Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service•Elk River, MN

18h

About The Position

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 take place on the ground or aloft and may involve proximity to 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 includes work outdoors on rugged terrain and exposure to varied weather, heights, electrical current, moving equipment, vehicles, chemicals, noise, and other job-site hazards. Extensive travel is indicated. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location. The role may require long hours, overtime, weekend and holiday work, and call-outs. The stated hourly wage is $24.57–$32.24. Benefits include union benefits and pay, growth opportunities, on-the-job training, potential overtime, and weekly pay.

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.
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 electrical 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.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and to 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 position’s physical demands, 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 lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently; the role also specifies exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly to move objects.
Visual acuity sufficient to assess work accuracy and completeness, make general observations, read screens and printed material, inspect small defects, and use 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 local, state, and federal law.
Keep informed about new equipment and specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment, including powered trimmer lift trucks, safety belts, climbing lines, and ladders; also perform ground work using saws, pruners, and other applicable tools.
Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and drop or lower them to the ground with rigging lines.
Use 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, near energized power lines; after meeting qualification prerequisites, directly supervise non-qualified employees 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 occurring at the job site and 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, 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 if 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.