Groundworker

Wright Tree Service • Ottawa, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Groundperson assists in supporting all activities that occur on the ground during vegetation maintenance and management along power lines. This role identifies safety hazards while utilizing various types of tools and equipment to address brush and clean-up debris.

Requirements

• Ability to adhere to company and industry safety requirements.
• Ability to learn quickly and to follow instructions accurately.
• Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner.
• Must be able to comprehend and/or read and write both written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
• Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take proper safeguard against them.
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call-out work.
• Demonstrate knowledge on how to perform tree and bucket rescue.
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
• Ability to work both independently and in a group.

Nice To Haves

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required.
• Must have valid First-Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license (dependent upon Division and utility/contract requirements) and DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
• Drive a vehicle with an attached chipper or other trailing unit to, from or within the work area.
• Maintain herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by Wright Tree Service and local, state, and federal law.

Responsibilities

• Loads vehicles and equipment with manageable size limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
• Works on the ground using hand saws, ground saws or other applicable tools to cut brush, limbs and logs of larger trees.
• Gathers manageable size brush, limbs and logs and carries to the designated chipping area.
• Applies herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps.
• Operates and works around hazardous equipment, such as chainsaw, pole pruner, stump grinder, woodchipper, etc.
• Adheres to and helps educate less experienced employees on company policies, on-the-job safety practices, approved work methods and OSHA regulations.
• Utilizes a variety of tools (i.e. rake, shovel, leaf blower) to remove debris from work area.
• Feeds brush and debris into woodchipper.
• Sets up warning signs, barriers, flags, relays hand-signals, directs traffic and other applicable traffic control devices to protect employees and members of the public from hazards in and around the work area.
• Cooperates with property owner, customer, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
• Staging and clean-up of tools and equipment at the job site.
• Maintains a neat and orderly work area.
• Conducts routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment and tools.
• Reports specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to General Foreperson.
• During emergencies or natural disasters may be required to be on duty and travel outside of regular work location for the duration of the disaster.
• Support, actively participate, and act in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership.
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintain knowledge of and follow all company policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
• Drives and operates vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Benefits

• training and resources needed to elevate their position into a successful career
• opportunities to earn certifications
• leadership programs
• customized trainings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED