Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Custer, SD

15d

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 accounting for growth patterns and tree health and appearance. Work may take place on the ground or aloft and may involve working near energized power lines under 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 position also involves applying herbicides and growth regulators and maintaining application records; supporting worksite safety and traffic control; inspecting and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools; and responding to emergencies or natural disasters, which may require call-outs, overtime, and travel outside the regular work location. The role requires extensive travel (greater than 50%), regular and punctual attendance, and the ability to work independently and as part of a group.

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 standards.
Ability to adhere to 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 professionally and represent Wright Tree Service appropriately.
Ability to understand, read, and write work instructions and safety information, and communicate verbally.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate precautions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
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 obtain and maintain a valid driver’s 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.
Ability to maintain herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable law.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering equipment and objects as described in the posting.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license and DOT medical card, as applicable to the division and utility or contract requirements.
Herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable law.
Keep informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable-size limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment, powered trimmer lift trucks, safety belts, climbing lines, ladders, and ground tools such as hand saws, ground saws, and pruners.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and lower them to the ground using 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; once qualified, directly supervise non-qualified employees working near energized conductors.
Apply herbicides 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 promptly when necessary.
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 streets or driveways must be blocked.
Inspect vehicles and equipment and perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools; 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 and comply with applicable laws and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned.
Work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and respond to call-outs.
Operate and service required tools and equipment and perform tree and bucket rescue when trained.