Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Burlington, IA

24d

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. The position involves climbing and ground-based tree work, including cutting and lowering branches and trunk sections, felling and processing trees, feeding brush into a woodchipper, and loading limbs and logs. Work may take place near energized power lines and hazardous equipment. The role also includes applying herbicides and growth regulators, maintaining application records, supporting worksite safety and traffic control, inspecting and maintaining vehicles and equipment, and communicating 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 for the duration of the event. Extensive travel is indicated. The position is subject to call-outs and may involve long hours and overtime, including weekends and holidays during emergencies.

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, 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.
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.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and to respond to call-outs.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to work outdoors on rugged terrain and perform the physical activities and lifting described in the posting, including lifting, moving, and maneuvering up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently.
Ability to enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.
English reading, writing, and speaking ability.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.

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 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 woodchipping.
Prune, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment or ground-based 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 required supervision or qualification, near 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 company policies, procedures, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations, and help educate less experienced employees.
Repair minor property damage at job sites 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 workers 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 when required.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture.
Comply with applicable laws and regulations and 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.
Work independently and as part of a group.