Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Mansfield, OH

11d

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 variety of equipment, tools, and techniques to maintain trees while considering growth patterns, health, and appearance. Work is performed on the ground and aloft, including near energized conductors 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 includes operating and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools; applying herbicides and growth regulators and keeping application records; and using traffic-control measures to protect employees and the public. The employee follows company and industry safety practices, applicable laws and regulations, and company policies. 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 position may involve long hours, overtime, call-outs, weekends, holidays, and storm work. The work is routinely both indoors and outdoors, including outdoor work on rugged terrain and exposure to varied weather, plants, insects, dust, noise, vibration, moving equipment and vehicles, electrical current, heights, heat, chemicals, and other hazards. Physical activities include bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, and repetitive motions. The position may require exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and lifting or maneuvering objects weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally and 30 pounds frequently.

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 parts of electrical equipment.
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, including written and verbal instructions.
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 to be subject to call-out work.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
Ability to obtain valid First Aid and CPR cards within 90 days of hire if not already held.
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 read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment multiple times per day.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license and DOT medical card, as required by the division and utility or contract.
Experience driving 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 laws.
Keeping informed about new equipment and specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
Prune, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment, including a powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line, and ladder.
Work on the ground with hand saws, ground saws, pruners, and other applicable tools.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and lower them to the ground with rigging lines.
Use appropriate ground tools to fell trees or spars and split them into manageable pieces.
Work near hazardous equipment and, under direct supervision of a qualified line clearance tree trimmer, in close proximity to 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 and help educate less experienced employees on company policies, procedures, job-site safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Repair minor property damage that occurs at the job site.
Escalate situations to General Forepersons in a timely manner 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 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 as required.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture; comply with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Operate and service required tools and equipment, and perform tree and bucket rescue when trained.