Groundsperson: Jefferson, NC

ISA Certified Arborist; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K enrollment

Job summary

Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services are seeking a Groundsperson to support the crew from the ground, clearing brush and trees, and performing on-site cleanup after each job. The role emphasizes safety, efficiency, and teamwork on outdoor projects within electric utility vegetation management and storm restoration contexts.

The position requires physical endurance, ability to work in varying weather, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Physical strength and balance to drag heavy limbs and operate tools on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to hear verbal instructions from a distance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR.
• Must wear required PPE at all times.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License if driving.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal job instructions.
• Must maintain balance on uneven ground.
• Strong communication with team members.
• Endurance to work an eight or ten hour day.
• Ability to travel for storm restoration work when needed.

Responsibilities

• Follow safe practices and enforce safety rules on site.
• Keep work area free of debris and hazards.
• Clear undergrowth from right-of-way using hand tools and saws.
• Load and unload trucks with logs, brush and debris; feed debris into chipper.
• Lower limbs and equipment using hand lines.
• Perform site cleanup after work.
• Transport materials, tools, and equipment to the site.
• Set up and break down road signs as directed.
• Direct traffic to protect workers and the public.
• Drive trucks or operate other equipment as assigned.
• Perform basic maintenance on trucks and equipment and report major repairs.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area and equipment.
• Support storm restoration duties as needed.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Gas-powered chain saws

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, brus h 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

Position 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:

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.

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 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.