Top Trimmer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Industry training and certifications

Health, dental, vision options and HSA

401(k) +

Job summary

Lewis Tree Service is a leading employee-owned provider of vegetation management and tree services in North America. The Top Trimmer role requires expertise in complex pruning, rigging, and operating aerial lifts, with opportunities for leadership and hands-on training in a safety-conscious environment.

As part of our team, you’ll perform advanced trimming, support crew leadership, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience on tree crews and completion of all Top Trimmer-level qualifications.
• Knowledge of tree identification, growth habits, and pruning techniques.
• Familiarity with ANSI Z133 safety requirements and A300 pruning standards.
• Advanced tree ascent/descent using ropes and safety saddle; skilled in aerial lift operations.
• Proficiency in electrical circuit basics and reading 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 certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced tree trimming and removal work while aloft or using aerial lift equipment.
• Support and lead job site and work zone setup, 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 (Chainsaw), heavy equipment (Chippers), and other equipment as assigned.
• Operate/Drive, Load/Unload, and maintain trucks and other work vehicles.
• Ensure team and public safety by identifying hazards and maintaining communication.
• Train and retrain crew members on climbing, trimming, and safety practices.
• Promote positive relations with customers and the public; assist Crew Leader with property owner consent.

Skills

Tree knowledge

Aerial lift

Safety certifications

Leadership

CDL

CPR/First Aid

Electrical basics

Climb/descent

Tools

Chainsaw

Chippers

Aerial lift

Rigging

Job description

Spanish Posting

Únase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas En Lewis, no solo podamos 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 As a Top Trimmer at Lewis Tree Services, you’ll fill a specialized and highly skilled role necessary for utility vegetation management and provide support for tree trimming and line clearing operations serving utility companies and other clients.

• 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 (Chainsaw), heavy equipment (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

Nunca - 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

Los Equipos Pueden Incluir Lo Siguiente

• Camiones con plataforma aérea, camiones volquete, vehículos todo terreno
• Motosierras, sierras de pértiga, sierras de mano, astilladoras
• Sopladores, podadoras, rastrillos, cabrestantes, cuerdas
• Equipo de escalada: arnés, correas, púas, extractor de ganchos, sierra de pértiga manual e hidráulica, púas
• Aplicadores pulverizadores, pulverizadores de bomba, aplicadores de herbicidas, combustible, conos, señales
• Tabletas y dispositivos de comunicación

Lo que Ofrecemos

Beneficios

• Pago competitivo
• Plan de Propiedad de Acciones para Empleados (ESOP)
• Capacitación y certificaciones de la industria remuneradas
• Opciones de salud, dental, de la visión y HSA
• 401(k) +
• Tiempo libre remunerado y Programa de Asistencia al Empleado (EAP)

Compromiso con nuestra gente

El compromiso con nuestra gente es la clave del éxito de nuestro negocio. Respetamos las diferencias entre nosotros, y aprovechamos esas diferencias para crear un entorno donde todos los empleados se sientan bienvenidos y tratados con justicia. Buscamos las mejores soluciones posibles al atraer e involucrar a una fuerza laboral diversa donde se busquen y valoren todas las perspectivas.

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, nacionalidad, sexo, edad (mayores de 40 años), religión, discapacidad, estado civil, orientación sexual, información genética, estado de ciudadanía, estado de veterano o cualquier otra condición legal protegida, todas las decisiones de empleo, incluidas, entre otras, el reclutamiento, la contratación, la compensación, la capacitación, el aprendizaje, la promoción, la degradación, la transferencia, el despido y la terminación, y todos los demás términos y condiciones de empleo. Las prácticas y políticas de Lewis Tree Service se administran según las leyes locales, estatales y federales aplicables.