Lucas Tree Experts… Who has worked there?

ROYCE

ROYCE

Carpal tunnel level member
Location
Vermont
So, about a year ago I moved to Vermont. I have settled down here with my family, bought some land and built a small house. I have traveled around most of my career and worked for some really great companies both here in the US and New Zealand.
Well, I am trying to find a good job in the area that I now reside, and will reside for the next many years. I think that I have been really spoiled in the past and trying to find really good employment around these parts is very tough. I keep comparing the companies around here to the ones I have worked for in the past. They are falling short on many aspects of what I think is ideal in a good workplace environment. I believe that has a lot to do with there size and the market. This is a hard market to keep busy throughout the winter, and many of these smaller companies struggle. It is very hard to get 30 hrs a week, never mind 40. So this brings me to my question that I need some help with. I was hoping that some of you TreeBuzz members might have some insight
So, Lucas Tree Expert have an opening for a climber in the town next to me. I have always steered away form the larger companies. I have all my experience in working for residential customers. I have no experience working with a large company.
How is it? Would someone with climbing experience really get to do that much climbing? The position posted is for a climber, not a bucket operator. How is the pay? I have heard rumors that with larger companies you have to use there climbing gear, and that it's not always the most up to date in industry advances. I have acquired a lot of fancy gadgets to aide my climbing and don't know if I want to say goodbye to them.
I was just hoping that you might have some feedback to help me in making a decision as to if I want to apply for the position. I have contacted the office to get more info as to what the responsibilities of a climber would actually be.
On a side note, One reason that is pushing me to a larger company is my CTSP certification. I received it a few years ago when I worked for a company that had a very good safety program. I worked hard to get it, and with the smaller companies I do not get to use it. They have no safety program and are not really interested in starting one. I believe at a larger company I might be able to use my CTSP knowledge. Thanks.
 
All of your concerns about living and working in VT are ones I am dealing with , and have been for the last couple of years. I too am a CTSP and having trouble utilizing the credential at the small company I work for. I get enough hours thru most of the year, but being an arbo in VT is difficult. I have no experience with lucas tree, or large companies in general. But I have always heard they are hesitant to let climbers use fancy gadgets too. I would suggest asking them directly. I will not give up my gadgets.

I hope everything works out for you. I am in a period of flux right now myself. Its hard not knowing what decision is best.

What part of the state are you in. Its always nice to meet others on the same wave length in the area. I'm in Burlington.
 
I knew it would be tough to work in Vermont. My wife and I just love this area so much, that its actually worth it to us. We have our little slice of heaven. I am north of Brattleboro in the south of the state.
I am trying to decided what would be the best move for me. I have a few options, one being to open my own tree company. But, that brings on a whole new set of problems and not sure I want to go that route yet. But it might in my cards.
Its great to hear that others have the same issue's. But not so great that we have these issues in VT.
The NEC-ISA Tree climbing competition is in your neck of the woods this year. Will you be going? I usually do, and am going to try and network a little then.
 
I will be at the comp this year, and I think I may compete. It will be a first, but sounds like fun. There are a lot of good arborists in VT, we are just spread around.

Brattleboro is a nice area. I lived in and around Manchester in the SW corner of the state for years. There is even less going on there than in our respective areas.

I am starting to feel like the only way to be an arborist in VT is to diversify and do other things. There are a couple of guys who do logging as well (I think Chep here on TB does that). I personally am trying to get into training and education. Even if it means travelling other places. Sometimes you have to make opportunities arise.

How did you get into working in NZ? I have looked at Canada before. The paperwork seems like a nightmare.
 
It's a subject that comes up from time to time and like bradford pear they do recover. I have a few commercial jobs where I pollard on a 3 year cycle and I hate it but someone will no doubt do the work and it may as well be done by me.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
We have our little slice of heaven.

[/ QUOTE ]


Wow.... With that cold weather???

Not me.... Too cold..

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats what makes the good days that much better
grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
We have our little slice of heaven.

