HiRail Technician

Wright Tree Service; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wright Tree Service is seeking a field crew member to apply herbicides around railroad areas and support safety-focused operations. You will engage with customers to resolve concerns, inspect work zones for hazards, and maintain detailed records of chemical applications.

The role requires the ability to operate sprayers, travel as needed, and comply with all safety and regulatory requirements while maintaining a professional work environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required.
• Valid First-Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to obtain CDL and DOT medical card as required by division and contract specifications.
• Commercial herbicide application certification or equivalent may be required by Wright Tree Service.

Responsibilities

• Applies herbicide to railroad areas (on-track and off-track).
• Communicates with customers to resolve concerns and plans for success.
• Performs pre-inspections to identify hazards in work areas.
• Operates herbicide sprayers and maintains accurate application records.
• Maintains a neat, safe work area and inspects vehicles/equipment.
• Follows safety policies and federal/state regulations; adheres to DOT/FRA requirements.

Skills

Multitasking

Customer service

Safety compliance

Communication

Microsoft Office

Hazard awareness

Equipment operation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

First-Aid & CPR certification

Tools

CDL license

DOT medical card

Job description

Essential Job Duties:

(Tasks necessary and required to perform the job.)

• Applies herbicide to on-track and off-track railroad areas
• Communicates with customers effectively to resolve concerns and plans for success
• Conducts pre-inspections of work areas to identify potential hazards
• Utilize sprayer/handheld sprayer for herbicide application
• Works around hazardous equipment
• Adheres to and helps enforce company policies, jobsite safety practices, approved work methods, and applicable OSHA and FRA regulations
• Uses herbicide application equipment to treat designated areas and maintains accurate application records
• Maintains a neat and orderly work area
• Conducts vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions. Performs routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, tools and reports specialized repair or service needs to the Supervisor
• May be required to travel or work outside of the regular regional assignment
• Support, actively participate, and act in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintain knowledge of and follow all company policies and procedures
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings

Knowledge, Skills & Ability Requirements:

(Knowledge – Comprehension of a body of information acquired by experience or study. Skill – a present, observable competence to perform an activity. Ability – a competence to perform an observable behavior.)

• Must be able to handle stressful situations and effectively multitask
• Ability to operate and maintain electronic application tracking devices and learn new technology as needed
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Acquire and retain knowledge of proper herbicide application rates and techniques
• Ability to properly identify tree, weed, and brush for analysis in multiple geographic locations
• Excellent customer service and communication skills focused on rapport-building, listening, questioning and patience. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, customers and employees.
• Ability to adhere and enforce company and industry safety requirements, including FRA and DOT
• Ability to learn quickly and to follow instructions accuratelyMust be able to comprehend and/or read and write both written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
• Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take proper safeguard against them
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
• Willingness to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call-out work
• Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance on all required tools and equipment
• Capable of working independently or as part of a team

Education, Certification & Experience Requirements:

(The minimum level of education obtained, certifications held, or experience in years acceptable for the role.)

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required
• Must have valid First-Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire

Other Preferred Requirements:

(driver’s license, CDL, pesticide or herbicide license, CPR or first-aid certified)

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), as required by division and contract specifications, along with a valid DOT medical card in compliance with FMCSA regulations
• Maintain a valid herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Ability to obtain eRailSafe certification

Language Requirements

English - Read, Write, Speak

Spanish - Read, Write, Speak

Other Language _________________ - Read, Write, Speak

Travel Requirements:

No-Seldom

Yes-Occasional (up to 5%)

Yes-Moderate (5% to 25%)

Yes-Substantial (25% to 50%)

Yes-Extensive (greater than 50%)

Physical Characteristics:

(The physical demands necessary to perform the job duties with or without a reasonable accommodation.)

• Effective bending, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Occasionally reach upward and downward
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 50 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Possesses the ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis and up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis
• Must be able to lift and pull application hose over and around obstructions for up to four hundred feet
• Must be able to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned or make general observations of the community; close visual acuity, such as reading a computer screen, reading printed material, inspection of small defects, and using measurement devices
• Ability to enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day

Environmental Factors:

(The working conditions including environment if outside - weather/temperature, noise or otherwise normal office environment.)

• Routine exposure to indoor and outdoor working conditions
• Routine exposure to weather, climate and temperature, such as rain, heat, sun, cold, snow
• Routine exposure to nature, such as irritating plants, biting or stinging insects, dust, etc; position works outdoor on rugged terrain
• Routine exposure to noise, vibration, working hazards such as proximity to moving parts, mechanical equipment, moving vehicles, gasoline powered equipment, electrical current, heights, exposure to heat, exposure to chemicals, work in close quarters, narrow aisles or passageways, communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning chemicals, dust, odors, and a variety of pets

Wright Tree Service employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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