, Ontario (2 vacancies )
Skill Requirements:
Education: Not applicable
Credentials (certificates, licences, memberships, courses, etc.): Not applicable
Experience: Experience an asset
Languages: Speak English
Other Information: Duties are to assist with tree service operations. Full time and part time positions available. Commercial driving experience an asset. Chainsaw experience an asset. Driver's license an asset.

Employer: CB Tree *

How to Apply:
Please apply for this job only in the manner specified by the employer. Failure to do so may result in your application not being properly considered for the position.
By Phone between 9:00 and 17:00:
(416) 934-2927

Other: You can also call 416-410-1010 Contact: Owner.