Arborist (Sioux Falls)

Details about this Career

The primary responsibility of the Arborist is to maintain trees and woody plants to ensure their healthy, safe, and attractive condition including chemical applications, repairing, cabling, fertilizing, watering, pruning, and removal of any dead, diseased or declining trees.  All Weller Brothers team members are expected to provide excellent client service by assisting clients promptly and courteously, answer questions and provide information as needed. An arborist will perform and ensure all team members are executing all job responsibilities in a safe, timely and efficient manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and competency satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job. 

  • Oversee day-to-day crew tasks including but not limited to pruning, trimming, cutting, chemical applications, and other lawn and landscape maintenance tasks.
  • Communicate with customers in a professional manner.  Use knowledge of the landscape industry to inform and educate customers.
  • Must be legally licensed with a state specific applicators license.
  • Acquires and stores pesticide and herbicide solutions; mixes or dilutes specified chemicals or materials according to directions and applies them at the recommended rate.
  • Able to use outdoor maintenance and power equipment, variety of hand tools, and legally operate a motor vehicle.
  • Willingness to work as part of a team or alone, in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor on a daily basis.
  • Installs, adjusts, and performs minor repairs on equipment.
  • Instructs team members, as required, in daily tasks.
  • Follow all policies as specified in the Team Member Handbook
  • Retain, label and submit all receipts timely and accurately.
  • Commit the hours necessary to make sure the job is done to satisfaction.
  • Make decisions that are in the best interest of the company.
  • Assist in maintaining all Weller Brothers equipment.
  • Assist with Snow Removal in the Winter Season
  • Other duties needed to help drive and fulfill the Weller Brothers Mission.

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work and communicate professionally with customers and team members
  • Superior customer service skills
  • Lead by example
  • Manage and train new team members.
  • Timely input of hours on LMN software to ensure accurate payroll processing.
  • Hold team members accountable for being to work on time and doing their respective duties
  • Hold team members accountable for proper care of company issued tools and equipment  
  • Proficient computer knowledge
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks
  • Strong attention to detail

Education and Experience

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma/GED required
  • One year experience preferred but not required

Compensation and Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
  • 401K with Company Match Up to 4%
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Cell Phone Reimbursement
  • Year Round Employment
  • Ample Overtime During the Summer Work Season

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member  to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Team members must be able to perform the following tasks during a typical 8+ hour day.

  • LIGHT HEAVY WORK:  Lifting up to 80 pounds; frequently lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position.  Specific schedules will be determined based on weather and general needs of the business.

Disclaimer:  The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully.  The company recognized that an individual with a disability may require an accommodation to enable him/her to successfully perform a job function.  Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The Weller Brothers Way

Our Mission and Roots guide us in our decision and actions every day. They are not just written words; they are our culture.

Why Work Here?

You can work anywhere. So why work at Weller Brothers?

You can be somebody here, and we believe that we are the best employer in the Midwest.

Ravishing Woodland Rebuild

Landscape bed in Rochester, MN designer by Michael Blazing

Ravishing Woodland Rebuild

Michael Blazing, Weller Brothers Landscaping

Design by

Michael Blazing

The cohesive front and backyard design carefully considers the variety of sun and shade access in this Minnesota yard.

The existing wall was a deteriorating timber wall that extended beyond the property line into a neighbor’s property. The homeowner wanted to replace the wall with something new, adjusting the layout so that the wall would stay within their property. 

We used Versa-Lok retaining wall blocks and step units. This material allowed us to adjust the layout of the wall, giving it a long sweeping curve.

The backyard is quite shaded, so the planting layout uses an assortment of shade-tolerant plants to provide foliage color and quick bursts of flowers. 

The front planting design mimics the rear design, though we could incorporate a few sun-loving plants in this space. The use of ferns, groundcovers, and other shade-tolerant plants “woodland garden” feel as they continue to grow and spread throughout the beds. 

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

Sioux Falls, SD, Tree Planting Ordinance with Dakota News Now

Luke Wixo, on Dakota News Now discussing the Sioux Falls, SD tree ordinance.

Luke Wixo Discusses Sioux Falls Tree Ordinance on Dakota News Now

Many Sioux Falls residents have questions and concerns about the city’s tree-planting ordinances.

Dakota News Now in Sioux Falls, SD, caught up with Weller Brothers Business Development Manager Luke Wixo to talk about why the city ordinances are in place and how they support tree health and diversity.

Planting a Tree? Consider the Size | Tree Talk With Sam

Planting a Tree? Consider the Size | Tree Talk with Sam

Planting a Tree? Consider the Size

Tree Talk with Sam

Planting a Tree? Consider the Size | Tree Talk with Sam

Weller Brothers’s “Tree Talk With Sam” series is produced in partnership with Sam Kezar, Board Certified Master Arborist with Aspen Arboriculture Solutions in Sioux Falls, SD.

