Tree Trimmer (Travel Crew)

Wright Tree Service•Nashville, TN

10d

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 addressing growth patterns, tree health, and appearance. Work may take place on the ground or aloft and may involve working close to energized conductors 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, brush and debris handling, traffic control, minor property repairs, and inspection and routine maintenance of 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 role is physically demanding and involves outdoor work on rugged terrain, exposure to varied weather and worksite hazards, and the ability to work extended hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays during emergencies.

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 parts of electric 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 written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
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.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering equipment and objects.

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-size limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Prune, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment, such as a powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line, and ladder; work from the ground 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, 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, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations, and help educate less experienced employees about them.
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.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location when required.
Support and actively participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture.
Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and follow company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned.
Work extended hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and be available for call-out work.