Groundsperson : Ottumwa, IA

ISA Certified Arborist; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K enrollment

PTO

Job summary

Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services is seeking a Groundsperson in Ottumwa, IA to support crews by performing ground-based tree and brush removal and site clean-up. Valid driver’s license required and willingness to travel for storm restoration work.

You will operate hand tools, assist with loading, unloading, and chipper feed, and help maintain trucks and equipment while following safety procedures. This full-time position offers health benefits, PTO, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Pass background check and drug screen.
• Must be able to pass safety and PPE requirements.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety rules and enforce safe practices.
• Clear debris and brush from work areas.
• Operate hand tools and assist with loading and chipper feed.
• Set up road signs and flag traffic.
• Travel for storm restoration work when needed.
• Maintain trucks and equipment and report major repairs.

Skills

Physical strength

Outdoor work

Communication

Team player

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chainsaw

Pole saw

Pruners

Loppers

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $18 USD to $20 USD
  This is an estimated pay range for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
• Travel Required : Yes

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. Must have valid Driver's License.

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.

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.

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.

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.