Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Wright Tree Service is hiring a Tree Trimmer in Aberdeen, SD. Responsible for pruning and removing trees near power lines, utilizing equipment and safety protocols, while adhering to company policies.

Candidates should have basic knowledge of trees and at least 3 months of experience. The position promotes safety and includes diverse tasks to maintain operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Must have basic knowledge of trees and arboricultural techniques.
• Ability to adhere to safety requirements and educate others.
• Minimum of 3 months of experience in tree trimming or clearing.

Responsibilities

• Pruning and removing trees and shrubs near power lines.
• Conducting vehicle and equipment inspections.
• Applying herbicide and maintaining records.

Skills

Knowledge of trees

Arboricultural techniques

Ability to operate equipment

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent preferred

Tools

Power trimmer lift truck

Ground saws

Hand saws

Job description

Job Title

Tree Trimmer

Pay Rate Type

Non-Exempt

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 utilizes various types of equipment, tools, and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while addressing growth patterns and ensuring tree health and appearance.

Essential Job Duties

• Loads vehicles and equipment with manageable size limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
• Trims, removes and/or fells trees using climbing equipment, such as a powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line, and ladder. Also works on the ground using hand saws, ground saws, pruners or other applicable tools.
• Works aloft to cut branches or trunk sections and drop or lower them to the ground with rigging lines.
• Uses appropriate tools on the ground to fell trees or spars and split them into manageable pieces.
• Works 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. Once the prerequisites for qualification have been met, may provide direct supervision of the activities of non‑qualified employees working in close proximity to energized conductors.
• Applies herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps. Maintains appropriate application records.
• Adheres to and helps educate less experienced employees on company policies, procedures, on‑the‑job safety practices, approved work methods and OSHA regulations.
• Repairs minor damage to property that occurs on the job site. Escalates situations to General Foreperson’s when necessary and in a timely manner.
• Feeds brush and debris into woodchipper.
• Sets up warning signs, barriers, flags, relays hand‑signals, directs traffic and other applicable traffic control devices to protect employees and members of the public from hazards in and around the work area. Cooperates with property owner, customer, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
• Conducts vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions. Conducts routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment and tools. Reports specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to General Foreperson.
• During emergencies or natural disasters may be required to be on duty and travel outside of regular work location for the duration of the disaster.
• 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.

Other Duties

• Drives and operates vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Supervisory Duties

None specified.

Knowledge, Skills & Ability Requirements

• Must have basic knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and arboricultural techniques specific to trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing, in close proximity to energized conductors.
• Knowledge and understanding of the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations (ANSI Z133.1-current version) and American National Standards for Proper Pruning (ANSI A300).
• Ability to adhere and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements.
• Knowledge of electrical circuits and skill in reading and understanding circuit maps.
• Knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards, including 29 CFR 1910.269. Ability to determine nominal voltage, proper use of insulated tools near energized parts and distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment.
• Ability to learn quickly and to follow instructions accurately.
• Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner.
• Must 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 safeguards against them.
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call‑out work.
• Demonstrate knowledge and training to perform tree and bucket rescue.
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
• Ability to work both independently and in a group.

Education, Certification & Experience Requirements

• Has a minimum of 3 months of experience working on tree trimming or clearing crews or has successfully completed applicable skills assessments.
• 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

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license (dependent upon Division and utility/contract requirements) and DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
• Drive a vehicle with an attached chipper or other trailing unit to, from or within the work area.
• Maintain herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by Wright Tree Service and local, state, and federal law.
• Keeps informed of new equipment and specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

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

• Effective bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Occasionally reach upward and downward.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 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 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

• 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 pests.

Equal Employment Opportunities

Wright Service Corp. respects diversity, and we are an inclusive and equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical and mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation. We are dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Reasonable Accommodation

Wright Service Corp. is committed to complying with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules or regulations governing reasonable accommodations to individuals, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To that end, as required by applicable law, we will make a reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees who have requested an accommodation or for whom we have notice may require such an accommodation, without regard to any protected classifications, related to an individual’s disability, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, needs related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, and/or any other reason required by applicable law, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship.

At‑Will Employment

Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, rule or regulation, employment with Wright Service Corp. is at‑will. This means that an employee’s employment may be terminated at any time by either the employee or Wright Service Corp., for any or no reason, with or without cause or advance notice. No supervisor or Wright Service Corp. personnel other than the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Executive Officer’s designee has any authority to enter into a contract of employment, oral, written or otherwise, express or implied, that changes or alters the at‑will employment relationship. Any such agreement must be in writing signed by the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Executive Officer’s designee.

Drug & Alcohol–Free Workplace

To help ensure a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for our employees and others, protect Wright Service Corp. property, and ensure efficient operations, the Wright Service Corp. has adopted a policy of maintaining a workplace free of unlawful or unauthorized drugs and alcohol.