Aerial Lift Trimmer- Sylva, NC

Xylem Tree Experts; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K enrollment

Job summary

Xylem Tree Experts is seeking an Aerial Lift Trimmer to trim, prune, and remove trees using a bucket truck or similar equipment. The role emphasizes safety, daily preparation, and professional tree maintenance near utility lines in urban and rural settings.

The ideal candidate has prior aerial lift experience, basic knot-tying knowledge, and the ability to work at heights in varying weather. A valid driver’s license may be preferred; join our team for storm response and routine vegetation

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of knots, ropes and rigging.
• Ability to identify tree species.
• Familiar with electrical hazards around lines.
• Able to obtain first-aid certification and CPR.
• Capable of working at heights in varying weather.
• Willing to travel for storm work.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety practices and enforce rules.
• Prepare truck and materials daily.
• Perform professional tree maintenance as directed.
• Clear and trim trees near utility lines.
• Dispose of debris after work.
• Maintain tools and equipment used daily.
• Observe and improve climbing and maintenance skills.
• Assist other crew members in daily activities.
• Communicate with coworkers to stay safe.
• Perform duties for storm work as needed.

Skills

Knots & rigging

Tree species identification

Emergency rescue techniques

Height/rope access

First aid & CPR

PPE compliance

Safety-conscious teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Aerial Lift Trimmer is responsible for trimming, pruning, and removing trees with the aid of a bucket truck or other equipment or tools. Candidates should have at least one year as an aerial lift trimmer in lie clearance. Driver's License is preferred but not required.

Essential Functions

• Always follow and help enforce safe practices and rules
• Assist in preparing truck and materials needed for each day at General Foreperson’s direction
• Perform professional tree maintenance activities as directed by General Foreperson
• Clear and trim trees and brush away from utility lines; remove branches and tree material
• Clean up and dispose of all debris
• Maintain and keep track of all tools and equipment used in daily operations
• Constantly observe and practice climbing and tree maintenance skills in a continued effort to improve your own professional skills
• Be ready and willing to assist other crew members in all aspects of daily activities
• Safeguard employees and public from hazards in and around the work area by enforcing safe job practices, keeping work area clean and orderly, and staying in frequent voice communication with co-workers
• Perform duties for storm work as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities

Aerial Lift Trimmers have no direct reports.

Experience Requirements

Prior experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred; previous aerial lift experience preferred

Education Requirements

High School diploma or education equivalent preferred

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of all knots, ropes and rigging devices used in tree trimming and removal operations.
• Must be able to identify tree species
• Must be familiar with electrical hazards and appropriate operating procedures when in proximity to electrical conductors and aerial techniques in the event of an emergency aloft
• Must be able to work and maneuver at considerable heights under varying and adverse weather conditions
• Must possess physical strength and agility, good balance, good depth perception and the ability to hear verbal instructions from a distance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
• Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all applicable first aid techniques
• Must be able to quickly remove yourself from a potential danger area
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

Job Posting Disclaimers

This position requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.

Work Authorization Requirements

Must meet I-9 requirements. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.

Benefits Offered

• This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.

AI Usage Disclaimer

As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.