One good climber needed

P

Peter_Jenkins

Location
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
I thought this was a better place to find an experienced climber than my own message board (Tree Climbers International). I’m looking for one full time climber for my small tree care business. I started Treeman Inc 25 years ago and focus on technical work, quality, and safety (no major injuries to date). Atlanta is choked with large trees, most needing work.

I study and work with cutting edge techniques in both climbing and rigging. We use the Good/ Harken device for rigging plus numerous other devices. Ascenders are used along with friction hitches. We are always looking at different ways to do a job safely and efficiently. Some techniques are developed in the recreational tree climbing arena through Tree Climbers International.

I’m looking for a full time climber who loves their work. I especially need a climber that can rig out big removals. Does anyone know anyone they can steer me to? Hard core climbing technicians are hard to come by down south.
 
Hi, Peter;

I'm only responding due to curiousity. If you're looking for a good rigger and you're working with cutting edge techniques, what are you willing to do to increase the climber's technical proficiency? It sounds to me you're willing to do some teaching.

The gadgets you're advertising you use have more of a glad to know you use this stuff, but, playing with the gear is fun. I guess gadgets can be considered a drawing strength since not every employer is willing to invest in the specialty rigging equipment. I've never used a Good rigging control system but I have used a Hobbs lowering device. More often than not the rapid slack remover of the Hobbs has more use IMO than a device which doesn't possess this ability.

It can take a long time to develop a good hardcore climbing technician. I'm certain you know this better than most people. What about hiring a guy with "some" technical skills, listing a minimum amount of proven practical experience like 3-5 years experience with modern rigging gear, and a willingness to learn.

I guess the fact you're advertising "big" tree work is a precursor to what the applicant should expect and the type of confidence the individual will have if and when they reply. What about relocation? What if your applicant has a family? Climbers aren't loaded.

Joe
 
I am indeed willing to teach. Three to five years experience is a good start to learning more advanced rigging applications. However, I do not want to start with a climber that only has trimming experience as it is very time consuming teaching removals from the ground up. Removals also takes a certain kind of person willing to experience more feelings of risk, be they real or unwarranted (a good rope handler working in partnership with the climber decreases the risk factor tremendously).

My percentage of removals is now around 35 percent of my workload. There are so many new tree guys entering the field here in Atlanta (over 200 tree companies listed in the Yellow Pages and probably 500 unlisted) that makes it increasingly hard to compete with low inexperienced bidders.

I started with a Hobbs, then Bollard, and now Good/Harken. I have found it faster to learn and more precise in tight applications. Too many gadgets can foster confusion which is not a good thing in the trees. But having a selection of tools and an employer willing to try new techniques fosters advancement in experience and some fun too. Fun and good cheer at the workplace is worth gold. Who needs a dismal job anyway?

I have performed most of the removals up to this point. I have taught quite a few of my competitors up to this point too, which gives me some feelings of accomplishment along with disappointment as trusted friends go off on their own, leaving me to start all over again as far as training is concerned. That is why I am looking for someone already with removal experience.

I am aware that climbers are not loaded with cash. More often than not they are cash poor and tool heavy. I would be open to a relocation conversation to the right person. I would not be open to relocation if that climber was only interested in escaping the winter cold months to leave me once it warmed up.

We also wear good protection at work. You would not believe the amount of companies here that wear no head protection, even on fragile dead tree removals. It frankly astounds me.
 
Be careful when using years as an experience requirement. 10 yrs of experience is frequently one year of experience 10 times. There is a difference.
 
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