Trimmer

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Hamilton (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid training

Job summary

Lewis Tree Services in Michigan is seeking a Trimmer to grow foundational skills in utility vegetation management and support tree trimming for utility clients. You’ll work at heights, operate chainsaws and chippers, and participate in site safety and logistics.

The role emphasizes training and advancement within a strong, employee-owned culture. We expect 12+ months of experience on tree crews, climbing capability, and a valid CDL/medical certificate.

Qualifications

• At least 12 months' experience on tree crews as a Trimmer Trainee.
• Basic knowledge of tree species and pruning techniques.
• Ability to work at heights with climbing gear or aerial lifts.
• Trimmer Certification or ability to obtain it.
• Valid driver’s license, CDL and medical certification as required.
• CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
• Training and licenses for safe herbicide use must be kept up to date.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and vigilance; comply with regulations.

Responsibilities

• Ground-level and aloft pruning, felling, and vegetation removal to maintain clearance around power lines.
• Operate chainsaws, chippers, and similar equipment; rig branches and trees as needed.
• Assist with job site setup, rigging, traffic control, and cleanup.
• Support safety by spotting, assisting climbers, and communicating hazards.
• Drive and operate trucks and specialized equipment; obtain required certifications.
• Participate in job briefings and follow safety protocols.
• Travel as needed for work, including potential overnight stays.

Skills

Tree crew experience

Height work

Climbing gear use

Teamwork

Situational awareness

Tools

Chainsaws

Chippers

Loppers/Pruners

Aerial lifts (training)

Rigging equipment

Job description

Spanish Posting

Únase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podamos árboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamaño de gestión de servicios y vegetación en Norteamérica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

Join a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees — we're building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
• Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions!
• Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
• Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do as a Trimmer

As a Trimmer at Lewis Tree Services, you'll build foundational skills in utility vegetation management and provide support for tree trimming and line clearing operations serving utility companies and other clients.

• Ground-level and aloft tree pruning, felling, and vegetation removal to maintain clearance around power lines and equipment (includes climbing or aerial lift work under supervision and proper training).
• Operate chainsaws, chippers, and similar equipment; use handlines to lower limbs and equipment; fell and rig trees.
• Assist with job site set up, maintenance, rigging, traffic control, and general job site cleanup.
• Support job site safety by spotting, assisting climbers, and communicating hazards.
• Apply herbicides in accordance with company and legal guidelines.
• Drive and operate trucks and specialized equipment (certification required).
• Participate in job briefings and follow safety protocols.
• Travel as needed for work, including potential overnight stays.

Qualifications

What You Bring

• At least 12 months' experience working on tree crews as a Trimmer Trainee.
• Basic knowledge of tree species and arboriculture pruning techniques.
• Ability to perform work at heights and use climbing gear or aerial lifts.
• Trimmer Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification (or ability to complete).
• Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical certification as required.
• CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
• Acquire and keep the required training and licenses for the safe and proper use of herbicides.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and situational awareness skills.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations

Physical Demands

Ability To

• Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher
• Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain
• Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity)
• Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively
• Operate two-handed tools and equipment
• Progress skill in tree ascent and descent
• Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather conditions

Continuously – Standing, Walking, Handling/Grasping, Repetitive Movements.

Frequently - Lifting/Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Stooping/Kneeling, Reaching, Tree Ascending-Descending.

Occasionally – Driving / Climbing (stairs/ladders)

Rarely – Sitting/Operating

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental Conditions

Continuously - Outdoor work

Occasionally - Noise Levels

Frequently - Extreme Temperatures

Rarely - Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never - Confined Spaces

Comments: You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns. Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment may include: - Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs - Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers - Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes - Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes

• Sprayers, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs - Tablets and communication devices

What We Offer

Non-Union Benefits:

• Competitive pay $21.10 - Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - Paid training