Hi Rail Apprentice I

Wright Tree Service • Des Moines, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Hi-Rail Operator is responsible for assisting in the oversight of daily crew operations while operating various types of machinery to support vegetation maintenance and clearance along the railroad track. This role identifies safety hazards and helps perform basic maintenance to ensure equipment is within working order to support business needs.

Requirements

• Possess excellent leadership skills and be able to handle stressful situations along with being able to multi-task.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery such as skid steers, excavators, stub grinder, feller-buncher, etc.
• Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and arboricultural techniques specific to trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing, along railroad track.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills focused on rapport-building, listening, questioning and patience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, customers and employees.
• Knowledge and understanding of the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations (ANSI Z133.1-current version.
• Ability to adhere to and educate on 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 write, read, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/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.
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
• Ability to work both independently and in a group.
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Has a minimum of 4 years’ experience operating heavy equipment successfully, preferably on Hi-Rail track.
• Must have valid First-Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• English - Read, Write, Speak

Nice To Haves

• Excavator experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain eRailSafe qualification.

Responsibilities

• Operates Hi-Rail Equipment as needed and is responsible for the planning of daily work.
• Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through effective completion of assigned work and the appropriate behavior of employees on the crew.
• Maintains accurate records and reports related to permission/notification from customer/homeowner to supervisor and crew personnel in appropriate tracking systems.
• 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.
• Loads and unloads vehicles and equipment from a trailer.
• Responsible for proper load securement in accordance with company policies, approved work methods and FMCSA regulations.
• Loads vehicles and equipment with manageable size limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
• In emergency situations, determines proper action to be taken to eliminate hazards to life and property, if necessary, to expedite the restoration of service by calling out crew personnel and performing other activities connected with emergency work.
• Works around hazardous equipment.
• Conducts pre-inspection of work area to identify potential hazards.
• Adheres to and helps educate less experienced employees on company policies, on-the-job safety practices, approved work methods and OSHA and FRA regulations.
• Staging and cleaning up of tools and equipment at the job site.
• Maintains a neat and orderly work area.
• Conducts vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions.
• Conducts routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment and tools.
• Reports specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to Supervisor.
• May be required to be on duty and travel outside of regular regional assignment.
• Assists with contacting and coordinating the crew’s response to such work and responsible for determining proper steps necessary to eliminate hazards and trim/remove trees while onsite during emergency response.
• 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 and customized trainings.

What This Job Offers

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