Tree Trimmer Trainee — Outdoor Work + Paid Training

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; City of Kingston (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid training

Career advancement

Local 1249 Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Lewis Services is hiring a Trimmer Trainee to support our tree crews with pruning, line clearing, and vegetation management for utility partners. You'll gain hands-on experience on ground operations, learn climbing and aerial lift techniques, and work outdoors across multiple sites.

You'll start with training, safety briefings, and supervision while you develop essential skills, operate tools like chainsaws and sprayers, and contribute to safe, efficient operations with a strong team culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience on tree crews as Groundperson or Driver.
• Willingness to work at heights and learn climbing/aerial techniques.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL and medical certification as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground vegetation management around power lines.
• Prune and lift logs while climbing or using aerial lift under supervision.
• Support crews with site prep, equipment setup, and jobsite cleanup.
• Operate chainsaws, chippers, sprayers, and ropes.
• Assist with rigging and felling of trees.
• Apply herbicides with certification.
• Load/unload trucks and hike challenging terrain.
• Help with traffic control and jobsite safety.
• Participate in daily safety meetings.
• Travel to multiple worksites, including overnight stays.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Drive and operate trucks with required certifications.

Skills

Groundcrew experience

CDL license

Safety training

Climbing readiness

Education

None

Tools

Chainsaws

Sprayers

Herbicides

Ropes

Aerial lift ops

Job description

Lewis Services is hiring a Trimmer Trainee to support our tree crews with pruning, line clearing, and vegetation management for utility partners. You'll gain hands-on experience on ground operations, learn climbing and aerial lift techniques, and work outdoors across multiple sites.

You'll start with training, safety briefings, and supervision while you develop essential skills, operate tools like chainsaws and sprayers, and contribute to safe, efficient operations with a strong team culture.