Tree Trimmer - Travel Crew

Wright Tree Service•Omaha, NE

9d•Onsite

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 accounting for tree growth patterns, health, and appearance. Work takes place on the ground and aloft, including in proximity to energized conductors under the direct supervision of a qualified line-clearance tree trimmer. The position requires extensive travel for crews based in the Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas area, Fridley, Minnesota, and Omaha, Nebraska. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may need to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the event. The role involves operating and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools; using climbing and cutting equipment; applying herbicides and growth regulators; and setting up traffic controls to protect workers and the public. The employee follows company and industry safety procedures and applicable laws and regulations, maintains regular attendance, and may help educate less experienced employees. The job requires working outdoors on rugged terrain and in varied weather, around electrical and mechanical hazards, heights, chemicals, moving vehicles, and other environmental exposures. Physical demands include climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering equipment and materials.

Requirements

At least 3 months of experience 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, 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; communicate professionally; and comprehend or read and write job instructions and safety information.
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 operate and service required tools and equipment, and 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 stated physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, repetitive motions, visual tasks, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.

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.
Keep informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs that are not suited for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment, powered trimmer lift trucks, safety belts, climbing lines, ladders, and ground-based tools.
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; 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 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 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, 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 as required.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture, comply with applicable laws and company policies, and maintain regular, punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment, including vehicles with an attached chipper or other trailing unit when applicable.
Work overtime and respond to call-outs during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work.