Bucket Operator

Wright Tree Service•Lexington, NC

About The Position

The Equipment Operator operates machinery and tools to support right-of-way vegetation maintenance and clearance around power lines. The role identifies safety hazards and performs basic maintenance to keep equipment in working order. Work includes operating heavy machinery, clearing and handling brush and debris, applying herbicides, and working around hazardous equipment and energized power lines. The position also involves inspecting work areas, vehicles, and equipment; maintaining safe and orderly worksites; and following company policies, approved work methods, and applicable regulations. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be on call and travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the event. The employee may help coordinate the crew’s response and determine steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees while onsite. Extensive travel is indicated in the English-language travel section. The role requires the ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements

Ability to operate heavy equipment such as boom trimmers or mowers, excavators, tub grinders, and feller-bunchers.
Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Knowledge and understanding of the current ANSI Z133.1 standards for Tree Care Operations.
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 standards for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.
Ability to determine nominal voltage, use insulated tools appropriately near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
Ability to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
Ability to comprehend, read, and write written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
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-out work.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment.
Ability to 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 read, write, and speak English.
Ability to perform the listed physical activities and demands, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment multiple times per day.
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.

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.
Herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable local, state, and federal law.
Keeping informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load and unload vehicles and equipment from trailers, and secure loads in accordance with company policies, approved work methods, and FMCSA regulations.
Use hand saws, ground saws, and other tools to cut brush, limbs, and logs; remove debris using tools such as rakes, shovels, and leaf blowers.
Gather manageable brush, limbs, and logs and transport them to the designated chipping area; load limbs and logs that are unsuitable for chipping onto vehicles and equipment.
Operate heavy machinery, including boom trimmers or mowers, excavators, tub grinders, and feller-bunchers.
Follow and help educate less experienced employees on company policies, workplace safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Use herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush, apply herbicides and growth regulators, and maintain application records.
Work around hazardous equipment and near energized power lines, and inspect work areas for potential hazards.
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 streets or driveways need to be blocked.
Stage and clean up tools and equipment at job sites and maintain a neat, orderly work area.
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 and travel outside the regular work location as required; help contact and coordinate the crew’s response and determine steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture, comply with applicable laws and company policies, and maintain regular, punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned, including vehicles with an attached chipper or other trailing unit.