[/ QUOTE ]


Wow.... With that cold weather???

Not me.... Too cold..

[/ QUOTE ]

Meow!
grin.gif
 
Royce I've seen them on craigslist, I'm also hesitant to apply. Seems like they do mostly utility clearance, I've only ever done residential stuff. I'm in north berkshire county, MA and it is not easy to find work near here. Lots of rednecks on the NY side, most of the second-home market seems to be saturated on the MA side. Although I have hooked up with one guy who climbs without spikes, keeps up to date with TCIA, etc... but everyone is all but shut down for the winter. If you got time to kill and wanna rec climb or something feel free to PM me, otherwise stay safe brother.
 
Royce, change your perspective don't be the interviewee and become the interviewer. Stop applying for a job and start interviewing companies for an opportunity to where your expertise will have value and boost a company's profitability. Have you assessed what the value your experience and CTSP would be to a small company ? How can you help them grow their business to the level you'd like?

Approach the larger company with the same attitude, they may not understand how the newer tools and techniques you're using will improve productivity and safety. They are driven by the top, mid and bottom lines. How about a proposal to them on advancing their climbing staff's skills demonstrating that it will in fact be to their benefit by embracing these advancements over their legal department's opinion.

Get in the driver's seat on this one. Make a list of all the companies in your commuting area and target the ones that look like the best candidates for wanting to take advantage of your talents.
 
Jon- Heritage tree is a good company and they work year round. Mike Roche (not sure company name off of the top of my head) runs a TCIA accredited company. I have no idea where they are in relation to you. Barnes is another company I've heard of. Alot of crane work I believe. Opening your own company might not be a bad thing. You would have winters off. Treehumper has a good point. You might want to find a company where you could become a partner or where there is more opportunity. Good luck!
 
Just over a year ago I took a class and a Lucas employee was there. He was in a residential division....climbed when they couldn't use the bucket just like we do. He had all is own gear with him, although I never asked if they had co. Issued etc. From what he said, it was very safety oriented. It was an arbor master class, and he was there checking it out to see if it wold be something worth them sending other employees too. Hope this helps.

Jason
 
I got some bad advice as usual. You can walk at anytime. Middle of the interview, off the worksite, see ya wouldn't want to be ya. But you'll never have that option if you don't apply.

edit- Could turn out to be the best job ever.
 
Mr B. Yeah, we are in the same boat. I am always looking to do some rec climbing. I know of a few really good spots out your way. I know where they have some really tall Sycamore trees near this river, very cool.

Treehumper- Very solid advice and I really appreciate it. I always go into an interview with a notebook, where I have written down question I would like to ask. The problem arises when the company does not want to change. They may say in an interview they are willing, but change is very hard. I will be the first to admit that. I think I am looking for a company that has some of the more business issues sorted out. Like work orders for the crew, paycheck paid to employees on time, the stuff you expect to be in place if your running a business. I am also looking to work for a company that needs help with the production end of things. Managing the crew, making sure the trucks are equipped with the right tools, tailgate safety meeting, training new employees, training old employees, and being a production arborist or foreman as well.

DJM- Dan, I looked into those tree companies, they are all too far away from me. I wish the seacoast was not as far from me as it is. I would love to work for you, I think you have exactly what I'm looking for. I'm hoping with a little hard research and good interviews I might be able to find the destination company I'm looking for. I know its out there.

JasonK- Well thats real good news, shows they are willing to train their employees and send them to classes and seminars. I have no doubt the Lucas runs a pretty good show. It's more about would a climber who is used to climbing 4 or 5 days a week be happy there! I do a lot of removals right now and crane work. Just trying to figure out what would be the best move for me.

Thank you all for the comments, It is really great to have this community to bounce ideas off of and get feedback from. We shall see where this goes!!
 
Don't wait for job openings and consequently interviews. Turn it around and call those companies you've id'd as potentials Ask for a meeting where you can seek out whether they are looking to achieve some or all those things you've listed, then tell them how you are the guy who will deliver.

Good luck!!
 
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