Groundperson

Wright Tree Service•Spokane, WA

About The Position

The Groundperson supports ground-level vegetation maintenance and management along power lines. The role identifies safety hazards and uses tools and equipment to cut brush, manage debris, and maintain a safe, orderly work area. Duties also include applying herbicides and growth regulators, operating around hazardous equipment, helping less experienced employees follow safety practices, and assisting with traffic control. The position may require extensive travel and, during emergencies or natural disasters, being on duty and traveling outside the regular work location for the duration of the event. The employee may also be called out for long hours and overtime, including weekends and holidays.

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.
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.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including weekends and holidays, and be subject to call-out work.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting and maneuvering loads and repeatedly entering and exiting vehicles and equipment.
English reading, writing, and speaking ability.

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.
Herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable law.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs that are not suited for wood chipping.
Use hand saws, ground saws, and other applicable tools to cut brush, limbs, and logs.
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, on-the-job safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations, and help educate less experienced employees on 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 streets or driveways must be blocked.
Stage and clean up tools and equipment at job sites, and maintain a neat and 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 event when required.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture.
Comply with applicable laws and regulations and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned.
Work overtime and respond to call-outs during emergencies, including storm work, weekends, and holidays.
Travel extensively, as indicated by the job posting.