Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Lexington, 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 equipment, tools, and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while considering growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. Work may take place 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, maintaining application records, feeding brush into a woodchipper, setting up traffic controls, and inspecting and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location. Extensive travel is indicated. The work routinely takes place indoors and outdoors, including on rugged terrain and in varied weather, and may involve exposure to electrical hazards, heights, moving equipment, chemicals, noise, and other workplace hazards.

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 job instructions and safety information, and understand verbal instructions.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate precautions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
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.
English reading, writing, and speaking ability.
Ability to meet the physical demands of bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motion, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly to move objects; ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.
Visual acuity sufficient for work inspection and general observation, including close visual tasks such as reading printed material, inspecting small defects, and using measurement devices.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent is 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.
Keeping 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 woodchipping.
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 drop or 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, 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 and help educate less experienced employees on company policies, procedures, worksite safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Repair minor property damage at the job site and promptly escalate situations 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; and use other traffic-control devices to protect employees and the public. 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 or equipment 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 company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and be available for call-out work.