Tree Trimmer

Wright Tree Service; Olney (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Wright Tree Service is seeking a qualified Tree Trimmer to prune and remove trees, limbs, and shrubs near power lines to minimize vegetation interference. The role requires climbing, operating a range of tools, and ensuring tree health and appearance while maintaining safety standards.

Applicants must be able to load and handle equipment, work aloft, and follow detailed procedures around energized lines. Extensive physical work and travel may be required, with a strong emphasis on safety and

Qualifications

• Must have basic knowledge of trees and arboriculture.
• Knowledge of ANSI Z133.1-current version and ANSI A300.
• Ability to adhere to safety requirements and read circuit maps.
• Familiar with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269.
• Ability to learn quickly and work with others.

Responsibilities

• Load vehicles and equipment with limbs and logs.
• Trim, remove and/or fell trees using climbing equipment.
• Work aloft to cut branches and lower them safely.
• Operate hand tools and ground-based equipment.
• Maintain and inspect vehicles and equipment.
• Follow safety rules around energized conductors.
• Coordinate with foreperson on jobsite safety.
• Ensure proper traffic control and signage.
• Provide occasional supervision to non-qualified staff.

Skills

Tree knowledge

ANSI standards

Safety compliance

Electrical proximity awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

First-Aid and CPR certification

Tools

Powered trimmer lift

Hand saws

Pruners

Rigging lines

Woodchipper operation

Job description

Job Title

Tree Trimmer

Job Summary

Qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer responsible for pruning and removing trees, limbs, and shrubs away from power lines to reduce vegetation interference. Uses various equipment, tools and techniques to perform basic tree maintenance while addressing growth patterns, 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.
• 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 under direct supervision of a qualified line clearance tree trimmer.
• May provide direct supervision of the activities of non‑qualified employees working in close proximity to energized conductors once qualification prerequisites are met.
• Applies herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps; maintains application records.
• Repairs minor damage to property that occurs on the job site.
• Escalates situations to General Foreperson 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 the company culture of safety and employee ownership.
• Complies with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations; maintains knowledge and follows all company policies and procedures.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.

Supervisory Duties

• 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 trees in close proximity to energized conductors.
• Knowledge and understanding of ANSI Z133.1-current version and ANSI A300.
• Ability to adhere and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements.
• Knowledge of electrical circuits and skilled 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.
• Can communicate with others and represent the company in a professional manner.
• Can read, write and verbally comprehend job instructions and safety information.
• Can recognize poisonous plants and take proper safeguard against them.
• Wears necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Can work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call‑out work.
• Demonstrated knowledge and trained to perform tree and bucket rescue.
• Can operate and service all required tools and equipment.
• Can work both independently and in a group.

Education, Certification & Experience Requirements

• Minimum 3 months of 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.

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 company 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: none.

Travel Requirements

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.
• Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, up to 50 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Can lift, move and maneuver up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently.
• Requires visual acuity to determine accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work; reading a computer screen, printed material, inspecting 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; weather, climate and temperature variations.
• Exposure to nature (irritating plants, biting or stinging insects, dust, etc.) and rugged terrain.
• Exposure to noise, vibration, moving parts, mechanical equipment, gasoline powered equipment, electrical current, heights, chemicals, narrow aisles or passageways, communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning chemicals, dust, odors and various pests.

Equal Employment Opportunities

The company respects diversity and is 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. The company is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy throughout all aspects of employment.