Groundsperson - Palmer, MA

Xylem Tree Experts; Palmer (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Xylem Tree Experts in Palmer, MA is seeking a Groundsperson to support crews by clearing brush and trees from ground level, performing site clean-up, and handling materials and equipment safely. You will drive trucks, operate chain saws and pruners, set up road signs, and assist with storm restoration work as needed.

Prior experience in vegetation management or related fields is preferred; a high school diploma is desirable.

Qualifications

• Must possess physical strength and balance to drag heavy limbs and use tools on uneven terrain.
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must hear verbal instructions from a distance and follow safety rules.
• Possess/maintain a Driver's License if required for driving duties.
• Ability to travel for storm restoration work when needed.

Responsibilities

• Work from the ground to clear undergrowth and cut brush and trees with hand and gas-powered tools.
• Load/unload vehicles and feed debris into a brush chipper.
• Set up and break down road signs and flag traffic for safety.
• Perform general job-site clean-up and maintain tools/equipment.
• Assist with storm-related restoration tasks as needed.

Skills

Physical strength

Outdoor work

Hearing instructions

Driver's license

Endurance

Communication

Tool operation

Storm work readiness

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chain saw

Pole saw

Pruners

Hand pruners

Chipper

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.

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.

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.