Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Richmond, KY

11d

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 for tree maintenance while accounting for growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. Work may be performed from the ground or aloft, and may take place close to 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 herbicide application and recordkeeping, tree and bucket rescue, traffic control, vehicle and equipment inspection and maintenance, and adherence to company, industry, and OSHA safety requirements. 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. Travel is extensive, exceeding 50%.

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 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 parts of electrical equipment.
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 precautions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Knowledge of 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.
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 physical demands of the position, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, speaking, hearing, and repetitive motions; exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly; and lifting, moving, and maneuvering up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.
Ability to enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.
Ability to work in outdoor conditions and rugged terrain and tolerate exposure to weather, plants, insects, dust, noise, vibration, moving machinery and vehicles, gasoline-powered equipment, electrical current, heights, heat, chemicals, confined spaces, communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, odors, and pests.

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.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Prune, remove, and fell trees using climbing equipment, such as a powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line, and ladder; also perform ground work using saws, pruners, and other 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 occurring at the job site 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 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 and perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools; 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 for the duration of the event.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned.
Work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and be subject to call-out work.
Perform tree and bucket rescue and operate and service required tools and equipment.