Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Chisago City, MN

About The Position

A qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer who prunes and removes trees, limbs, and shrubs near power lines to reduce vegetation interference. The position uses equipment, tools, and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while considering growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. Work may take place near energized power lines under the direct supervision of a qualified line clearance tree trimmer. After meeting qualification prerequisites, the employee may directly supervise non-qualified employees working near energized conductors. The role involves climbing and ground-based tree work, using vehicles and equipment, applying herbicides and growth regulators, maintaining equipment, and controlling traffic around work areas. Extensive travel is indicated. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location. The job requires outdoor work on rugged terrain and exposure to weather, heights, electrical current, moving equipment, noise, chemicals, and other environmental hazards. The position may require long hours, overtime, weekend and holiday work, and call-outs.

Requirements

At least 3 months of experience working 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.
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, properly use insulated tools 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, read, and write job instructions and safety information, both written and verbal.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Ability to perform physical activities including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions; occasionally reach upward and downward.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly to move objects; lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.
Visual acuity for assessing work and surroundings, reading screens and printed material, inspecting small defects, and using measurement devices.
Ability to enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.
Ability to work outdoors on rugged terrain and in variable weather and hazardous conditions.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including weekends and holidays, and be subject to call-out work.
English reading, writing, and speaking ability.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent; preferred but not required.
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 law.
Keeping informed about new equipment and specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment, including a powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line, and ladder.
Perform ground-based tree work with hand saws, ground saws, pruners, and other applicable tools.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and drop or lower them to the ground with rigging lines.
Use appropriate ground tools to fell trees or spars and split them into manageable pieces.
Work around hazardous equipment and, under direct supervision, in close proximity to energized power lines; after qualifying, directly supervise non-qualified employees working near energized conductors.
Apply herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps, and maintain application records.
Follow and help educate less experienced employees on company policies, procedures, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Repair minor property damage occurring at the job site.
Escalate situations to the General Foreperson when necessary and in a timely manner.
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 employees and the public.
Cooperate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
Inspect vehicles and equipment and perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools.
Report specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment 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 act in accordance with Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture; comply with applicable laws and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Work extended hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and respond to call-outs.
Perform tree and bucket rescue as trained.
Operate and service required tools and equipment.