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 a variety of tools and equipment to remove brush and debris. Work includes handling and cutting limbs and logs, feeding brush into woodchippers, applying herbicides and growth regulators, supporting traffic control, and maintaining tools, equipment, vehicles, and an orderly work area. The position works outdoors on rugged terrain and may involve extensive travel. 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 Groundperson follows company and industry safety practices, helps educate less experienced employees, complies with applicable laws and company procedures, and maintains regular, punctual attendance. The employee may also drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment. The role requires the ability to work independently and with a group, and to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including weekends and holidays, while being 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, 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 respond to call-outs.
Knowledge of how to perform tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service 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 role, including lifting, carrying, and maneuvering materials and equipment.

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, maintained 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 woodchipping.
Cut brush, limbs, and logs of larger trees using hand saws, ground saws, or other applicable tools.
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 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 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 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; 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, including vehicles with an attached chipper or other trailing unit when required.