Tree Trimmer - Travel Crew

Wright Tree Service•Omaha, NE

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 a range of equipment, tools, and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while considering growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. Work may involve climbing or working from a lift, working on the ground, and working 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 includes applying herbicides and growth regulators and maintaining application records; helping maintain safe work practices; performing traffic control; inspecting and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools; and responding to emergencies or natural disasters. The role requires extensive travel, including travel to crew locations in Kansas City, MO/KS, Fridley, MN, and Omaha, NE. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, often on rugged terrain and in varied weather, with exposure to operational and environmental hazards.

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 comply with 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 written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
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 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, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 50 pounds constantly to move objects; ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.
Visual acuity sufficient to assess work accuracy and completeness, make general observations, read screens and printed materials, inspect small defects, and use measurement devices.
Ability to travel extensively; travel is stated as greater than 50%.

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, maintained 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-size limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, and fell trees using climbing equipment, including powered trimmer lift trucks, safety belts, climbing lines, and ladders; also perform ground work with hand saws, ground saws, pruners, and other applicable 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 of a qualified line clearance tree trimmer, work in close proximity to energized power lines; after qualifying, 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 at job sites 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.
Remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location during emergencies or natural disasters when required.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture and comply with applicable laws, regulations, 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 remain subject to call-out work.