Ready to branch out your career and grow with us?

If you’re passionate about the outdoors and keen to build a career in arboriculture, Waikato Trees Services is the perfect place to start.

For almost 30 years, we’ve been caring for trees across the Waikato region. Since joining Waipā Networks in 2010, we’ve grown into a dynamic and innovative workplace with three teams of fully qualified arborists and a fleet of modern, high-tech equipment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your apprenticeship and work toward becoming a qualified arborist (Level 4 Arboriculture), while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive, community-focused workplace.

We’re a team that values safety, teamwork, and whānau. If you’re eager to learn, enjoy working outdoors, and want to make a positive difference, we’d love to hear from you!

What you’ll get from this role

• Hands-on training — gain practical experience in tree care under the guidance of experienced arborists

• Learn while you earn

• Work in a great Waikato location

• Enjoy working outdoors in diverse environments

• Fully funded health insurance for you and your whānau

• Fully funded life insurance, equivalent to twice your base annual salary.

Your role as a Trainee Arborist

You’ll help keep our electrical network safe and reliable, with a focus on tree maintenance, powerline management, and some private customer tree work. Your mahi will directly impact the safety of our community and the integrity of our network. You’ll work alongside experienced team members, taking part in routine tree maintenance and proactive vegetation management to minimise hazards. You may also assist during emergency response efforts, including tree-related outages and storm damage.

We value our connection with the community and believe every team member can contribute to our kaupapa. This role is perfect if you’re ready to grow your skills, make a real difference, and be part of a supportive, hands-on team.

About you

To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

• Current driver’s licence (class 2 ideal but not essential)

• Arborist experience or qualifications would be an advantage, but not essential

• Physical fitness to perform arborist duties

• Enthusiasm to learn and develop new skills

• A strong work ethic and reliability

• The ability to work well in a team environment

• Commitment to prioritise safety and follow safety protocols rigorously.

How to apply

We run a structured recruitment process in-house, including pre-employment vetting. You’ll need the right to work permanently in Aotearoa New Zealand and be currently living here.

Recruitment agencies — thanks, but we’ve got this one covered.