Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Bowling Green, VA

10d

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 perform basic tree maintenance while accounting for growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. The position works on the ground and aloft, including climbing or using lift equipment to trim, remove, or fell trees and lower cut sections safely. It may involve working near energized power lines under direct supervision until qualification prerequisites are met. The Tree Trimmer may then directly supervise non-qualified employees working near energized conductors. The role also includes herbicide application, traffic control, routine vehicle and equipment inspections and maintenance, and cooperation with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel. The position is primarily outdoors and may involve rugged terrain, variable weather, heights, electrical current, moving equipment, chemicals, noise, vibration, and other hazards. Extensive travel is indicated. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location. Long hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and call-out work may be required during emergencies. A CDL is preferred; the job description also lists a high school diploma or equivalent as preferred but not required.

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 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 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 in written and verbal forms.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
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.
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 position’s 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, up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly as described, and lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.

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.
Keeps informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.
CDL preferred.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable-size 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 applicable ground 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; once qualified, 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 job-site property damage 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 for the duration of the event when 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 vehicles and equipment as assigned.
Operate and service required tools and equipment.
Work independently and as part of a group.