Groundworker

Wright Tree Service•Mexia, TX

About The Position

The Groundperson assists with ground-level activities during vegetation maintenance and management along power lines. The role identifies safety hazards and uses tools and equipment to cut brush, handle debris, and maintain a safe, orderly work area. The Groundperson may apply herbicides and growth regulators, operate or work near hazardous equipment, and support traffic control around work sites. The position also involves routine maintenance of company vehicles, equipment, and tools, and may require emergency duty and travel outside the regular work location during disasters. The role requires extensive travel (greater than 50%) and may involve long hours, overtime, weekend and holiday work during emergencies, and call-outs. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, including on rugged terrain and in varied weather, with routine exposure to noise, vibration, moving equipment and vehicles, electrical current, heights, chemicals, dust, insects, and other workplace hazards. Physical activities include standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, bending, and repeatedly entering and exiting vehicles and equipment.

Requirements

Adhere to company and industry safety requirements.
Learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
Communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
Comprehend, read, and write written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
Recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
Wear required personal protective equipment.
Be able to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and be subject to call-out work.
Demonstrate knowledge of tree and bucket rescue.
Operate and service required tools and equipment.
Work independently and as part of a group.
Hold valid First Aid and CPR cards, or be able to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Read, write, and speak English.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting, carrying, maneuvering, and exerting force as described in the posting; maintain the visual acuity needed for assigned work; and enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.

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.
Maintain 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 suitable for wood chipping.
Use hand saws, ground saws, and other applicable tools to cut brush, limbs, and logs from larger trees.
Gather and carry manageable brush, limbs, and logs to the designated chipping area.
Apply herbicides and growth regulators to brush and stumps.
Operate and work around hazardous equipment, including chainsaws, pole pruners, stump grinders, and woodchippers.
Follow company policies, 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 work areas.
Feed brush and debris into a woodchipper.
Set up warning signs, barriers, and flags; relay hand signals; direct traffic; and use applicable 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 or equipment needs to the General Foreperson.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the disaster when required.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture.
Comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Drive a vehicle with an attached chipper or other trailing unit to, from, or within the work area, if qualified and assigned.