Bucket Operator

Wright Tree Service•Asheboro, NC

About The Position

The Equipment Operator operates machinery and equipment 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, cutting and clearing vegetation, applying herbicides, and working around hazardous equipment and energized power lines. The position also involves job-site traffic control, equipment inspections and routine maintenance, and supporting emergency response to storms or natural disasters. The employee may be required to remain on call and travel outside the regular work location during emergencies. The posting lists a wage range of $21.98–$31.06 and a sign-on bonus. It requires extensive travel, according to the checked travel option in the English-language posting. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, routinely in varied weather and on rugged terrain, with exposure to machinery, vehicles, electrical current, heights, chemicals, noise, vibration, dust, plants, and insects.

Requirements

Ability to operate heavy equipment such as boom trimmers or mowers, excavators, tub grinders, and feller-bunchers.
Knowledge of tree 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 American National Standard for Tree Care Operations.
Ability to follow and coach others 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 properly near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately; communicate professionally; and comprehend or read and write verbal and written work instructions and safety information.
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; subject to call-out work.
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 meet the physical demands of bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, speaking, hearing, and repetitive motions; lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently; and enter and exit vehicles and equipment multiple times per day.
Visual acuity sufficient to inspect work, make general observations, read screens and printed material, 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 law.
Keep informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load and unload vehicles and equipment from trailers, and secure loads according to company policies, approved work methods, and FMCSA regulations.
Use hand saws, ground saws, and other tools to cut brush, limbs, and logs; use rakes, shovels, leaf blowers, and similar tools to clear debris.
Gather and move manageable brush, limbs, and logs to designated chipping areas, and load material 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, 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.
Inspect work areas before beginning work to identify potential hazards, including hazards associated with energized power lines and equipment.
Set up warning signs, barriers, and flags; relay hand signals; direct traffic; and use other traffic-control devices to protect employees and the public.
Coordinate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
Stage and clean up tools and equipment at job sites and keep work areas orderly.
Inspect vehicles and equipment and perform routine maintenance; report specialized maintenance or equipment needs to the General Foreperson.
During emergencies or natural disasters, be on duty and travel outside the regular work location as required; help coordinate crew 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 procedures.
Maintain regular, punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned, including vehicles towing a chipper or other unit.