Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service of the West; California; On-site; USD 42,705 - 56,481; Full time

Job summary

Wright Tree Service of the West is seeking a qualified Tree Trimmer to prune and remove trees, limbs, and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. The role utilizes various equipment, tools, and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while addressing growth patterns and ensuring tree health and appearance.

Essential duties include climbing and operating equipment, cutting with pruning tools, applying herbicides when required, and ensuring safety on site with

Responsibilities

• Prune and remove trees near power lines using climbing equipment and hand tools.
• Perform trimming, felling, and related maintenance from ground or elevated positions.
• Inspect and maintain equipment, follow safety protocols, and comply with regulations.

Job description

Hourly Wage: $31.76 - $40.97

Job Summary

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

Essential Duties

• Load vehicles and equipment with manageable size limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
• Trim, remove, and/or fell trees using climbing equipment such as powered trimmer lift trucks, safety belts, climbing lines, and ladders.
• 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 tools on the ground to fell trees or spars and split them into manageable pieces.
• Use and maintain hazardous equipment while working around energized power lines under direct supervision.
• Provide supervision to non‑qualified employees once qualified.
• Apply herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps and maintain application records.
• Repair minor damage to property that occurs on the job site.
• Escalate situations to the General Foreperson promptly.
• Feed brush and debris into a woodchipper.
• Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, relay hand‑signals, direct traffic, and use other traffic control devices to protect employees and the public.
• Cooperate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
• Conduct vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions.
• Perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Report specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to the General Foreperson.
• Be available during emergencies or natural disasters for on‑duty work and travel outside the regular work location.
• 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 and maintain knowledge of company policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
• Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Ability Requirements

• Basic knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
• Knowledge of ANSI standards for tree care operations (Z133.1) and proper pruning (A300).
• Ability to adhere to and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements.
• Knowledge of electrical circuits and reading circuit maps.
• Knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards, including 29 CFR 1910.269.
• Ability to determine nominal voltage, properly use insulated tools near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other equipment.
• Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
• Ability to communicate professionally and represent Wright Tree Service.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and write job instructions and safety information in written and verbal form.
• Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, with potential call‑out work.
• Demonstrated knowledge and training in tree and bucket rescue.
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Education, Certification & Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 3 months experience working on tree trimming or clearing crews, 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.

Preferred Requirements

• Valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license and DOT medical card (FMCSA regulations).
• Experience driving a vehicle with an attached chipper or other trailing unit.
• Herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by law.
• Keeping up to date on new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Language Requirements

• English: Read, Write, Speak
• Spanish: None
• Other Language: None

Travel Requirements

• Yes – Extensive (>50%)

Physical Characteristics

• Requires bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Occasional reach upward and downward.
• Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly, and can lift up to 50 pounds infrequently and 30 pounds frequently.
• Requires visual acuity for detailed inspections and measurements.
• Frequent entry and exit of vehicles and equipment.

Environmental Factors

• Indoor and outdoor work conditions, weather, heat, sun, cold, snow.
• Exposure to plants, insects, dust, chemicals, noise, vibration, hazardous machinery, gasoline equipment, electrical current, heights, chemical exposure, confined spaces, pathogens, cleaning chemicals, odors, and pests.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Wright Service Corp. respects diversity and is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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 federal, state, or local law.

At‑Will Employment

This is an at‑will employment relationship. Either party may terminate at any time for any reason without notice.

Drug & Alcohol‑Free Workplace

Wright Service Corp. maintains a workplace free of illegal drugs and alcohol to ensure safety, health, and productivity.