Tree Trimmer (Top Climber) - Travel Pod

Wright Tree Service • Sioux Falls, SD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Journeyman/Top Climber at Wright Tree Service is responsible for trimming and removing trees using various methods, including climbing with specialized equipment or working from the ground. This role involves cutting and lowering branches, felling trees, and managing debris. Key aspects include assisting and directing the crew, maintaining customer relations, and staying updated on industry standards and equipment. The position requires working in hazardous conditions, such as near energized power lines and in all weather types, while adhering to strict safety protocols. The company is committed to employee development, offering training, certifications, and leadership programs, with safety as a core value.

Requirements

• Has a minimum of 2 years’ experience working on tree trimming or clearing crews and/or has successfully completed applicable performance reviews.
• Must have a basic knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and correct arboricultural techniques for the trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing, as applies to working in close proximity to energized conductors.
• Knows and understands the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations (ANSI Z133.1-current version).
• Knows and understands all approved work methods that apply to specific position.
• Has a basic knowledge of electrical circuit and must be skilled in reading and understanding circuit maps.
• Enforces on-the-job safety practices.
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Needs to be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times per day.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work tasks such as rain, heat, sun, cold, snow.
• Must be able to write, read, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information.
• Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner.
• Possesses the ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis and up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis.
• 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.
• Must have valid commercial driver’s license (dependent on Division and utility/contract requirements) and be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Possesses a valid medical card to drive company vehicles 10,0001 lb. GVWR or GVW and greater.
• Maintains a herbicide applicator or operators certification and license as required by Wright Tree Service and local, state, and federal law.
• Must have valid First-Aid and CPR cards.
• Must complete and pass a Top Climber Performance Review.

Responsibilities

• Trims and/or removes trees by climbing with the aid of a ladder, safety belt, climbing line, powered trimmer lift truck, or works from the ground using saws/pruners.
• Cuts branches or trunk sections and drops or lowers them to the ground with lines.
• Assists crew lead with obtaining written permission from property owners.
• Help promote and maintain good customer and public relations as well as with employees.
• Directs crew when crew lead is away from the job site.
• Takes on leadership role when appropriate.
• Keeps informed of new equipment and specifications, standards, practices and operating procedures.
• Uses appropriate tools, will fell trees or trimmed trunks and split them into manageable pieces.
• Sprays stumps and brush with hand-spraying equipment to prevent further growth.
• Loads and unloads trucks with logs, stumps, brush, and debris and/or feeds brush into a wood chipper.
• Repairs slight damage to lawns, fences, and walks caused by tree trimming.
• Relays hand-signals, directs traffic, drives and operates trucks and equipment as assigned, and keeps trucks and work area clear and orderly.
• Trains new employees on proper procedures.
• Safeguards employees and public from hazards in and around work area.
• Cooperate with customer, police, and fire departments when blocking street or driveways.
• Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, etc. to protect employees as well as the public.
• Trained to perform tree and bucket rescue.
• Assumes responsibility for the inspection and proper working conditions of tools, trucks, and other work equipment.
• Requests repair or replacement of equipment when necessary.
• Helps enforce on-the-job safety practices for crew members.
• Services truck, chipper and equipment, maintaining them in a neat, clean, and specified mechanical order.
• Reports the need for equipment and truck maintenance to crew lead.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Training and resources needed to elevate their position into a successful career.
• Opportunities to earn certifications.
• Leadership programs.
• Customized trainings.
• Safety culture guided by our “Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper” pledge to keep both ourselves and others safe.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees