Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Omaha, NE

About The Position

The Tree Trimmer is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer who prunes and removes 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 considering tree growth patterns, health, and appearance. Work may take place on the ground or at height, and may involve working 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, maintaining application records, managing brush and debris, and taking part in traffic control and job-site safety. Employees inspect and routinely maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools, and report specialized maintenance needs. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the event. Extensive travel is indicated. The role is performed outdoors on rugged terrain and may involve exposure to weather, heights, electrical current, moving equipment and vehicles, chemicals, noise, vibration, and other workplace hazards.

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 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 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 written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate precautions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Knowledge and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and to respond to call-outs.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

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, maintained as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable law.
Keeps 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.
Prune, remove, or 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 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 when required, in close proximity to energized power lines; after qualifying, directly supervise non-qualified employees working near energized conductors.
Apply herbicides and growth regulators to brush and stumps, and maintain application records.
Follow company policies, procedures, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations; help educate less experienced employees.
Repair minor job-site property damage and promptly escalate matters requiring attention to the General Foreperson.
Feed brush and debris into a woodchipper.
Set up warning signs, barriers, and flags; relay hand signals; direct traffic; use other traffic-control devices; and 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 when required.
Support and participate in Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership; 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.
Be available for extended hours, overtime, emergency call-outs, holiday and weekend work, and storm work as required.