Climber - Aiken, SC

ISA Certified Arborist; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K

Job summary

XKIG is seeking a Climber to perform tree climbing, pruning, and removal work in the Aiken, SC area. The role requires climbing around power lines, strong physical ability, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

CDL and prior utility vegetation experience are preferred; overtime opportunities are available during storms. Pay ranges from $20 to $23 per hour, with final offers based on experience, location, and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years professional tree climbing experience.
• 1+ year experience climbing around power lines preferred.
• CDL is preferred.
• Pay rate is based on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Climb, prune, and remove trees.
• Load and unload trucks with logs, brush, and debris; feed brush into chipper.
• Work from ground using hand saws, pole saws, pruners, loppers, and gas-powered chainsaws.
• Inspect and ensure proper working condition of tools and equipment.
• Enforce safety practices and keep work area clean and orderly; maintain communication with crew.
• Perform duties for storm work as needed.

Skills

Knot knowledge

Climbing ability

Emergency rescue

Electrical hazard awareness

Physical strength

First aid CPR

PPE usage

Storm travel readiness

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Ropes & rigging

Safety saddle

Tree climbing gear

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $20 USD to $23 USD
  This is an estimated pay range for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
• Travel Required : Yes

Description

The Climber is responsible for climbing, pruning, and removing trees. Minimum two years previous professional experience is required to be considered for this opportunity. 1 or more years previous professional experience as a climber working around power lines is required. CDL is preferred. Pay rate is based on the professional experience and qualifications of the candidate. Most work weeks are 4 ten hour days with the opportunity for overtime.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Always follow and help enforce safe practices and rules
• Climb, prune, and remove trees according to Foreperson’s directives
• Load and unload trucks with logs, brush, and debris; lifts and feeds brush into brush chipper.
• Work from the ground using hand saws, pole saws, pruners, hand pruners, loppers, and gas-powered chain saws
• Inspect and ensure proper working condition of all assigned tools and equipment
• 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

Climbers have no direct reports.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Prior experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred; previous climbing experience is required

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 climb and descend trees using rope and safety saddle
• Must be able to administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all applicable first aid techniques
• Must be familiar with electrical hazards and appropriate operating procedure when in proximity to electrical conductors and aerial rescue 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 quickly remove yourself from a potential danger area
• Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

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

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:

XKIG provides 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 or 252-403-0552.

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.

Travel Required

Yes . Travel is required during storm restoration work when needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.