Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Grand Forks, ND

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 and maintaining tree health and appearance. The work may involve climbing or working on the ground, operating around hazardous equipment and energized power lines, and performing duties under the direct supervision of a qualified line clearance tree trimmer until qualified to supervise certain work. The position also includes applying herbicides and growth regulators, maintaining application records, and supporting safe work practices. The role involves inspecting and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools; assisting with traffic control and protecting the public and crew; and communicating with property owners, customers, emergency personnel, and the General Foreperson. 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 position requires regular, punctual attendance and may involve long hours, overtime, weekend and holiday work, storm response, and call-outs. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, including outdoors on rugged terrain and in changing weather. Exposure may include noise, vibration, moving vehicles and equipment, electrical current, heights, chemicals, dust, pests, and other worksite hazards. Physical activities may include bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, and repetitive motions. The employee must be able to enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day and meet the stated visual and lifting demands.

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.
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.
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 operate and service all 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 meet the physical demands described in the posting, including lifting and maneuvering loads and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment.

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.
Keeping informed about new equipment and specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable-size 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; perform ground work with applicable saws, pruners, and other 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 divide 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; once qualified, potentially 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, job-site safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Repair minor property damage that occurs at the job site.
Escalate situations to the General Foreperson promptly 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 and perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools; 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 for the duration of the event if required.
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 assigned vehicles and equipment.