Tree Trimmrer

Wright Tree Service•Temple, 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 various 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 in 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 involves operating and maintaining tools, vehicles, and equipment; applying herbicides and growth regulators and maintaining application records; controlling traffic and protecting the public and work crews; and following safety practices, company procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. 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 role involves outdoor and indoor conditions, rugged terrain, variable weather, heights, electrical hazards, moving equipment, noise, vibration, chemicals, and other listed environmental exposures, as well as substantial physical activity and lifting requirements.

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, 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 long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and be subject to call-out work.
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 listed physical demands, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 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.
Visual acuity sufficient to inspect work, make general observations, read printed material or screens, inspect small defects, and use measurement devices.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent is 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.
Keeps informed of new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable-size limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, and fell trees using climbing equipment and work on the ground with 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 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, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Repair minor property damage at job sites and 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 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 regulations and maintain knowledge of and follow 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 remain subject to call-out work.
Operate and service required tools and equipment.
Work independently and as part of a group.