Groundperson

Wright Tree Service•Spokane, WA

About The Position

The Groundperson supports vegetation maintenance and management along power lines by performing ground-level work, identifying safety hazards, handling brush and debris, and operating or working around tools and equipment. The role includes staging and cleaning work sites, assisting with traffic control, maintaining equipment, and following company, industry, and regulatory safety requirements. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the event. The position involves extensive travel (greater than 50%), outdoor work on rugged terrain, variable weather, and exposure to equipment, vehicles, electrical current, heights, chemicals, noise, vibration, and other environmental hazards. It requires physical activities including standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, and repeated entry into and exit from vehicles and equipment. Employees must be able to work extended hours and overtime during emergencies, including weekends and holidays, and may be subject to call-out work.

Requirements

Ability to adhere to company and industry safety requirements.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
Ability to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
Ability to comprehend and/or read and write written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate precautions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and to be subject to call-out work.
Knowledge of how to perform tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service all 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.
Read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting, moving, and maneuvering up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent (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.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs that are not suited for wood chipping.
Cut brush, limbs, and logs on the ground using hand saws, ground saws, or other applicable tools.
Gather and carry brush, limbs, and logs to the designated chipping area.
Apply herbicides and growth regulators to brush and stumps.
Operate and work around equipment such as chainsaws, pole pruners, stump grinders, and woodchippers.
Follow company policies, on-the-job safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations, and help educate less experienced employees about them.
Use tools such as rakes, shovels, and leaf blowers to remove debris from the work area.
Feed brush and debris into the 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.
Stage and clean up tools and equipment at job sites and maintain a neat, orderly work area.
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.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned, including vehicles with an attached chipper or other trailing unit.