Bucket Operator (UVM)

ARBORWORKS LLC•Sutton, WV

3d•Onsite

About The Position

ARBORWORKS LLC IS A NATIONWIDE LEADER IN PROFESSIONAL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, SPECIALIZING IN UTILITY LINE CLEARANCE, FIRE REMEDIATION, AND LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS. ESTABLISHED IN 2003, WE HAVE BUILT A REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND SAFETY BY LEVERAGING ADVANCED MECHANIZED EQUIPMENT AND A SKILLED TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS. GUIDED BY A COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION, SAFETY, AND SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE, ARBORWORKS PRIDES ITSELF ON AN EXCEPTIONAL SAFETY CULTURE, RECOGNIZED THROUGH INDUSTRY-LEADING THIRD-PARTY RATINGS. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO GROW YOUR CAREER OR CONTRIBUTE YOUR EXPERTISE, ARBORWORKS OFFERS A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT WHERE TEAM MEMBERS ARE VALUED, AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH IS A PRIORITY. WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT CREATING SAFE COMMUNITIES AND DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN EVERY PROJECT. The Bucket Operator - Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) plays a critical role in maintaining safe and reliable utility infrastructure by operating insulated aerial lift equipment to perform vegetation management activities near energized power lines, communication systems, and utility rights-of-way. This position is responsible for safely accessing and managing vegetation from elevated work platforms while ensuring compliance with utility clearance requirements, industry standards, and company safety expectations. As a skilled aerial operations professional, the Bucket Operator serves as a key field resource supporting utility reliability, regulatory compliance, public safety, and operational efficiency. While the primary focus of this role is the operation of insulated bucket trucks and aerial vegetation management activities, the position is also expected to support overall crew productivity through participation in ground operations, worksite setup, debris management, rigging activities, and other vegetation management duties as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
Minimum of one (1) year of utility vegetation management, tree care, forestry, line clearance, or related experience preferred.
Experience operating bucket trucks, aerial lifts, or similar elevated work platforms required.
Experience performing vegetation management activities around utility infrastructure preferred.
Demonstrated ability to safely operate chainsaws, chippers, and vegetation management equipment.
Knowledge of utility vegetation management and line clearance operations.
Ability to safely operate insulated aerial lift equipment in a variety of work environments and conditions.
Understanding of tree pruning, trimming, rigging, and vegetation management techniques.
Ability to recognize electrical hazards and maintain safe work practices near energized conductors.
Strong situational awareness, hazard recognition, and problem-solving skills.
Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
Ability to support both aerial and ground-based vegetation management operations as business needs require.
Commitment to safety, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
Valid Driver's License required.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or B preferred or required based on assignment.
CPR and First Aid Certification required within established company timelines.
Bucket Operator Training Certification required.
Annual Aerial Rescue Certification required.
DOT Medical Card required when operating applicable commercial vehicles.
Groundperson Training.
Bucket Operator Training.
Annual Aerial Rescue Training.
Tree Feller Training.
Electrical Hazard Awareness Training.
OSHA and company-required safety training.
Fall Protection Training.
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Training.
Defensive Driving Training, if applicable.
Utility-specific qualification and client-required training programs.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) or more years of Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) experience.
Experience working around energized distribution or transmission systems.
Class A CDL with applicable endorsements.
Knowledge of ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards and ANSI Z133 Safety Standards.
Previous experience supporting storm restoration and emergency response operations.
Line Clearance Qualification Program (LCQP) completion.
ISA Certified Arborist credential.
Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.

Responsibilities

Operate insulated bucket trucks and aerial lift devices to access trees and vegetation near energized utility infrastructure.
Perform tree pruning, trimming, brush clearing, and vegetation removal in accordance with utility specifications, ANSI standards, and company procedures.
Maintain required clearances around electrical conductors, utility facilities, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Evaluate tree conditions, vegetation growth, and site-specific hazards to determine safe and effective work methods.
Utilize chainsaws, pole saws, hydraulic tools, and other vegetation management equipment while working from aerial lifts.
Assist in storm restoration, emergency response, and outage-related vegetation management activities as assigned.
Perform aerial work safely while maintaining required minimum approach distances and electrical hazard awareness protocols.
Conduct pre-trip, post-trip, and daily inspections of bucket trucks, aerial lift systems, and associated equipment.
Inspect aerial devices, fall protection systems, harnesses, outriggers, hydraulic components, and insulated equipment for safe operation.
Position and operate aerial equipment safely in residential, commercial, roadside, remote, and right-of-way environments.
Maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment in a clean, safe, and serviceable condition.
Identify and report equipment deficiencies, damage, and maintenance needs promptly.
Assist with basic equipment maintenance and operational readiness activities.
Support overall crew operations by assisting with ground-based vegetation management activities when aerial work is not required.
Assist with brush handling, chipping operations, debris removal, bucking, limbing, and site cleanup.
Set up and assist with rigging systems, ropes, throw lines, and related tree work operations.
Participate in worksite setup, traffic control, flagging, and spotter duties as required.
Assist Crew Leaders, Forepersons, Climbers, and Groundpersons to ensure efficient project completion.
Perform post-work inspections to verify work quality, clearance compliance, and site restoration standards.
Communicate professionally with customers, utility representatives, property owners, and the public.
Follow all OSHA, ANSI, DOT, utility, and ArborWorks safety policies, procedures, and requirements.
Participate in daily job briefings, tailboard meetings, and job hazard analyses.
Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE), fall protection systems, and safe work practices at all times.
Recognize, report, and mitigate workplace hazards and unsafe conditions.
Immediately report incidents, near misses, equipment damage, and safety concerns.
Promote a positive safety culture through personal accountability and adherence to established procedures.
Complete and maintain all required certifications, training programs, and qualification requirements.
Demonstrate proficiency in aerial lift operations, utility vegetation management techniques, and electrical hazard awareness.
Participate in ongoing skill development and utility-specific training programs.
Assist in mentoring and sharing knowledge with less experienced crew members as appropriate.