Tree Trimmer Groundman

Indiana Electric Cooperatives; Rensselaer (IN); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Jasper County REMC, a member-owned cooperative serving parts of Indiana, seeks a Tree Trimmer Groundman to learn right-of-way clearing while contributing to field operations in all weather conditions.

You will train in safety, equipment operation, and compliance with RUS, NEC, NESC, and OSHA standards as part of our right-of-way crew, with opportunities for advancement and a strong commitment to member service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with tree trimming, knot tying, rigging, and chemical application preferred.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license; Class A CDL within 12 months.
• Walk, stand, climb, and lift up to 100 pounds; work in various weather.

Responsibilities

• Support right-of-way clearing in all weather, day or night.
• Learn and operate chipper, power, and manual equipment.
• Attend safety meetings and maintain required certifications.
• Follow RUS, NEC, NESC, ANSI, OSHA standards and regulations.
• Assist with preventive maintenance of clearing equipment.

Skills

Tree trimming

Knot tying

Rigging

Chemical application

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Jasper County REMC is a progressive, community-focused, member-owned cooperative delivering two vital resources to our region: power and high-speed broadband. For over 88 years, we’ve ensured our rural communities have the safe, reliable, and affordable electric service they deserve, and since 2022, we’ve been rapidly expanding our fiber footprint to help our region grow and thrive. Today, we proudly serve approximately 10,000 electric meters across 1,200 miles of line and 1,300 broadband services over 600 miles of fiber.

THE RENSSELAER ADVANTAGE: THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Headquartered in Rensselaer, Indiana, we offer a unique lifestyle balance that adapts to whatever you and your family love to do.

• Small-Town Charm, Big-City Access: Enjoy a close-knit, safe community with excellent schools, a vibrant local culture, and a relaxed pace of life. When you want a change of pace, you’re just a convenient drive away from the world-class dining, sports, and entertainment of Chicago and Indianapolis.
• Room to Breathe: Whether your passion is farming, outdoor recreation, high school sports, or unique local hobbies, our region provides the space and time to enjoy your life outside of the office.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a motivated, safety-focused, team player to join our right-of-way crew as a Tree Trimmer Groundman. This individual should desire to master the critical craft of right-of-way clearing.

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Tree Trimmer Groundman, you will gain skills in right-of-way clearing through both classroom instruction as well as on-the-job training working alongside our right-of-way crew.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a Tree Trimmer Groundman, your journey begins out in the field, on the ground, working alongside our right-of-way crew in all weather conditions; day or night, and extended periods of time during storm restoration.

As you begin and progress in your training, you will be engaging in the following activities including, but not limited to:

• Engaged in Safety: Put safety at the forefront of every decision that is made. Attend and participate in safety meetings. Attain and maintain required certifications, such as; CPR, AED, and First Aid.
• Learn the system: Gain an in-depth understanding of our electric distribution system and tree-trimming with a focus on overhead line clearance.
• Master the equipment: Learn to operate chipper equipment, power equipment, and manual equipment as training allows. Gain an understanding of vehicle safety checks and proper setup procedures for overhead line clearing. Perform preventive maintenance on right-of-way clearing equipment.
• Right-of Way Clearing: Gain and use skills as applicable to perform tree trimming and chemical application.
• Interpret and Follow Specifications/Regulations: Understand and follow: Rural Utilities Service (RUS) specifications, National Electric Code (NEC), National Electric Safety Code (NESC), ANSI standards, OSHA regulations and other applicable codes and regulations.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Residence: Permanently reside in or be willing to relocate within a fifteen (15) mile radius, as the crow flies, of the Jasper County REMC headquarters within a period of twelve (12) months from your date of hire as a term and condition of employment.
• Education: A high school diploma or a general education diploma is required.
• Skills: Experience with tree trimming, knot tying, rigging and chemical application is preferred.
• Requirements: A valid Indiana driver’s license. You are required to either currently possess a valid Indiana Class A CDL driver’s license or be able to obtain a Class A CDL within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Work Environment: Ability to walk, stand, climb, reach, stoop and kneel for long periods of time, move and/or lift equipment and/or tree debris up to 100 pounds, noise level is moderate (hearing protection is provided), and exposure to certain herbicides.
• Drive & Dedication: A strong work ethic and dedication to our membership is imperative.

WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM US (Beyond the Paycheck)

We believe that taking care of our community starts with taking care of our employees. We structure our benefits to support your health, your family, your hobbies, and your future:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus a Health Savings Account (HSA) with a generous employer contribution.
• Peace of Mind: Company-provided basic life insurance, AD&D, business travel insurance, and short/long-term disability benefits (eligible after one month).
• Elite Retirement Security: We offer an exceptional retirement package to ensure your long-term peace of mind. After one year of service, you will be eligible for both a traditional pension plan and a 401(k) plan with a company match.
• True Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO) because we know that time spent with family and pursuing your passions is what keeps you at your best.

READY TO JOIN US?

If you crave an active, outdoor career where you can make an impact on your communities, we want to hear from you.

Jasper County REMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.