Journeyman

Wright Tree Service; Oregon (WI); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Wright Tree Service is seeking a Tree Trimmer to prune and remove trees and limbs away from power lines, ensuring proper vegetation clearance and tree health. You’ll work with climbing equipment and ground tools to perform basic tree maintenance and respond to emergencies as needed.

The role is non-exempt and on-site, requiring safety awareness, reliable attendance, and the ability to work long hours during emergencies or outages. Training and adherence to company policies are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 months experience on a tree trimming or clearing crew or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
• Must be able to read and follow safety instructions and job notes.
• Strong communication and ability to work with others in a field crew.

Responsibilities

• Load vehicles and equipment with limbs and logs.
• Trim, remove and/or fell trees using climbing and ground tools.
• Operate ground and climbing equipment safely and follow OSHA regulations.

Skills

Tree knowledge

Communication skills

Reading/writing safety instructions

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Insulated tools

Job description

Job Title

Tree Trimmer

Pay Rate Type

Non-Exempt

Creation Date / Revision Date

04/24/2026

Job Summary

The Tree Trimmer role is a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. This role uses a range of equipment, tools and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while addressing growth patterns and ensuring tree health and appearance.

Essential Job Duties

• Load vehicles and equipment with manageable sized limbs and logs that are not suited for wood chipping.
• Trim, remove and/or fell trees using climbing equipment such as a powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line and ladder.
• Work on the ground using hand saws, ground saws, pruners or other applicable tools.
• Work aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and drop or lower them to the ground with rigging lines.
• Use appropriate ground tools to fell trees or spars and split them into manageable pieces.
• Work around hazardous equipment and may work in close proximity to energized power lines while under the direct supervision of a qualified line clearance tree trimmer.
• If prerequisites for qualification have been met, may provide direct supervision of non‑qualified employees working near energized conductors.
• Apply herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps and maintain appropriate records.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures, on‑the‑job safety practices, approved work methods and OSHA regulations.
• Repair minor damage to property that occurs on the job site and report to the General Foreperson when necessary.
• Feed brush and debris into a woodchipper.
• Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, relay hand‑signals, direct traffic and other applicable traffic control devices to protect employees and the public from hazards around the work area.
• Cooperate with property owners, customers and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
• Conduct vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions and perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment and tools.
• Report specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to the General Foreperson.
• Be available for emergencies or natural disasters, which may require being on duty and travelling outside the regular work location.
• Support, actively participate and act in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership.
• Comply with federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations; maintain knowledge of and follow all company policies.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.

Other Duties

• Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Supervisory Duties

• Supervise non‑qualified employees when required by qualified line clearance tree trimmer standards.

Knowledge, Skills & Ability Requirements

• Basic knowledge of trees including identification, growth habits and arboricultural techniques specific to trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing trees near energized conductors.
• Knowledge and understanding of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300.
• Ability to adhere to and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements.
• Knowledge of electrical circuits, ability to read and understand circuit maps and OSHA electric power generation, transmission and distribution standards, including 29 CFR 1910.269.
• Ability to determine nominal voltage, use insulated tools near energized parts and distinguish exposed live parts from other equipment.
• Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
• Strong communication skills and ability to represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
• Ability to read, write and speak job instructions and safety information.
• Recognition of poisonous plants and taking proper safeguards.
• Wearing personal protective equipment as required.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (holidays, weekends, storms) and be subject to call‑out work.
• Knowledge of tree and bucket rescue operations.
• Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment.
• Capability to work independently and in a group.

Education, Certification & Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 3 months experience on a tree trimming or clearing crew or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Valid First‑Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.

Other Preferred Requirements

• Valid driver's or commercial driver's license (dependent upon division and utility/contract requirements) and DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
• Experience driving vehicles with an attached chipper or other trailing unit.
• Herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by local, state and federal law.
• Keeping informed of new equipment and specifications, standards, practices and operating procedures.

Language Requirements

• English – Read, Write, Speak
• Spanish – None
• Other Languages – None

Travel Requirements

• Extensive (greater than 50%)

Physical Characteristics

• May require bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly, and up to 30 pounds often.
• Visual acuity for reading, inspecting small defects and measuring devices.
• Entering and exiting vehicles and equipment multiple times daily.

Environmental Factors

• Routine exposure to indoor and outdoor working conditions, weather, heat, sun, cold, snow.
• Exposure to irritating plants, insects, dust, chemicals, noise, vibration, moving parts, gasoline powered equipment, electrical current, heights.
• Occupational hazards include narrow aisles, passageways, communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning chemicals, odors, pests.

Equal Employment Opportunities

Wright Service Corp. is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, veteran status, disability, protected medical condition, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training and benefits, are conducted in compliance with this policy.

Reasonable Accommodation

Wright Service Corp. is committed to complying with laws governing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics as required by the ADA and other regulations.

At‑Will Employment

Employment is at‑will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate employment at any time for any reason without prior notice.