Bigger is Not Always Better

We all want to have large, beautiful trees on our properties. To accomplish this, you should consider the size of your tree before planting to avoid transplant shock. 

Sam is here to tell you how to select the right tree size so that it will thrive for years to come!

Contact Us for Sioux Falls Tree Removal or Health Care

Between our team of certified arborists at Weller Brothers and the expertise of our consultant Sam at Aspen Arboriculture Solutions, your trees are in good hands in Sioux Falls, SD!

North Central Sioux Falls to Trim Trees by June 17, 2024

Weller Brothers Tree Removal team cutting tree branches while in a bucket from boom truck.

North Central Sioux Falls to Trim Trees by June 17, 2024

Did you receive a letter saying that your branches are hanging over the sidewalk or street in Sioux Falls?

You’re not the only one!

Per its annual Project T.R.I.M. (Tree Raising Improvement Methods), the city of Sioux Falls has surveyed north central Sioux Falls for low-hanging branches. If you received a letter stating that a tree or shrub on your property is non-compliant with city ordinance, you have until June 17, 2024, to hire a licensed arborist to prune the branches.

Hiring a Sioux Falls Aborist Will Save You Money

You might think it’s easiest just to let city take care of it – per the letter – at a minimum of $150/hour.

In most cases, Weller Brothers arborists will be significantly cheaper than the city’s rate. Plus, we have an ISA-certified arborist on staff and follow all ANSI safety standards.

Contact us today here or call us at 1-605-351-4748 to schedule your Sioux Falls tree trimming.

Does Your Arborist Company Follow Industry Professional Standards?

Weller Brothers Tree Removal team cutting tree branches while in a bucket from boom truck.

Does Your Arborist Company Follow Industry Professional Standards?

When it comes to selecting an arborist in Sioux Falls, industry standards are important. Not all local tree removal companies follow professional industry standards and guidelines for safety, climbing, tree health, and more.

The Weller Brothers arborist team does.

If you were sick, you would seek the care of a medical professional who is well-educated to treat your illness to the highest standards. It should be the same when you are caring for your tree. 

You should always opt for a tree care company that has accredited and experienced team members to serve your property. Weller Brothers’ tree care professionals are here to offer you their professional expertise to ensure that you are choosing a tree care company that follows ANSI Safety Standards and has an ISA-certified arborist on their team to oversee all work being done.

Phil Nystrom, a Weller Brothers Certified Arborist Removing a Tree

What are ANSI Safety Standards?

Just as in other industries, the tree care industry has ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards for all tree care operations, including safety. This standard was developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), and the ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO).

Weller Brothers tree care professional team is committed to providing the highest level of quality that adheres to the accepted industry standards. 

Trees are unique all in their own way, which means that all practices cannot be applied to all trees. Tree care decisions must be made carefully with supporting input from a qualified ISA Certified Arborist.

large cottonwood tree removal at the country club of sioux falls

Questions to ask an arborist company before hiring them:

  • Does your company follow ANSI standards? 
    • ANSI standards are scientific and industry standards for tree care; when these standards are followed this ensures that the crew has taken all necessary precautions for the job.
  • What are your credentials? 
    • Hiring a company with an ISA-Certified Arborist on staff, or a company that employs Certified Tree Care Safety Professionals (CTSP) ensures the integrity of the job being performed.
  • Do you have Qualified Line Clearance Arborists? 
    • If your trees are located in proximity to electrical conductors, they must be treated, pruned, or removed by Qualified Line Clearance arborists. 
  • Will the crew be using hard hats and other personal protective equipment while on the job site? 
    • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that personal protective equipment be used for any tree care operation. A reputable tree care service will require this.
  • Can you provide an up-to-date certificate of insurance? 
    • This is an important question to ask and verify to ensure that in the event of an accident, you will not be liable for damages, accidents, or any injuries.

It is important to protect yourself and your property by hiring a tree care professional for dangerous jobs. It is equally important to protect your investment in your trees by asking these five important questions.

large cottonwood tree removal at the country club of sioux falls

Why Should an Arborist Company Employ an ISA-Certified Arborist?

As you consider safety standards and questions to ask before hiring an arborist company, why should you find a company with an ISA-Certified Arborist? 

In order to obtain an ISA Certification, arborists must complete a defined curriculum, work experience, and exam. To remain certified through the ISA, an arborist must complete a required number of continuing education courses in the time of their three-year certification period or re-take the ISA certification exam.

