should i stay or go?

Kris Anderson · Aug 1, 2015

I moved from Australia to canada . I did utility arboriculture in Australia for 2 years. Bucket work no climbing experience. Since then i have wanted to climb, i do rec climbs and private jobs and worked for a landscape company climbing. My goal was to get on as a training climber with a real tree company to get experience. I left the landscaper at $18 an hour full time climbing, with a pick up to use. Now I'm on $16 an hour doing groundy stuf f with occasional climbing that i did years ago. I dont feel to confident to take on climbing without the training in place ( i feel to slow work positioning in thr tree. I know how to climb (self taught) slowly. And I'm the only one in the crew going srt. I feel like I'm getting ripped off. Any thoughts? Basically not sure what the pay scale here I'd in north America.

CutHighnLetFly · Aug 1, 2015

i cant help you, but if you let us know where your located in Canada, i bet theres plenty of people who can help give you some direction.

Boomslang · Aug 1, 2015

Yea, where are you located? The pay scale varies a lot in this country. It's mostly tied in to cost of living and the strength of the local economy. West coast guys usually make more than central and Ontario guys, who usually make more than us East coasters. Also, I've found the bigger companies (Bartlett, Davey, Asplundh, etc) pay less than private outfits, but may offers other perks that make up for it.

deevo · Aug 2, 2015

Kris Anderson said:
I moved from Australia to canada . I did utility arboriculture in Australia for 2 years. Bucket work no climbing experience. Since then i have wanted to climb, i do rec climbs and private jobs and worked for a landscape company climbing. My goal was to get on as a training climber with a real tree company to get experience. I left the landscaper at $18 an hour full time climbing, with a pick up to use. Now I'm on $16 an hour doing groundy stuf f with occasional climbing that i did years ago. I dont feel to confident to take on climbing without the training in place ( i feel to slow work positioning in thr tree. I know how to climb (self taught) slowly. And I'm the only one in the crew going srt. I feel like I'm getting ripped off. Any thoughts? Basically not sure what the pay scale here I'd in north America.

Where about's are you now? Doesn't sound like much for pay or room for advancement

RajElectric · Aug 2, 2015

Is the climbing with your equipment or theirs?

Pelorus · Aug 2, 2015

If you feel like you are getting ripped off, then go!
No good staying where you are gonna poison your mind with negativity.

Kris Anderson · Aug 3, 2015

Im located in the central okanagan valley in british columbia, kelowna. Bartlett Davey and arborcare definitely operate in the region. I use my own gear, company saws. I have learnt a lot working for the company but i feel any climbing will be limited. The company has 3 main climbers that i feel won't chose to drag brush to give anyone experience. I mainly asked the question for the pay scale side of things i knew it would be lower than australia but $16 an hour does seem a bit low.

Boomslang · Aug 3, 2015

Honestly, $16-$18/hr is about right considering your experience, skill set, and primary job role. You probably won't break $20/hr until you become a full production climber and then work your way up from there.

Have you tried approaching your boss and telling him you want to take on more responsibility? Are you ISA certified? The more you show your worth and dedication to your employer the more likely you are to gain the relevant experience and with that comes $$$. However, if you don't feel this company is going to give you the opportunities it may be time to move on.

Kris Anderson · Aug 6, 2015

Sounds fair enough. Just wanted to check with the blokes out this way. I will ask for a raise as i have taken on a maintenance roll. Just seems crazy compared to wages in australia.