Grounds Person / Arborist Apprentice
Driftwood Tree Service – Niagara Region
Driftwood Tree Service is a professional tree care company serving the Niagara Region. We specialize in tight-space tree removals, pruning, and meticulous job site cleanup.
We are hiring a Grounds Person to join our team. This position offers a clear apprenticeship path into climbing and leadership for the right candidate.
This position is ideal for someone early in their arboriculture career — whether you’re just entering the industry, currently enrolled in an arboriculture or forestry program, or have one to two years of hands-on experience and want to continue developing your skills.
It is also ideal for someone who wants to move into a leadership role and take on more responsibility over time.
We are also open to candidates with more experience who align with our standards and culture. At Driftwood, attitude and professionalism matter more than years in the trade.
This is physically demanding, safety-critical outdoor work that requires focus, maturity, and a strong work ethic.
Responsibilities
- Ground support for tree removals and pruning
- Rigging support and property protection
- Equipment setup and organization
- Job site clean-up and safety maintenance
- Safe chainsaw handling and ground operations
- Skills development toward climbing and advanced arborist work
Qualifications
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Professional and respectful attitude
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions in dynamic situations
- Strong understanding of safe work practices
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications / Assets
- Chainsaw certification
- Previous arborist apprentice experience
- Tree climbing experience
- AZ, ARZ, or DZ driver's license
- Arboriculture or Forestry program student or graduate
- Large equipment experience
- Crane-assisted removal exposure
Our Standards
We are looking for someone who is:
- Honest and accountable
- Willing to own mistakes and damaged equipment
- Committed to working safely and following proper procedures
- On time and prepared
- Professional with coworkers and clients
- Fit for duty each day
- Focused on doing quality work
What We Offer
- $20-26 per hour starting wage, depending on experience
- Full-time, permanent position
- Expected hours: 35–50 per week
- Overtime opportunities during peak season
- Modern equipment and a safety-focused work environment
- Supportive team environment
- Diverse and challenging tree work
- 90-day performance review
- Clear raise criteria
- Apprenticeship path into climbing and leadership
We are building a respectful, honest, professional, and enjoyable team environment where people support each other and take pride in their work.
Apply
Please apply directly through Indeed with your resume and a brief summary of your experience.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $20.00–$26.00 per hour
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Apprenticeship
Pay: $20.00-$26.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Are you comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and performing physically demanding work daily?
Experience:
- tree work, landscaping, construction, or outdoor trades: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Class G Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
