Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 32,497 - 43,339; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus up to $750

Union benefits

On-the-job training

Job summary

Wright Tree Service is hiring a Tree Trimmer in Champaign, Illinois. This role involves pruning and removing trees and shrubs near power lines, utilizing various equipment and safety measures. The ideal candidate has experience in tree trimming and is safety-conscious. The position offers a competitive wage of $23.59 - $31.46 per hour, along with benefits including bonuses for CDL holders and opportunities for growth and training.

Join us in promoting safe and effective vegetation management!

Qualifications

• 3 months of experience working on tree trimming or clearing crews.
• Valid driver's or commercial driver's license preferred.
• Maintain herbicide application certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Prune and remove trees, limbs, and shrubs.
• Load vehicles and equipment with limbs and logs.
• Work on the ground with hand saws and ground saws.

Skills

Knowledge of trees

Tree trimming techniques

Safety awareness

Ability to communicate

PPE utilization

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Valid First-Aid and CPR cards

Tools

Climbing equipment

Powered trimmer lift truck

Hand saws

Job description

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.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Wage: $23.59 - $31.46
• Sign‑on bonus: $750 for CDL holders, $500 for non‑CDL holders
• Union benefits and pay offered, plenty of growth opportunities, on‑the‑job training, potential overtime, get paid weekly.

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.
• 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 qualification prerequisites are met, may provide direct supervision of non‑qualified employees working in close proximity to energized conductors.
• Applies herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps, and 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 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.
• Supports, actively participates, and acts in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership.
• Compiles reports, complies with applicable laws, remains informed of company policies, and maintains punctual attendance.

Other Duties

• Drives and operates vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Supervisory Duties

• Competent to supervise activities of employees under close proximity to energized conductors after meeting prerequisites.

Knowledge, Skills & Ability Requirements

• Basic knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and arboricultural techniques specific to trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing near energized conductors.
• Knowledge of ANSI Z133.1 and ANSI A300 standards.
• Ability to adhere to and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements.
• Knowledge of electrical circuits and ability to read and understand circuit maps.
• Knowledge of OSHA standards relevant to electric power distribution, including 29 CFR 1910.269.
• Ability to determine nominal voltage, proper use of insulated tools near energized parts and distinguish live parts from other equipment.
• Ability to learn quickly, follow instructions accurately, and communicate professionally.
• Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take proper safeguards.
• Ability to wear necessary PPE.
• Ability to work long hours, overtime, and call‑out work during emergencies.
• Knowledge and training to perform tree and bucket rescue.
• Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment.
• Ability to work independently and in a group.

Education, Certification & Experience Requirements

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

Other Preferred Requirements

• Valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license and DOT medical card as required.
• Ability to drive a vehicle with attached chipper or other trailing unit within work area.
• Maintain herbicide application certification or equivalent.
• Keep informed of new equipment and standards.

Language Requirements

• English – Read, Write, Speak
• Spanish – Read, Write, Speak
• Other Language – Read, Write, Speak

Travel Requirements

• No‑Seldom
• Occasional (up to 5%)
• Moderate (5% to 25%)
• Substantial (25% to 50%)
• Extensive (greater than 50%) – Required

Physical Characteristics

• Effective bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Occasionally reach upward and downward.
• Exert up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, up to 50 pounds constantly.
• Lift, move, maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently, up to 30 pounds frequently.
• Visual acuity sufficient for reading, inspection, etc.
• Enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.

Environmental Factors

• Indoor and outdoor working conditions, exposure to weather, climate, temperature, rain, heat, sun, cold, snow.
• Exposure to irritants such as plants, insects, dust.
• Work on rugged terrain, exposure to noise, vibration, moving parts, vehicle, gasoline powered equipment, electrical current, heights, chemicals, confined spaces, communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning chemicals, dust, odors, 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 (including transgender status), 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.

Drug & Alcohol‑Free Workplace

Wright Service Corp. maintains a policy of keeping a workplace free of unlawful or unauthorized drugs and alcohol, protecting property, ensuring efficient operations, and providing a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all employees and others.