Sr. Operations Specialist - Tree Climber

Burnbot; Sonora (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

BurnBot is seeking a Senior Operations Specialist, Tree Climber to join our Field Operations team. This role will handle daily inspection and maintenance of equipment, perform mechanical and prescribed fire fuel treatments, and uphold safety standards to support BurnBot’s mission.

With the ability to operate bucket trucks and other equipment as needed, you’ll join a team focused on reliable field performance in remote outdoor settings, across the west coast when required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of tree trimming experience.
• Valid driver's license and insurability under company policy.
• OSHA Logging 1910.266 certification.
• Technical tree felling and cutting techniques with a chainsaw.
• Rigging, climbing and aerial lift operations experience.
• Familiarity with fire mitigation or vegetation management projects.
• Ability to perform field diagnostics and equipment maintenance.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% along the west coast.

Responsibilities

• Use climbing and rigging techniques to ascend/descend trees and remove branches or trees.
• Navigate rugged terrain using heavy equipment best practices.
• Conduct basic troubleshooting and field maintenance on equipment.
• Coordinate with leadership on daily production goals and project updates.
• Comply with state and federal safety regulations; maintain a safe work environment.
• Operate chainsaw to fell, delimb and buck trees at worksites.
• Demonstrate a strong bias for action and adapt to changing priorities.
• Travel along the west coast 5+ days at a time; remote job sites as needed.

Skills

Tree climbing

Rigging

Chainsaw use

Aerial lift

Driver's license

Job description

• Location 14409 Tuolumne Road Sonora, Sonora, CA, 95370, United States
• Base Pay $32.00 - $38.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Non-Exempt (FT)

About BurnBot

BurnBot provides systematic fuels treatment services to prevent destructive wildfires. We're firefighters, scientists, engineers, prescribed fire practitioners, ecologists, and community members who are answering the call to scale fuel treatment capacity. Our modern fuel treatment system recognizes and supports conservation efforts with a clean, smoke-free process. We need technology to amplify our workforces with targeted use of synthetic fire to treat fuel loads 10x faster than previously possible.

The Role

BurnBot is seeking a Senior Operations Specialist, Tree Climber to join our rapidly growing Field Operations team. This role will be responsible for daily inspection and maintenance of equipment, conducting mechanical and prescribed fire fuel treatments, upholding company safety standards, working with team members on a number of tasks that promote and enhance BurnBot’s mission. With a focus on completing a variety of work to ensure our customers satisfaction. With appropriate experience, the Tree Climber will also operate bucket trucks and other equipment as needed.

This role is a non-exempt role with an hourly rate $32-$38. Placement within the range depends on experience, certifications, and skills.

Required Tasks

• Use sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques to skillfully ascend and descend a tree performing duties such as: cutting away excess branches from trees or shrubs and removing trees
• Navigate rugged terrain and vegetation using heavy equipment best practices
• Conduct basic troubleshooting and field maintenance on equipment
• Coordinate with leadership on daily production goals and project updates
• Comply with all state and federal regulations; safety or otherwise
• Maintain and promote a safe, productive and positive working environment
• Operate chainsaw to fell, delimb and buck trees at worksites
• Strong bias for action and the ability to execute assigned tasks with or without guidance
• Can adapt to a fast changing environment and work priorities
• Desire to learn, ask questions and take on new responsibilities as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and ability to be insured under company policy (this role requires driving company vehicles and trailers to remote job sites)
• 5+ years of tree trimming experience
• OSHA Logging 1910.266
• Technical Tree Felling & Cutting Techniques Chain Saw Safety
• Rigging
• Climbing
• Aerial Lift Operations
• Knots & Hitches
• Familiarity with fire mitigation or vegetation management projects
• Ability to perform field diagnostics and equipment maintenance
• Comfortable working in remote, rugged outdoor environments
• Utilize personal knowledge to resolve issues and ability to discern when to seek assistance for efficient, effective resolutions
• Excellent customer service skills. Including listening, responding and assisting with a positive, of service mindset
• Physical ability to lift/push/pull weights of up to 50 lbs with regularity
• Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach, grasp and climb various surfaces and heights for 8+ hours per day
• Willingness to travel 5+ days along the west coast, up to 75% of the time (and will most likely be home for the weekends)
• Willing to get certified to operate equipment on fire assignments

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for Burnbot’s mission
• Experience operating bucket trucks for high-reach tasks
• Any of the following certifications: FFT1, FFT2, FALB, FIRB, RXB3, CRWB, ENGB, Commercial Drivers License class A or B
• Experience in wildland firefighting, prescribed burns, forestry, timber, logging, or as a sawyer, faller or arborist
• Commercial Driver’s License (preferably, Class A)
• Experience operating farm, forestry, equipment or other heavy equipment, trucks and large trailers
• Welding experience

Physical requirements and working conditions

This position is performed primarily outdoors at active fuels treatment and prescribed fire sites. Essential functions include: walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing on uneven, steep, or unimproved terrain for extended periods; working full shifts in variable and adverse conditions, including heat, cold, wind, dust, and smoke; operating, carrying, and maintaining hand and power tools, including chainsaws; lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and occasionally more with assistance; wearing required personal protective equipment for the duration of the shift, including fire-resistant clothing, hard hat, hearing and eye protection, gloves, and safety footwear; maintaining situational awareness and communicating clearly by radio in high-noise environments; and traveling by vehicle and by air to remote sites, including overnight and multi-day assignments.

BurnBot provides reasonable accommodation to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail] or [phone] x 1010.

BurnBot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, military or veteran status, status as a protected or honorably discharged veteran, reproductive health decisionmaking, primary language, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, request for family care or medical leave, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, or any combination of these characteristics.

Employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of a background check and a pre-employment drug screen, conducted after a conditional offer of employment and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law, including fair chance laws under which qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records are considered for employment.

If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at [phone] x 1010 or [e-mail].