Groundperson

Wright Tree Service•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Groundperson supports vegetation maintenance and management along power lines by performing ground-level work, identifying safety hazards, and using tools and equipment to manage brush and clean up debris. The role includes cutting, gathering, carrying, and chipping vegetation; applying herbicides and growth regulators; maintaining a safe and orderly work area; and setting up traffic controls to protect employees and the public. The Groundperson operates and works around hazardous equipment and may drive assigned vehicles and equipment, including vehicles with attached chippers or other trailing units. The position requires adherence to company and industry safety practices, approved work methods, OSHA regulations, and applicable laws and company policies. The Groundperson may help educate less experienced employees, maintain company vehicles and tools, and report specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to work extended hours, respond to call-outs, and travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the event. The role involves extensive travel and outdoor work on rugged terrain, with exposure to weather, noise, machinery, vehicles, chemicals, heights, plants, insects, and other workplace hazards. Physical activities may include bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, and repetitive motions.

Requirements

Ability to follow 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, 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 and availability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and to respond 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.
Ability to 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.
Ability to enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.

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.
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 unsuitable for wood chipping.
Use hand saws, ground saws, or other applicable tools to cut brush, limbs, and logs of 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, 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 a 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 need to be blocked.
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; 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; comply with applicable laws and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Drive vehicles with attached chippers or other trailing units to, from, or within the work area, as needed.
Maintain herbicide application certification or equivalent when required by the company or applicable law.