Journeyman Apprentice

Wright Tree Service•Lincoln City, OR

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 equipment, tools, and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while considering growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. Work may take place on the ground or aloft, including 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 position also involves applying herbicides and growth regulators and maintaining application records; supporting safety practices and coaching less experienced employees; setting up traffic controls; inspecting and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools; and cooperating with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location. Extensive travel is indicated. The work is regularly performed outdoors on rugged terrain and may involve exposure to weather, noise, vibration, moving equipment and vehicles, electrical current, heights, chemicals, and other worksite hazards.

Requirements

At least 3 months of experience working on tree-trimming or tree-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, properly use insulated tools near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electric-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 work instructions and safety information, and to understand verbal instructions.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Knowledge of and training to perform tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service 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 read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering equipment and objects; lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently.
Ability to work outdoors on rugged terrain and tolerate the environmental exposures and hazards described in the posting.

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 local, state, and federal law.
Keeps 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 and work on the ground with applicable saws, pruners, and other tools.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and lower them to the ground using rigging lines.
Use ground tools to fell trees or spars and divide them into manageable pieces.
Work around hazardous equipment and, under direct supervision, in close proximity to energized power lines; after qualifying, provide direct supervision to non-qualified employees working near energized conductors.
Apply herbicides and growth regulators to brush and stumps, and maintain application records.
Follow company policies, procedures, approved work methods, OSHA regulations, and safety practices; help educate less experienced employees.
Repair minor property damage that occurs at the job site and promptly escalate situations to the General Foreperson when necessary.
Feed brush and debris into a woodchipper.
Set up warning signs, barriers, and flags; relay hand signals, direct traffic, and use applicable 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, 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.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and respond to call-outs when required.