Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service; Custer (SD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A tree services company in South Dakota is seeking a Trimmer/Advanced Climber to join their team. The role requires trimming and removing trees, operating specialized equipment, and training new employees. Candidates must have a minimum of 12 months of experience and valid certifications. The position involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and operating heavy tools. This full-time role emphasizes safety and proficient communication while representing the company professionally.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 months experience in tree trimming or clearing.
• Knowledge of trees and correct arboricultural techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team and customers.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions.
• Experience with PPE and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Trim and remove trees using appropriate tools.
• Safeguard employees and public during work.
• Load and unload trucks with logs and debris.
• Train new employees on procedures.
• Service and maintain tools and equipment.

Skills

Climbing techniques

Tree identification

Safety practices

Communication

Heavy lifting

Education

Valid driver's license

First-Aid and CPR certification

Tools

Chainsaws

Wood chipper

Ladders

Job description

Title: Trimmer/Advanced Climber

Type: Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Reports to: Foreperson/General Foreperson

Essential Functions

• Trims and/or removes trees by climbing with the aid of a ladder, safety belt, climbing line, powered trimmer lift truck, or works from the ground using saws/pruners. Will cut branches or trunk sections and drops or lowers them to the ground with lines.
• Uses appropriate tools, will fell trees or trimmed trunks and split them into manageable pieces.
• Sprays stumps and brush with hand-spraying equipment to prevent further growth.
• Loads and unloads trucks with logs, stumps, brush, and debris and/or feeds brush into a wood chipper.
• Repairs slight damage to lawns, fences, and walks caused by tree trimming.
• Relays hand-signals, directs traffic, drives and operates trucks and equipment as assigned, and keeps trucks and work area clear and orderly.
• Trains new employees on proper procedures.
• Safeguards employees and public from hazards in and around work area. Cooperates with customer, police, and fire departments when blocking street or driveways. Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, etc. to protect employees as well as the public. Trained to perform tree and bucket rescue.
• Assumes responsibility for the inspection and proper working conditions of tools, trucks, and other work equipment. Requests repair or replacement of equipment when necessary.
• Works around hazardous equipment and in close proximity to energized power lines.
• Works around excessive noise from machines, chainsaws, wood chipper and must wear proper personal protective equipment.
• Is exposed to all temperatures and weather; will be exposed to nature, i.e., irritating plants, biting or stinging insects, dust, etc.
• May work on rough terrain.
• Helps enforce on-the-job safety practices for crew members.
• Services truck, chipper and equipment, maintaining them in a neat, clean, and specified mechanical order. Reports the need for equipment and truck maintenance to crew lead.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Has a minimum of 12 months experience working on tree trimming or clearing crews and/or has successfully completed applicable performance reviews.
• Must have a basic knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and correct arboricultural techniques for the trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing, as applies to working in close proximity to energized conductors.
• Enforces on-the-job safety practices.
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Needs to be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times per day.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work tasks such as rain, heat, sun, cold, snow.
• Must be able to write, read, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information.
• Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner.
• 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.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call-out work.
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
• Must have valid driver’s license (dependent on Division and utility/contract requirements) and be able to pass a pre‑employment drug test.
• Maintains a herbicide applicator or operators certification and license as required by Wright Tree Service and local, state, and federal law.
• Must have valid First‑Aid and CPR cards.
• Must complete and pass an Advanced Climber Performance Review.

Wright Tree Service employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.