Tree Trimmer Trainee

Wright Tree Service

82d

About The Position

The Trimmer/Climber Trainee position is a full-time, non-exempt role that reports to the Foreperson or General Foreperson. The essential functions of this position include trimming and/or removing trees by climbing with the aid of a ladder, safety belt, climbing line, powered trimmer lift truck, or working from the ground using saws and pruners. The trainee will cut branches or trunk sections and lower them to the ground with lines, use appropriate tools to fell trees or trimmed trunks, and split them into manageable pieces. Additional responsibilities include spraying stumps and brush to prevent further growth, loading and unloading trucks with logs, stumps, brush, and debris, and feeding brush into a wood chipper. The trainee will also repair slight damage to lawns, fences, and walks caused by tree trimming, direct traffic, and keep trucks and work areas clear and orderly. Training new employees on proper procedures and safeguarding employees and the public from hazards in and around the work area are also key responsibilities. The position requires cooperation with customers, police, and fire departments when blocking streets or driveways, setting up barriers and warning signs, and performing tree and bucket rescue. The trainee must inspect tools and equipment, request repairs when necessary, and work around hazardous equipment and energized power lines. Exposure to excessive noise, various weather conditions, and nature is expected, and the trainee may work on rough terrain. The role also involves enforcing on-the-job safety practices and maintaining equipment in a clean and specified mechanical order.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 months experience working on tree trimming or clearing crews.
• Ability to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times per day.
• Ability to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather.
• Ability to write, read, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information.
• Ability to communicate with others and represent the company professionally.
• Ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Maintains a herbicide applicator or operator's certification and license as required.
• Must have valid First-Aid and CPR cards.
• Must complete and pass a Climber Trainee Performance Review.

Responsibilities

• Trims and/or removes trees by climbing or working from the ground using saws/pruners.
• Cuts branches or trunk sections and lowers them to the ground with lines.
• Uses appropriate tools to fell trees or trimmed trunks and splits 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.
• Feeds brush into a wood chipper.
• Repairs slight damage to lawns, fences, and walks caused by tree trimming.
• Directs traffic and keeps trucks and work area clear and orderly.
• Trains new employees on proper procedures.
• Safeguards employees and the public from hazards in and around the work area.
• Sets up barriers, warning signs, and flags to protect employees and the public.
• Performs tree and bucket rescue.
• Inspects and maintains tools, trucks, and other work equipment.
• Reports the need for equipment and truck maintenance to crew lead.
• Enforces on-the-job safety practices for crew members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administrative and Support Services