Top Trimmer

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Health, dental, vision & HSA options

Paid time off

Job summary

Lewis Services, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is seeking a Top Trimmer to perform advanced tree trimming and removal. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience and be proficient in aerial lift operations.

This role offers an opportunity to work outdoors and advance your career with an employee-owned company that values training and safety. You will lead techniques while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and provide excellent service to our clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience on tree crews.
• Proficient in aerial lift operations and tree felling.
• Ability to train crew members on safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform tree trimming and removal work.
• Lead job site and traffic control activities.
• Support ground-level tree pruning and removal.

Skills

Tree trimming experience

Knowledge of tree identification

Safety regulations understanding

Ability to lead a team

Communication skills

Education

Top Trimmer Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification

Valid driver's license

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial lift equipment

Job description

Spanish Posting

Únase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podemos árboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamaño de gestión de servicios y vegetación en Norteamérica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

Join a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, we’re not just trimming trees — we’re building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee‑owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
• Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions!
• Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
• Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do as a Top Trimmer

• Perform advanced tree trimming and removal work while aloft or using aerial lift equipment.
• Support and lead job site and work zone set up, maintenance, and traffic control.
• Lead tree felling, rigging, and clearance activities near energized lines (vegetation and debris removal).
• Support and lead ground‑level tree pruning and removal.
• Support and direct crews in the absence of the Crew Leader.
• Apply herbicides in accordance with laws and company guidelines.
• Inspect, maintain/prepare, and operate work tools (chainsaws and chippers), and other equipment as assigned (relevant certifications apply).
• Operate/drive, load/unload, and maintain trucks and other work vehicles.
• Ensure team and public safety by identifying hazards, maintaining clear communication, and providing support to fellow employees both on the ground and while aloft.
• Train and retrain crew members on climbing, trimming, and safety practices.
• Promote positive relations with customers and the public and assist the Crew Leader in gaining consent from property owners.
• Assist with job briefings, communicate new equipment specifications, and ensure all safety protocols are followed.
• Participate in emergency response and storm work as needed.

Qualifications

What You Bring

• Minimum two years of experience on tree crews and completion of all Top Trimmer‑level qualifications.
• Possess general knowledge of tree identification, growth habits, and proper pruning techniques.
• Knows and understands the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards for arboricultural operations.
• Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift operations.
• Proficiency in electrical circuit basics and interpreting circuit maps.
• Top Trimmer Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification (or ability to complete).
• Valid driver’s license, CDL, and required medical certification.
• CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
• Ability to lead others, communicate effectively, and work independently.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

Physical Demands

Ability To

• Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher.
• Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain.
• Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity).
• Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively.
• Operate two‑handed tools and equipment.
• Ability to progress skill in tree ascent and descent.
• Ability to work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather conditions.

Continuously

Standing, Walking, Handling/Grasping, Repetitive Movements, and Tree Ascending/Descending.

Frequently

Lifting/Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Stooping/Kneeling, Reaching.

Occasionally

Driving, Climbing Stairs/Ladders.

Rarely

Sitting / Operating.

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental Conditions

Continuously

Outdoor work.

Occasionally

Noise Levels.

Frequently

Extreme Temperatures.

Rarely

Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues.

Never

Confined Spaces.

Comments: You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns. Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment May Include

• Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs.
• Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers.
• Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes.
• Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes, hanger puller, manual and hydraulic pole saw, spikes.
• Sprayer applicators, pump sprayer, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs.
• Tablets and communication devices.

Non-Union Benefits

What We Offer

• Competitive pay.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Paid training and industry certifications.
• Health, dental, vision & HSA options.
• 401(k) +.
• Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business. We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated. We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service’s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Lewis Tree Service es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades de empleo y se compromete a brindar igualdad de oportunidades tanto a los candidatos como a los empleados. Lewis Tree Service prohíbe la discriminación ilegal o el acoso de empleados y candidatos por motivos de raza, credo, color, nacional origen, sexo, edad (40+), religión, discapacidad, estado civil, orientación sexual, información genética, ciudadanía, estado de veterano o cualquier otra condición legal protegida, todas las decisiones de empleo, incluyendo pero no limitándose a la contratación, selección, compensación, capacitación, aprendizaje, promoción, degradación, transferencia, extensión y terminación, y todos los demás términos y condiciones de empleo. Las prácticas y políticas de Lewis Tree Service se administran de acuerdo con las leyes federales, estatales y locales aplicables.