Right of Way Crew - Clearing Trimmer

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative•Tavernier, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Right-of-Way Trimmer performs skilled vegetation management work to maintain safe and reliable clearance around the Cooperative's overhead electrical distribution facilities, service drops, rights-of-way, easements, and other utility property. This position is responsible for trimming, pruning, removing, and controlling trees, brush, vines, and other vegetation that may interfere with electrical facilities, system reliability, public safety, or access to Cooperative equipment. The Right-of-Way Trimmer operates bucket trucks, chainsaws, woodchippers, pole saws, brush cutters, herbicide application equipment, and other specialized machinery while working both on the ground and at heights. This experienced-level position requires prior experience in tree trimming, line clearance, forestry, arboriculture, landscaping, or utility vegetation management. Employees are expected to safely perform assigned work with limited supervision, exercise sound judgment, and maintain the highest safety standards.

Requirements

Working knowledge of utility vegetation management and tree-trimming practices.
Knowledge of proper pruning techniques and safe tree removal procedures.
Ability to recognize electrical hazards and maintain minimum approach distances while working near energized electrical facilities.
Knowledge of tree species, growth characteristics, structural defects, and hazard-tree identification.
Ability to determine proper cutting techniques, limb weight distribution, and safe fall zones.
Ability to safely operate chainsaws, pole saws, hydraulic saws, woodchippers, brush cutters, bucket trucks, and other vegetation management equipment.
Knowledge of traffic control procedures and work-zone safety.
Ability to read work orders, maps, staking information, and property boundaries.
Ability to communicate professionally with members, contractors, and fellow employees.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and safety.
Basic computer knowledge and ability to complete required reports and documentation.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of 1 (one) year of experience.
Utility right-of-way vegetation management.
Tree trimming and removal using accepted arboricultural practices.
Utility line-clearance tree trimming around energized electrical facilities.
Operation of chainsaws, pole saws, brush cutters, woodchippers, and other vegetation management equipment.
Operation of bucket trucks and aerial lift equipment.
Hazard tree assessment and safe tree felling techniques.
Brush management, vegetation control, and herbicide application.
Reading work orders, maps, and right-of-way boundaries.
OSHA, ANSI Z133, and utility vegetation management safety practices.
Traffic control and work-zone safety.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License and an acceptable driving record in accordance with Cooperative insurance requirements.
Must possess a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or obtain one within the time established by the Cooperative.
Must be available to work additional hours during emergencies, storms, restoration efforts, or when operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

Strong preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in electric utility line-clearance tree trimming or utility vegetation management.
ISA Certified Tree Worker, Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, or equivalent certification is preferred.
Residency within the Cooperative service territory is not required but is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform skilled tree trimming, pruning, brush clearing, and vegetation removal along Cooperative rights-of-way, easements, and service lines.
Maintain required clearances around overhead electrical distribution facilities in accordance with Cooperative standards and industry best practices.
Remove hazardous trees and vegetation that threaten electrical facilities, public safety, or system reliability.
Safely operate chainsaws, hydraulic saws, pole saws, brush cutters, woodchippers, bucket trucks, and other assigned equipment.
Perform aerial tree trimming and removal from bucket trucks after obtaining Cooperative certification.
Demonstrate proficiency in bucket truck lower controls and perform emergency bucket rescue procedures when necessary.
Determine safe cutting methods, fall direction, rigging requirements, and work-zone setup to protect employees, members, property, and Cooperative facilities.
Identify underground utilities, septic systems, water lines, communication facilities, overhead obstructions, and other hazards before beginning work.
Perform traffic control and establish safe work zones in accordance with Cooperative policies and applicable regulations.
After completing work, clean and restore work sites by removing brush, limbs, logs, and debris.
Operate and apply approved herbicides and vegetation control chemicals in accordance with Cooperative policies, manufacturer recommendations, and environmental regulations.
Maintain accurate records regarding removed vegetation, retired materials, work completed, and equipment usage.
Notify the Warehouse or appropriate department of materials removed, retired, or requiring replacement.
Inspect assigned equipment daily and report maintenance or repair needs.
Respond to emergency callouts and storm restoration efforts involving fallen trees, blocked access, damaged vegetation, and restoration of safe access to electrical facilities.
Promote and follow all Cooperative safety policies, OSHA regulations, ANSI Z133 standards, and industry best practices.
Provide professional customer service while interacting with property owners, contractors, and the public.
Clean, sharpen, inspect, and perform routine maintenance on chainsaws, pole saws, hydraulic saws, and related equipment.
Inspect, clean, and maintain woodchippers, bucket trucks, trailers, and other assigned vehicles and equipment.
Excavate trenches by hand when necessary.
Assist with maintenance of Cooperative grounds and facilities.
Assist line crews and other departments as requested.
Participate in departmental safety meetings and training.
Perform other related duties as assigned.