Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Sioux Falls, SD

About The Position

The Advanced Tree Trimmer is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs, and shrubs near power lines to reduce vegetation interference. The role uses equipment, tools, and techniques for advanced tree care while accounting for growth patterns and maintaining tree health and appearance. The work includes climbing and ground-based tree operations, working near energized power lines and hazardous equipment, applying herbicides, operating and maintaining vehicles and equipment, and helping less experienced employees follow safe work methods. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty for the duration of the event. Extensive travel is indicated (greater than 50%). The position involves outdoor work on rugged terrain and exposure to weather, heights, electrical current, moving equipment and vehicles, chemicals, noise, vibration, and other hazards. The role requires physical activity including climbing, lifting, carrying, and frequent entry to and exit from vehicles and equipment.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience on tree-trimming or tree-clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Knowledge of tree identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Knowledge of and ability to understand ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300.
Ability to follow and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements.
Knowledge of electrical circuits and ability to read and understand circuit maps.
Knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards, including 29 CFR 1910.269.
Ability to determine nominal voltage, properly use insulated tools near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately; communicate effectively and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
Ability to comprehend, read, and write job instructions and safety information, and communicate with the public, customers, and employees.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate precautions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Knowledge and training to perform tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment, and work independently and as part of a group.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and be subject to call-out work.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, visual tasks, and frequent entry to and exit from vehicles and equipment.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly to move objects; lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and 30 pounds frequently.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, depending on division and utility or contract requirements, and a DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
Ability to drive a vehicle with an attached chipper or other trailing unit to, from, or within the work area.
Herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable local, state, and federal law.
Stay informed about new equipment and specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable-size limbs and logs unsuitable for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment, including a powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line, and ladder; also perform ground work with saws, pruners, and other applicable tools.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and lower them to the ground using rigging lines.
Use ground tools to fell trees or spars and split them into manageable pieces.
Work around hazardous equipment and, when necessary, in close proximity to energized power lines while directly supervising non-qualified employees near energized conductors.
Apply herbicide with growth regulators to brush and stumps, and maintain application records.
Follow company policies, procedures, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations; help educate less experienced employees on these requirements.
Repair minor property damage that occurs at the job site and escalate situations to the General Foreperson when necessary and in a timely manner.
Feed brush and debris into a woodchipper.
Set up warning signs, barriers, and flags; relay hand signals; direct traffic; and use other traffic-control devices to protect employees and the public.
Cooperate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools, and report specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson.
Support and act in accordance with Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture; comply with applicable laws and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment; may help obtain written permission from property owners.
Promote and maintain good customer, public, and employee relations.
Work extended hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and respond to call-outs.
Operate and service required tools and equipment and be trained to perform tree and bucket rescue.