Groundsperson

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Walterboro (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Paid training and industry certs

Health, dental, vision & HSA options

401(k) + PTO and EAP

Job summary

Lewis Tree Service is seeking a Groundperson to support vegetation management for utility partners and other customers. You will work alongside tree crews, clearing vegetation, operating and maintaining chainsaws, chippers, blowers, and sprayers, and assisting climbers from the ground.

The role requires outdoor work in all weather, the ability to hike and lift up to 50 lbs., and a valid driver’s license (CDL preferred).

Qualifications

• Groundperson certification (or ability to complete)
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions; physical ability to hike, lift up to 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)
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Team-player

Strong work ethic

Education

Groundperson certification

CPR/First Aid certification

Herbicide applicator certification

Driver’s license (CDL preferred)

Tools

Chainsaws

Chippers

Blowers

Sprayers

Pruners

Pole pruners

Ropes

Harness and safety gear

Job description

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• Groundperson certification (or ability to complete)
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions; physical ability to hike, lift up to 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

• 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

Tools & Equipment

• 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

• 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

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.