Trimmer (All Levels)

Townsend Tree Service; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Townsend Tree Service in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking entry-level to senior Trimmer positions across D/4th to A/1st classes. The role involves pruning, removing, and caring for trees under supervision, with exposure to hazards near traffic, power lines, and equipment.

Trimmer levels provide on‑the‑job training and crew supervision, with opportunities for advancement. A valid driver's license and willingness to pass drug and background checks are required; the company offers a safety‑conscious,

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older and legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Experience with tree care is preferred.
• Valid driver's license required and reliable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Perform pruning, removal, and care for trees as assigned.
• Operate and maintain tree-trimming equipment and tools.
• Follow safety guidelines and company policies at all times.
• Provide training support to junior team members when needed.

Skills

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Tools

Bucket trucks

Chainsaw

Stump grinder

Job description

Have a Calling for Above and Beyond Service?

You’d fit right in with this team. Get to know why great careers begin at Townsend Tree Service. We offer full-time employees competitive compensation and a variety of voluntary benefits including comprehensive health and wellness plans, retirement plans with company match, paid time off, paid holidays and opportunities for advancement.

Townsend Tree Service is the largest business unit of a family-run company decades in the making. With our Utility Contractor‚ Tree Service Company Accreditation from the Tree Care Industry Association and our Certified Treecare Safety Professionals and International Society of Arboriculture certified arborists on staff, we bring with us the credibility and experience to be a leader in our industry.

Yet our company isn’t just built on years of tree service expertise. It’s also built on a commitment to a people-first culture‚ the people on our team, the people we serve and the people who live in the areas we service. And we’re always looking for new teammates who embody what we’re all about.

It All Comes Back to Our Values

There isn’t a member of our team who doesn’t live and work by our values. Each of us is responsible for ensuring accountability in our actions, having integrity in our work, providing excellent service, prioritizing safety and demonstrating character in our work ethic.

While You Maintain Trees, We...

Uphold Your Quality of Life

Browse Open Positions

Position: Trimmer (All Levels)

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Job Id:1123

# of Openings:5

Position Description

Trimmer D/4th Class

Under supervision, a Trimmer D/4th Class maintains trees for public safety. This position provides tree trimming for assigned jobs by pruning, cutting, removing, and caring for trees. In this position, you may be exposed to hazards of working near traffic, falling limbs, and energized power lines. As a Trimmer D/4th Class, attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines is critical. A Trimmer D/4th Class receives on‑job training, specific day‑to‑day directions, and is supervised. This position is the entry-level class in the Trimmer series.

Trimmer C/3rd Class

Under supervision, a Trimmer C/3rd Class maintains trees for public safety. This position provides tree trimming for assigned jobs by pruning, cutting, removing, and caring for trees. In this position, you may be exposed to hazards of working near traffic, falling limbs, and energized power lines. As a Trimmer C/3rd Class, attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines is critical. A Trimmer C/3rd Class receives on‑job training, specific day‑to‑day directions, and is supervised. This position is a mid‑level class in the Trimmer series.

Trimmer B/2nd Class

Under supervision, a Trimmer B/2nd Class maintains trees for public safety. This position provides tree trimming for assigned jobs by pruning, cutting, removing, and caring for trees. In this position, you may be exposed to hazards of working near traffic, falling limbs, and energized power lines. As a Trimmer B/2nd Class, attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines is critical. A Trimmer B/2nd Class provides and receives on‑job training, specific day‑to‑day directions, and crew supervision. This position is a mid‑level class in the Trimmer series.

Trimmer A/1st Class

While providing supervision, a Trimmer A/1st Class maintains trees for public safety. This position provides tree trimming for assigned jobs by pruning, cutting, removing, and caring for trees. As a Trimmer A/1st Class, attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines is critical. A Trimmer A/1st Class provides on‑job training, specific day‑to‑day directions, and crew supervision. This position is a top‑level class in the Trimmer series and serves as the lead in the Foreperson or General Foreperson’s absence.

Duties and Responsibilities Include

Trimmer D/4th Class

• Performs tree pruning, tree removal, brush chipping, and stump grinding
• Uses climbing hooks, belts, ropes, and ladders
• Operates and services equipment and tools such as hydraulic tools, power tools, buckets, chippers, and sprayers
• Cuts away dead and excess branches from trees
• Sprays to treat diseased or unhealthy trees, including mixing chemicals and calibrating spray equipment
• Duties and responsibilities may change with or without notice

Trimmer C/3rd Class

All duties listed above plus

• Identifies tree species and characteristics of trees

Trimmer B/2nd Class

All duties listed above plus

• Identifies due diligence and assessment of tree failure risk
• Assists with providing training to other trimmers

Trimmer A/1st Class

All duties listed above plus

• Provides training to other trimmers

What You’ll Bring to the Team

All Trimmer Levels

• Understands occupational hazards and safety precautions
• Must be semi-skilled in mechanics
• Must be able to complete a proficiency test consisting of climbing, knot tying, and chainsaw maintenance
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record per Company requirements
• May be required to pass a DOT physical examination to obtain the appropriate CDL
• Knowledge of essential job functions and responsibilities
• Organizational skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to problem solve
• Meet all physical requirements of the position
• Pass all drug and alcohol screens as required by Company policy and, if applicable, required by DOT regulations
• 18 years of age or older, or 21 if CDL is required
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Trimmer D/4th Class & C/3rd Class

Preferred:

• Experience with a tree care/maintenance program, including but not limited to
  Operation of stump grinders, chippers, chipper trucks, bucket trucks, and other tree-related equipment

Trimmer B/2nd Class & A/1st Class

Required:

• Experience with a tree care/maintenance program, including but not limited to
  Operation of stump grinders, chippers, chipper trucks, bucket trucks, and other tree-related equipment

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as needed. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, the position may be subject to pre‑employment screening, including drug screening and background check.

The Townsend Company, LLC and its family of companies are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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