Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Wright Tree Service in Milwaukee, WI is seeking a Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs, and shrubs around power lines. The role uses climbing gear, a powered trimmer lift, and various tools to perform basic maintenance while ensuring tree health and appearance.

ANSI standards knowledge, safety compliance, and the ability to work long hours, including holidays and storms, are essential. The position requires thorough on-site work and adherence to company safety policies.

Qualifications

• Must understand tree species, growth habits and arboricultural practices near energized conductors.
• Ability to follow safety regulations and educate others on safety methods.
• Knowledge of electrical system basics and reading circuit maps.
• Good communication and professional representation of Wright Tree Service.
• Ability to wear PPE and work long hours including emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Load vehicles and equipment with limbs and logs unsuitable for chipping.
• Trim, remove, or fell trees near power lines using climbing gear and manual tools.
• Work aloft with rigging lines and drop materials to ground safely.
• Cut branches or trunks on ground with saws and cutting tools.
• Follow safety practices, maintain records, and assist with on-site supervision when qualified.
• Maintain site with traffic control, signs, and coordination with customers.
• Inspect vehicles and equipment and report maintenance needs.

Skills

Tree knowledge

Safety compliance

Reading circuit maps

Communication

PPE usage

Emergency readiness

Job description

Job Title: Tree Trimmer

Pay Rate Type: Non-Exempt

Creation Date/Revision Date: 04/24/2026

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.

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 skilled in reading and understanding of 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 safeguard 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