Arborist - Trimmer Trainee

Lewis Tree Service; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company that values safety, teamwork, and the great outdoors! As a Trimmer Trainee, you'll engage in hands-on training while working in diverse environments. This role involves climbing trees, operating essential tools, and ensuring safety for yourself and others. With a commitment to employee ownership and a supportive culture, your potential for growth is limitless. Embrace the adventure of working outdoors while making a significant impact in the utility vegetation management industry. If you're self-motivated and ready to tackle challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Competitive Pay

Specialized Paid Training

Career Advancement Opportunities

Affordable Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Six months experience as a crew member or equivalent around utility wires.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and operate two-handed equipment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in climbing skills training and work in a team environment.
• Perform tree trimming and line clearing duties for utility customers.

Skills

Physical Labor

Climbing Skills

Safety Practices

Team Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial Lifts

Hand Tools

Job description

At Lewis, we provide the stability of a long-standing, employee-owned company with the progressive nature of a growing, improvement-minded future. We’re the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America… and always growing.

We’re in the people success business, we just happen to trim trees.

Why you’ll love being part of the Lewis Family:

• We are empowered to share our talents. We care deeply. We conquer challenges. We respect our differences. We trust each other. We keep each other safe. Together, we do great things.
• We offer for Non-Union positions:
  • Competitive pay
  • Specialized paid training & certifications
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Affordable health insurance plans including Dental, Vision and Health Savings Accounts
  • Retirement plans including Employee stock ownership and 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off
  • Employee assistance program
• We offer for Union positions:
  • Competitive pay
  • Specialized paid training & certifications
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • [Union] Benefits
  • Employee assistance program
• That everyone on the team matters
• That we don’t constrain workers in order to create safety, we ask workers what they need to do work safely, reliably, and productively.
• That workers aren’t the problem; workers are the problem solvers.
• That through diversity we build strength
• That being an employee-owned company (ESOP), it provides future financial stability for our employees
• That when you join the Lewis Tree Team, your potential is unlimited

Why you'll love this Job:

• You love the outdoors: you enjoy varying environments/weather, not afraid to get dirty, adventurous
• You are open to new ideas: willing to listen and observe, humble
• You are self-motivated: driven, strong work ethic, willing to “do what it takes”
• You are adaptable: can think on your feet, nimble, flexible
• You are collaborative: strong people skills, able to give and receive constructive feedback, willing to speak-up

What you’ll do as a Trimmer Trainee at Lewis:

• Be a participant in an innovative climbing skills training program!
• Be part of a tight-knit crew working in a team environment
• Perform line clearing and tree trimming duties for Lewis Tree Service’s utility customers including pruning trees and limbs, trimming or removal of trees as well as removing broken limbs from wires, roofs, etc.
• Climb trees for manual trimming and removals in and above the power lines.
• Prepare, operate and maintain all tools and equipment including hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts.
• Remove limbs and brush, cleanup and dispose of debris.
• Mixing and apply spray chemicals, preserving desirable vegetation
• Safeguard employees and the public from hazards in and around the working area. Help enforce on-the-job safety practices.

What you’ll need:

• At least six months experience as a crew member as ground person or equivalent, working around utility wires.
• Ability to perform physical labor such as lifting a minimum of 50 lbs to shoulder height or more
• Capable of operating two-handed equipment (chain saw, circular saw, etc.) and have the physical ability to endure extreme climate variances.
• Willing and able to obtain specialized training and certifications as required, such as tree species identification and Local, state and federal licenses.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR cards
• Pass a pre-employment drug test and job duty skills tests
• Ability to obtain valid Driver’s License

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is key to the success of our business. We respect the differences among us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated. We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought and valued.