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 a variety of equipment, tools, and techniques to perform advanced tree care while considering growth patterns and maintaining tree health and appearance. Work includes climbing and ground-based tree work, activity near energized power lines and hazardous equipment, herbicide application, equipment maintenance, and traffic control. The role may require extended duty during emergencies or natural disasters, overtime, weekends, holidays, and call-out work. Extensive travel is required (greater than 50%).

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience working on tree-trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Strong customer-service and communication skills, including the ability to build rapport, listen, ask questions, and communicate effectively with the public, customers, and employees.
Knowledge and understanding of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300 standards.
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, use insulated tools properly near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly, follow instructions accurately, and communicate and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
Ability to comprehend, read, and write job instructions and safety information, both written and verbal.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate precautions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and to respond to call-outs.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment and work independently or as part of a group.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, speaking, hearing, repetitive motions, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment multiple times daily.
Ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently; the role also describes exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly to move objects.
Visual acuity sufficient to assess work, make general observations, read screens and printed materials, inspect small defects, and use measurement devices.

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.
Maintain herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable laws.
Keep informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable-size limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment and perform ground-based tree work with applicable saws, pruners, and other tools.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and lower them to the ground using rigging lines.
Use appropriate ground tools to fell trees or spars and split them into manageable pieces.
Work around hazardous equipment and, when near energized power lines, directly supervise non-qualified employees working near energized conductors.
Apply herbicide with growth regulators to brush and stumps and maintain application records.
Follow and help educate less-experienced employees on company policies, procedures, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Repair minor property damage at job sites and promptly escalate situations to the General Foreperson when necessary.
Feed brush and debris into a woodchipper.
Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, and other traffic-control devices; relay hand signals and direct traffic to protect employees and the public; cooperate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when streets or driveways must be blocked.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools, and report specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty for the duration of the event if required.
Support and participate in 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 assist in obtaining written permission from property owners and help maintain good customer, public, and employee relations.