Climber

West Tree Service, Inc.; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Pay

Paid Holidays and PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability

Employer Paid Life Insurance

401k + employer match up to 4%

Boot allowance

Job summary

West Tree Service, Inc. in Fort Smith, AR is seeking a skilled trimmer who can climb trees to cut limbs, operate a bucket truck, and support utility ROW maintenance with a strong emphasis on safety.

Role requires 40 hours per week, 10-hour days, and occasional weather-driven travel. A valid driver's license and ability to pass background and drug screening are required. Weekly pay and benefits accompany the position.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a trimmer or new applicants welcome.
• Open/available for 50% travel.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.
• Adequate training as a trimmer with West Tree Service.
• Knowledge of knots used in line clearing.
• Experience with chainsaws and hydraulic saws.
• Experience working around energized power lines.
• Ability to perform proper cuts and use bucket trucks/chippers.

Responsibilities

• Enforce all safety rules and participate in the company safety program.
• Ensure all work is performed safely.
• Climb trees to cut limbs.
• Cut limbs from a bucket.
• Rig limbs after climbing a tree.
• Safely use a chain saw and a hydraulic saw.
• Perform proper cuts on trees and tie standard knots used in line clearing.
• Safely work around energized power lines.
• Work with bucket trucks and chippers.
• Drive a medium-duty truck.

Skills

Climbing

Safety awareness

Customer communication

Travel readiness

Teamwork

Tools

Chainsaw

Hydraulic saw

Bucket truck

Chipper

Job description

Founded in 1945 by A. D. West and M. E. Erickson, West Tree Service has been a trusted provider of Right of Way (ROW) maintenance services for utilities. We specialize in vegetation management for Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) like Entergy and OG&E, Cooperatives, Municipalities, and gas pipeline companies. Our services include tree trimming and removal, herbicide application, and mowing to ensure a clear and manageable ROW, which is crucial for reliable and uninterrupted utility services. Most of our management team and supervisors are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), promoting professional arboriculture practices.

What We Offer:

• Weekly Pay
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Benefits
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 401k + employer match up to 4%
• Boot allowance on qualifying purchases

Job Responsibilities:

• Enforce all safety rules and actively participate in the company safety program
• Ensure all work is performed safely
• Climb trees to cut limbs
• Cut limbs from a bucket
• Rig limbs after climbing a tree
• Safely use a chain saw and a hydraulic saw in a tree and in a bucket
• Perform proper cuts on trees
• Tie standard knots used in line clearing
• Safely work around energized power lines
• Work with bucket trucks and chippers
• Drive a medium-duty truck

Position Requirements:

• One year of experience as a trimmer (new applicants)
• Open/available for 50% travel
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen
• Adequate training as a trimmer while employed by West Tree Service
• Expertise with knots used in line clearing
• Expertise with chain saws and hydraulic saws
• Expertise in working around energized power lines
• Ability to perform proper cuts
• Knowledge of the function of bucket trucks and chippers
• Ability to communicate with customers
• Ability to leave town for extended periods, often on short notice (generally weather-driven)
• Ability to work 10-hour days and a minimum of 40 hours per week (storm-related jobs may require up to 16-hour days)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 70 pounds to shoulder height
• Flexibility, including the ability to squat and bend
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods
• Ability to pull body weight up 20 feet and climb a tree
• Ability to withstand and perform work at heights
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and withstand extreme temperatures
• Must not exceed weight limitations for hydraulic buckets

Rate of Pay:

• Hourly Pay Rate:$17.00 an hour, paid weekly
• Rate of pay is dependent upon experience