This means that your ISA Certified Arborist will remain knowledgeable in the industry standards and be better prepared to take care of trees that are on your property.

Phil Nystrom preparing to remove a tree. Weller Brothers Tree Professionals in Sioux Falls, SD

Contact Us for Professional Tree Removal and Health Care

Weller Brothers tree removal and health team includes an ISA-certified arborist and arborist crews that follow all ANSI Z133 safety guidelines in Sioux Falls, SD, and surrounding communities. 

Our experienced tree removal and health team will ensure that your trees and property are taken care of to the highest standards of arboriculture.

Contact us here to request tree removal and health care services.

Weller Brothers Celebrates National Registered Youth Apprenticeship Week

2024 Harrisburg High School Apprentices

Weller Brothers Celebrates National Registered Youth Apprenticeship Week

National Youth Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration that highlights the benefits and value of the Registered Apprenticeship program opportunities for youth, ages 16-24.

Harrisburg Receives Two Grants

In the Fall of 2022, the Harrisburg School District launched a Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program through a grant funded by StartTodaySD, by offering students a hands-on landscape apprenticeship program for students. 

We are honored to be an industry supporter alongside Southeast Technical College, the Harrisburg Economic Development Corporation, and many others.

On May 9, during National Youth Apprenticeship Week, Weller Brothers welcomed our first three apprentices to the team to begin completing their apprenticeship, which will take place over the summer of their high school careers. 

After the apprenticeship program is completed they will earn a National Occupation Credential – Landscape Management and Horticulture Technician. This credential is recognized by all 50 states and seen as similar to the work/experience as that of an associate’s degree program.

Each apprentice will dedicate their time to Weller Brothers and jumpstart their education, as well as open doors to career opportunities within the landscaping industry. Our main goal through this program is to educate youth through hands-on and real-world learning to build a pipeline of qualified industry team members.

Backyard Embers & Elegance

Custom patio area with mantel style fire place and pergola in Ames, IA

Backyard Embers and Elegance

Anna Stadel, Senior Landscape Designer at Weller Brothers in Des Moines, IA

Design by

Anna Stadel

Imagine it’s a crisp Friday night in Ames. You’re snuggled by your backyard fireplace; the flames rivaling the roar of passionate Cyclone fans echoing through Jack Trice Stadium just down the road.

That’s exactly what these Cyclone fans were dreaming of when they came to Weller Brothers with a vision for a cozy and inviting outdoor area to host pre- and post-game festivities.

Our Iowa landscaping team created this outdoor living space with the mantel-style fireplace as the main focal point. Brick pavers complemented and extended the existing outdoor seating area. The custom-built pergola provides shade throughout while allowing enjoyment of the natural elements. 

For added privacy along the outskirts of the new patio area, landscape beds feature greenery and small trees. 

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

All About Apple Scab | Tree Talk With Sam

All About Apple Scab on Tree Talk with Sam Kezar Board Certified Mater Arborist

All about apple scab

Tree Talk with Sam

All About Apple Scab on Tree Talk with Sam Kezar Board Certified Mater Arborist

Weller Brothers’s “Tree Talk With Sam” series is produced in partnership with Sam Kezar, Board Certified Master Arborist with Aspen Arboriculture Solutions in Sioux Falls, SD.

Does your Tree Have Apple Scab? Here's What You Should Know!

Diseases on trees are difficult to identify and determine if they are harmful to your tree. Apple scab specifically creates an eye-sore of your Midwest crabapple and fruit trees!

Sam is here to tell you how to identify apple scab and what you should do next to treat your tree. 

Contact Us for Sioux Falls Tree Removal or Health Care

Between our team of certified arborists at Weller Brothers and the expertise of our consultant Sam at Aspen Arboriculture Solutions, your trees are in good hands in Sioux Falls, SD!

Where To Buy a Tree To Plant | Tree Talk With Sam

where to buy a tree to plant with Sam Kezar

Where to buy a tree to plant

Tree Talk with Sam

where to buy a tree to plant with Sam Kezar

Weller Brothers’s “Tree Talk With Sam” series is produced in partnership with Sam Kezar, Board Certified Master Arborist with Aspen Arboriculture Solutions in Sioux Falls, SD.

Want To Plant a Tree? Here's Where to Start.

We’re thrilled that you want to plant a tree. There are so many great reasons to do so!

These days, you can buy a tree at nearly any grocery or home store. But buying a tree from a nursery or garden center is best.

Why? Sam is here to tell you!

Contact Us for Sioux Falls Tree Removal or Health Care

Between our team of certified arborists at Weller Brothers and the expertise of our consultant Sam at Aspen Arboriculture Solutions, your trees are in good hands in Sioux Falls, SD!