Penticton has been recognized as one of Canada’s most livable cities, according to latest rankings by The Globe and Mail. Penticton ranked as the ninth most livable city in Canada, plus the No. 1 most livable city for young professionals and No. 1 for midlife transitions. In addition, Penticton ranked the third most livable city for newcomers, fifth for retirement and seventh for raising kids. Rooted in agriculture and surrounded by natural beauty, Penticton is known for its orchards, wineries, and craft breweries—making it one of Canada’s top wine destinations. More than 100 years since its incorporation, Penticton continues to grow as a place to live, work, and play.
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Utility Arborist
Job No:
26001
Location:
Penticton
About the City of Penticton
Penticton is a vibrant, innovative waterfront city known for its commitment to sustainability, community well-being, and economic opportunity. With a strong focus on good governance, collaboration, and service excellence, the City is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. As one of the most active development regions in British Columbia, Penticton features a diverse mix of large-scale and complex construction projects.
For more information, please visit our website at penticton.ca/
For more information about life in Penticton, please visit visitpenticton.com/
About the Opportunity
The City of Penticton is looking for a permanent full-time Utility Arborist, based in Penticton, B.C.
The Utility Arborist performs skilled arboricultural work focused on vegetation management around energized utility lines and related infrastructure. This position ensures compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements while maintaining tree health and public safety. Work involves pruning, removing, and clearing vegetation near power lines, using specialized climbing and aerial equipment, and applying integrated vegetation management practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform vegetation management around energized utility lines, including pruning, removal, and clearing of trees and shrubs to maintain required clearances.
- Performs duties associated with an urban forest tree management program including the planting, pruning, cultivation and removal of trees and shrubs.
- Operate and maintain specialized equipment such as aerial lift trucks, insulated tools, hydraulic pruners, chainsaws, wood chippers, and rigging systems.
- Operates one-ton and pick-up trucks, tractors and other various parks-related tools and equipment.
- Climb trees using approved climbing gear and techniques to safely perform work near energized conductors.
- Conduct hazard assessments and identify tree health issues, recommending or implementing corrective actions.
- Apply Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) principles, including safe pesticide use where permitted.
- Respond to public inquiries and maintain positive relations with property owners, contractors, and utility representatives.
- Ability to use current computer technology including proficiency in Data Collection, editing, review and interpretation of data using ESRI ArcGIS suite of programs.
- Ensure all work complies with WorkSafeBC regulations, BC Hydro Vegetation Management Standards, and City policies.
- Prepare reports, maintain records, and assist with cost estimates for vegetation management projects.
- Install and maintain turf, shrubs, floral displays, hanging baskets, trees and general park landscapes, including snow removal and application of fertilizer, mulch, top dressing, soil amendments and pesticides.
- Provide guidance and training, leadership, motivation, coaching, instruction and direction of assigned work crews. Provides relief for Parks Horticulture Foreman during periods of vacation or other absence.
Required Knowledge, Abilities & Skills:
- Thorough knowledge of arboricultural practices, tree biology, and vegetation management techniques for utility corridors.
- Ability to work safely around energized conductors following Work Safe BC OHS regulations.
- Proficiency in climbing and rigging techniques for trees adjacent to utility infrastructure.
- Strong mechanical aptitude for operating aerial devices, chainsaws, and other arboricultural equipment.
- Ability to interpret vegetation management plans, maps, and safety regulations.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with the public and team members.
- Physical ability to perform heavy manual tasks in all weather conditions.
Required Education, Training & Experience:
- Utility Arborist Certificate – ITA BC.
- ISA Certified Arborist.
- Horticulture Diploma or equivalent.
- Valid BC Driver’s Licence – Class 5 with Air Brake endorsement.
- Electrical Safety and Work Protection training.
- Fall Protection and Aerial Device Operation certification.
- BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate – Landscape General.
- Climbing certification from an accredited organization.
- Power System Safety Protection training.
- Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) – ISA.
- Certified Treeworker Climber Specialist – ISA.
- Technical tree falling and cutting course – ArborCanada.
- Minimum two years of experience in utility vegetation management or related arboricultural work.
About the Benefits
Compensation based on skills and experience is an hourly rate of $39.65-$43.72 (Pay Grade 13, 40 hours per week, CUPE), along with a host of excellent benefits including:
- Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
- Relocation assistance
- 3 weeks of vacation starting on day one
- 2 weeks of paid sick leave annually
- Municipal pension plan
- $2,000 in annual mental health benefits
- $200 annual fitness rebate
- Free community recreation pass (swimming, fitness, etc.)
- Support for professional development, including yearly conference budget
- Free on-site parking
- Fleet vehicles provided for inspections and site visits
- Tickets to local concerts, hockey games, and employee appreciation events
- Annual golf tournament, wellness initiatives, and team-building activities
- A picturesque waterfront location with access to world-class outdoor recreation and a progressive, community-oriented work culture
At the City of Penticton, we recognize that great talent and great ideas come from a variety of backgrounds. Tapping into the diversity of our community makes us all stronger and allows us to serve Penticton even better.
That's why we welcome all applicants to consider joining our team. We encourage Indigenous persons, people of colour, all genders and expressions, 2SLGBT2QIA+, persons living with disabilities, and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace to apply. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know, we'd be happy to support you!
If your experience is close to what we're looking for, we would love a chance to talk about working with you. We welcome your cover letter and resume by February 11, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.