Trainee Arborist

About the Role:

We are seeking a motivated Trainee Arborist to join our Vegetation Management team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in arboriculture while working around electricity distribution networks. You will receive hands-on training and development while supporting the safe and effective management of vegetation near power lines, ensuring compliance with regulatory, customer, and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Trainee Arborist, you will:

-Learn and apply the fundamentals of vegetation management and the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003

-Assist with vegetation control activities around electrical distribution systems

-Operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, brush chippers, and stump grinders (training provided)

-Select and plant suitable trees for power line environments

-Work safely around live electrical lines, including working at heights

-Support coordination with contractors, field staff, and project teams

-Assist with updating asset and vegetation information in asset management systems and GIS tools

-Respond professionally to customer queries and take ownership of outcomes

-Contribute to accurate documentation, as-built records, and data entry processes

-Participate in special projects related to system development and asset information

-Work collaboratively with team members to achieve targets and goals

-Perform other duties as reasonably required

About You:

-A strong safety-focused attitude

-Willingness to learn and develop arboriculture and vegetation control skills

-Interest in working outdoors and around electrical infrastructure

-Ability to work as a team player and communicate effectively

-Problem-solving skills and the ability to respond positively to challenges

-Good time management and attention to detail

Experience: -Arboriculture or Vegetation Control qualifications (or willingness to work towards them)

-Chainsaw experience or unit standards

-Working at heights experience

-Experience working around electrical lines

-Certificate in Electrical Supply (or interest in obtaining)

-Basic computer skills or willingness to learn GIS and asset systems

About Us:

Northpower is an electricity and fibre network provider supporting more than 60,000 connected customers across Whangarei and Kaipara. We're also one of New Zealand's largest multi-utility contractors, delivering services across transmission, distribution, generation, fibre, renewables, and commercial sectors. With over 1,400 people across 16 locations, we're proud of our reputation for quality, innovation, and putting our people first.

Apply Now:

If you're ready to start a rewarding, hands-on career in arboriculture, this is your chance to join a supportive and safety-focused team. You'll receive full training and mentoring from experienced arborists, along with the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while you learn on the job. We offer clear career development pathways within vegetation management and the wider utilities sector, supported by competitive remuneration and benefits. Apply via our career's website and search for #req1850