Groundsperson

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 16,531,000 - 24,797,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Paid training and industry certs

Health, dental, vision & HSA options

401(k) + PTO

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Lewis Tree Service in Mississippi is seeking a dedicated Groundperson to support vegetation management for utility partners and clients. You’ll work outdoors, clear vegetation near power lines, and operate tools like chainsaws and sprayers under the supervision of the tree crews.

As part of our team, you’ll receive paid training and industry certifications, plus access to ESOP benefits, health/dental/vision plans, a 401(k), PTO, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Qualifications

• Groundperson certification or ability to complete it.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification provided by Lewis or obtained.
• Herbicide applicator certification or ability to complete and maintain it.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Support vegetation management for utility partners and customers.
• Clear vegetation and debris from work sites around power lines.
• Operate and maintain chainsaws, chippers, blowers, and sprayers.
• Assist climbers by spotting from the ground and handing up tools.
• Assist with rigging and felling of trees.
• Ensure safety of teammates and the public.
• Travel frequently to different job sites (overnight stays possible).

Skills

Groundperson certification

Outdoor work

Valid driver’s license

CPR/First Aid

Herbicide applicator certification

Education

Groundperson certification (or ability to complete)

CDL preferred

Tools

Chainsaws

Chippers

Blowers

Sprayers

Herbicide applicators

Ladders & rigging gear

Climbing gear (harness, chaps, spikes)

Job description

• Sprayers, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs

Spanish Posting

Únase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podamos árboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamaño de gestión de servicios y vegetación en Norteamérica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

Join a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, we’re not just trimming trees — we’re building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
• Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions!
• Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
• Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do as a Groundperson

You’ll be on the right hand of our tree crews, supporting vegetation management for utility partners and various other customers.

• Clear vegetation and debris from work sites around power lines (Tree pruning, vegetation removal, lift logs, drag brush, etc.)
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment like chainsaws, chippers, blowers, and sprayers
• Assist climbers by spotting from the ground, handing up tools, and using hand lines
• Assist with rigging and felling of trees
• Safeguard colleagues and the public from hazards in and around the work area
• Apply herbicides (with proper certification) to manage growth
• Maintain clean, organized trucks and job sites
• Set up traffic control zones and direct traffic when needed
• Travel frequently (including overnight stays) to different job sites
• Participate in safety briefings and follow all company safety protocols

Qualifications

What You Bring

• Groundperson certification (or ability to complete)
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions - Physical ability to hike, lift up 50 lbs., and handle tools - Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred)
• CPR/First Aid certification (provided by Lewis) - Herbicide applicator certification (or ability to complete and maintain) - Team player attitude, adaptability, and a strong work ethic
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

Physical Demands

Ability To

• Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher
• Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain
• Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity)
• Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively
• Operate two-handed tools and equipment

Continuously

- Standing, Walking, Handling/Grasping, Repetitive Movements.

Frequently

- Lifting/Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Stooping/Kneeling, Reaching.

Occasionally

- Driving, Climbing Stairs/Ladders.

Rarely

- Sitting, Operating.

Never

- Tree Ascending/Descending

Comments

You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental Conditions

Continuously

- Outdoor work

Occasionally

- Noise Levels

Frequently

- Extreme Temperatures

Rarely

- Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never

- Confined Spaces

Comments

You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns. Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment May Include

• Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs
• Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chipper
• Blowers, pruners, pole pruners, rakes, winches, ropes
• Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes
• Sprayers, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs
• Tablets and communication devices

What We Offer

Non-Union Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Paid training and industry certifications
• Health, dental, vision & HSA options
• 401(k) + - Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business. We respect the differences between 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 out and valued. Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service’s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Compromiso con nuestra gente

El compromiso con nuestra gente es la clave del éxito de nuestro negocio. Respetamos las diferencias entre nosotros, y aprovechamos esas diferencias para crear un entorno donde todos los empleados se sientan bienvenidos y tratados con justicia. Buscamos las mejores soluciones posibles al atraer e involucrar a una fuerza laboral diversa donde se busquen y valoren todas las perspectivas. Lewis Tree Service es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades de empleo y se compromete a brindar igualdad de oportunidades tanto a los candidatos como a los empleados. Lewis Tree Service prohíbe la discriminación ilegal o el acoso de empleados y candidatos por motivos de raza, credo, color, nacionalidad, sexo, edad (mayores de 40 años), religión, discapacidad, estado civil, orientación sexual, información genética, estado de ciudadanía, estado de veterano o cualquier otra condición legal protegida, todas las decisiones de empleo, incluidas, entre otras, el reclutamiento, la contratación, la compensación, la capacitación, el aprendizaje, la promoción, la degradación, la transferencia, el despido y la terminación, y todos los demás términos y condiciones de empleo. Las prácticas y políticas de Lewis Tree Service se administran en virtud de las leyes locales, estatales y federales aplicables.