Defensible Space Groundsman (entry level)

Elements Mountain Company; Truckee (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Elements Mountain Company is seeking a Groundsman in Truckee, CA to support defensible space, forestry, and tree care operations. The role progresses from basic field skills to performing technical work with minimal supervision on a team-focused site.

Team members contribute to crew success, uphold safety standards, and continuously develop their skills. Pay ranges from $23 to $30 per hour, DOE, with full-time or part-time hours depending on project needs.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Team player who can communicate and work well with others.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Strong attention to detail and safety.
• Willingness to learn and take direction.

Responsibilities

• Arrive on time with a positive, team-focused attitude.
• Follow company training, policies, and safety standards.
• Assist crew with defensible space, forestry, and tree care operations.
• Maintain clean and organized job sites, trucks, trailers, and tools.
• Operate landscaping and forestry equipment as directed by the team lead.
• Support climbers with rigging, knots, and felling/limbing tasks.
• Identify and communicate job site hazards to maintain safety.

Skills

Driver's license

Team player

Outdoor work

Physical endurance

Safety conscious

Willingness to learn

Tools

Chainsaws

Ladders

Rakes

Loppers

Handsaws

Chippers

Job description

Pay: $23-$30 per hour DOE

Title: Groundsman

Department: Defensible Space

Reports to: Department Team Lead & Operations Manager

SUMMARY

The Defensible Space Groundsman supports defensible space, forestry, and tree care operations. This role ranges from developing basic field skills to performing technical work with minimal supervision. Groundsmen assist with site preparation, equipment operation, tree removal, and defensible space projects while maintaining a safe, efficient, and organized job site.

Team members are expected to contribute to the success of the crew, support fellow employees, and continuously develop their skills. No job is too small when it comes to moving the team forward.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Arrive on time with a positive, team-focused attitude
• Complete all required company training
• Follow company policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Assist crew members with all aspects of defensible space, forestry, and tree care operations
• Maintain clean and organized job sites, trucks, trailers, and tools
• Use and maintain landscaping and forestry tools such as rakes, loppers, handsaws, ladders, chainsaws, and other equipment
• Safely operate and assist with forestry equipment including chippers, mini skid steers, chainsaws, and related tools, as assigned by the team lead
• Support tree climbers by assisting with rigging systems, ropes, knots, and felling/limbing operations
• Assist with tree felling, pruning, brush removal, and defensible space work
• Identify and communicate job site hazards to maintain a safe work environment
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites
• Identify and proactively recommend cost-saving opportunities
• The duties and responsibilities list is not designed to be an exhaustive list of what will be assigned to you. Employees may prefer other duties as assigned by the manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Team player who can communicate and work well with others
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Commitment to safety and courteous job site behavior
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a team
• Willingness to learn, develop skills, and take direction
• Physical Requirements:

Physical Requirements

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Reaching with hands and arms
• Lift up to 50 pounds

Special Requirements

• Ability to safely communicate real-time coordination with climbers in trees and ground crew critically to prevent injury.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Experience using the equipment required for the job, including but not limited to chippers, pole saws, loppers, rakes, etc.
• Hazards: The employee may be exposed to the risk of injury from falling limbs or debris during outdoor work activities. The role may involve operating or working near chainsaws and chippers, which can result in exposure to flying debris during normal operation.
• Required Safety Equipment provided by the employer, including but not limited to gloves, hard hats, and eye protection.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

A. Environmental Conditions

• Outdoor weather conditions

B. Noise

• Exposure to very loud noise while working near chainsaws, chippers, pole saws, and light traffic.

WORK HOURS

Employees will be provided with their schedule based on the available schedules outlined in our alternative workweek agreement. Schedules are subject to change based on company need with minimal notice.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A. Compensation

This job could entail full-time or part-time hours. The specifics will be included in the offer letter.

B. Benefits

Benefits are based on the status of employment that are clearly outlined in the offer letter.

I have reviewed and understand the job duties and responsibilities outlined in this description and can perform the essential functions. I acknowledge that my job may change as needed, and I have discussed any unclear duties with my supervisor or HR. I understand that performance evaluations and pay increases depend on my ability to meet these responsibilities. Any questions about this description were addressed before signing.