Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Black Forest, CO

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 considering growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. Work may be performed on the ground or aloft, including 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 and maintaining application records; operating, inspecting, and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools; setting up traffic controls; and helping maintain safe work practices. 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 work is performed in indoor and outdoor conditions, routinely outdoors on rugged terrain and in varied weather, and may involve exposure to electrical current, heights, moving equipment, chemicals, noise, vibration, and other workplace hazards. Physical activities include climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering objects.

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, and communicate verbally.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and 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 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, 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, and to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.
Visual acuity sufficient to evaluate work, make general observations, read screens and printed materials, inspect small defects, and use measurement devices.

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 suitable for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment, including a powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line, and ladder.
Work on the ground with hand saws, ground saws, pruners, and other applicable tools.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and lower or drop 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 of a qualified line clearance tree trimmer, 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 company policies, procedures, approved work methods, safety practices, and OSHA regulations; help educate less experienced employees on these requirements.
Repair minor property damage that occurs at the job site.
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 vehicle maintenance or equipment 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 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.
During emergencies, work long hours and overtime, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and respond to call-outs as required.