Groundsperson : Salem, IN

ISA Certified Arborist; Salem (IN); On-site; USD 24,796 - 26,174; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services seek a Groundsperson to support crews by performing ground-based work and site clean-up. You will clear brush and trees with handsaws, pole saws, and pruners, load debris, and assist with equipment setup and road signs.

Travel is required during storm restoration, and candidates must pass background checks and be comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions with PPE.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or education equivalent preferred.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.
• Willingness to travel for storm restoration work when needed.

Responsibilities

• Clear brush and trees from ground level using hand tools and gas-powered equipment.
• Load and unload trucks with logs, brush and debris; feed brush into the chipper.
• Flag traffic and set up road signs to protect workers and the public.
• Drive truck or operate other equipment as assigned and perform basic vehicle maintenance.
• Maintain safe, clean work areas and comply with PPE requirements.
• Perform duties during storm restoration work as needed.

Skills

Physical strength

Balance

Outdoor work

Hearing distance

First-aid certification

CPR

PPE

Driver's license

Verbal comprehension

Communication

Endurance

Tool operation

Travel willingness

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chainsaw

Pole saw

Gas-powered equipment

Brush chipper

Truck driving

Job description

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.

• Pay or shift range: $18 USD to $19 USD (estimated). Final offers are based on skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.
• Travel Required: Yes. Travel is required during storm restoration work when needed.

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 using handsaws, pole saws, pruners, loppers and gas‑powered chainsaws 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 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 chainsaw 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.

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.

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 401(k).

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.