Groundsperson/Driver - Buffalo, NY

Xylem Tree Experts; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union-represented role

Healthcare plans

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Groundsperson position in Buffalo, NY, supports crews by clearing brush and trees from the ground and performing site clean-up after jobs. Responsibilities include loading materials, operating basic tools, and assisting with traffic control and equipment maintenance.

Requirements include physical fitness, ability to work outdoors in various weather, and a valid driver’s license if handling a driving role.

Qualifications

• Must have physical strength and balance to handle heavy limbs on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and maintain safety.
• First-aid certification required or able to obtain it.
• Driver's license required if driving position; good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Clear brush and trees from ground level and assist with clean-up at job sites.
• Load/unload materials, feed brush into chippers, and move equipment safely.
• Set up/break down road signs; flag traffic to protect workers and public.
• Drive truck or operate equipment as assigned and perform basic vehicle maintenance.

Skills

Physical strength

Outdoor work

Hearing ability

First-aid cert

Driver's license

Communication

Endurance

Tool operation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Gas-powered chain saws

Pole saws

Pruners

Loppers

Job description

The Groundsperson supports the crew by performing work from the ground including clearing brush and trees as directed, and performing clean-up on each job site.

Essential Functions

• Always follow and help enforce safe practices and rules
• Keep work area clear of debris
• Work from the ground and clear undergrowth from right-of-way by using handsaws, pole saws and pruners, hand pruners, loppers and gas-powered chain saws to cut brush and trees
• Load and unload trucks with logs, brush and debris; feed brush into brush chipper
• Use hand lines to lower limbs and equipment
• Perform general clean-up of job sites following completion of work
• Carry, prepare, and store materials, tools and equipment at work site
• Set up and break down road signs as directed
• Flag traffic to protect employees and the public from potential harm or injury
• Drive truck or operate other equipment as assigned
• Perform basic maintenance service on trucks and equipment; keep trucks and other assigned equipment in neat and orderly fashion; report the need for major repairs to truck and equipment to Foreperson
• 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

Groundspersons have no direct reports.

Experience Requirements

Prior experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred

Education Requirements

High School diploma or education equivalent preferred

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Must possess physical strength and balance to drag heavy limbs, use chain saw and pruners in uneven terrain
• Must be able to work outdoors under varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions
• Must be able to hear verbal instructions from a distance
• Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Must have and maintain a Driver’s License if hired for a driving position
• Must be able to comprehend verbal job instructions/information
• Must be able to maintain balance over uneven terrain
• Must be able to communicate with others
• Must have endurance necessary to perform duties throughout a standard eight or ten hour day
• Must be able to operate and service all required tools and equipment
• Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

Work Authorization Requirements

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:

Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide 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.

XKIG is committed to fair and equitable hiring practices. We follow EEOC guidance and all applicable laws when conducting background checks, evaluating each candidate individually based on job-related factors. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant.

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.

Benefits Offered

This is a union-represented role, with pay and benefits (which may include healthcare and retirement plans) provided in accordance with the applicable labor agreement.

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.