Tree Trimmer- Travel Crew

Wright Tree Service•Texarkana, TX

About The Position

The Tree Trimmer is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs, and shrubs near power lines to reduce vegetation interference. The role uses a range of equipment, tools, and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while considering growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. Work may take place aloft, on the ground, near hazardous equipment, and in close proximity to energized power lines under the direct supervision of a qualified line clearance tree trimmer. Once qualification prerequisites are met, the employee may directly supervise non-qualified employees working near energized conductors. The position includes tree climbing and ground work, handling and chipping debris, applying herbicides and growth regulators, maintaining application records, performing traffic control, and inspecting and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools. It also involves following and reinforcing company and industry safety requirements, complying with applicable laws and company procedures, and maintaining regular attendance. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location. Travel is extensive, greater than 50%.

Requirements

At least 3 months of experience on tree trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Basic knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Knowledge and understanding of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300 standards.
Ability to follow and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements.
Knowledge of electrical circuits and ability to read and understand circuit maps.
Knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards, including 29 CFR 1910.269; ability to determine nominal voltage, use insulated tools properly near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
Ability to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
Ability to comprehend or read and write written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate precautions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and be subject to call-out work.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
Ability to work independently and in a group.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the physical requirements, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment multiple times per day.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly to move objects; ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.
Sufficient visual acuity for work accuracy, general observations, reading screens and printed material, inspecting small defects, and using measurement devices.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, depending on division and utility or contract requirements, and a DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
Ability to drive a vehicle with an attached chipper or other trailing unit to, from, or within the work area.
Herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable local, state, and federal law.
Keeps informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Prune, remove, and fell trees using climbing equipment and ground tools.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and drop or lower them to the ground using rigging lines.
Use appropriate ground tools to fell trees or spars and divide them into manageable pieces.
Work near hazardous equipment and, under direct supervision, near energized power lines; after meeting qualification prerequisites, directly supervise non-qualified employees working near energized conductors.
Apply herbicides and growth regulators to brush and stumps and maintain application records.
Follow company policies, procedures, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations, and help educate less experienced employees on them.
Repair minor property damage at job sites and promptly escalate situations requiring attention to the General Foreperson.
Feed brush and debris into a woodchipper.
Set up warning signs, barriers, and flags; relay hand signals; direct traffic; and use other traffic-control devices to protect workers and the public. Cooperate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when streets or driveways must be blocked.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools, and report specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the event when required.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture; comply with applicable laws and company policies and procedures; and maintain regular, punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Operate and service required tools and equipment.
Perform tree and bucket rescue when trained.
Work independently or as part of a group.