Trimmer Trainee

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Hamilton (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision & HSA options

401(k)

Paid training and industry certifications

Job summary

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned is looking for a Trimmer Trainee in Hamilton, Michigan. This role involves assisting tree crews with trimming and vegetation management for utility partners, emphasizing safety and operational procedures.

Ideal candidates should have at least 6 months of experience in related work and possess a valid driver’s license. The position offers competitive pay and benefits, including an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience on tree crews as a groundperson or driver.
• Willingness to work at heights and learn climbing/aerial lift techniques.
• Strong work ethic, team mindset, and commitment to learning safely.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground-level vegetation management around power lines.
• Prune and remove branches while climbing or using aerial lift.
• Support crews with site preparation and jobsite cleanup.

Skills

Tree identification

Teamwork

Climbing techniques

Education

Valid driver’s license

CPR and First Aid certified

Trimmer Trainee Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial lift trucks

Climbing gear

Job description

As a Trimmer Trainee at Lewis Services, you will develop the necessary skills to support our tree crews with tree trimming and line clearing operations, assisting and supporting vegetation management for utility partners.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground‑level vegetation management around power lines (tree pruning, vegetation removal, lifting logs, dragging brush, assisting climbers, hand‑up tools, using hand lines, etc.)
• Prune, remove branches, and lift logs while climbing or using an aerial lift under direct supervision.
• Support crews with site prep, equipment setup, and jobsite cleanup.
• Operate and maintain tools such as chainsaws, chippers, sprayers, and ropes.
• Assist with rigging and felling of trees.
• Apply herbicides (with proper certification) to manage growth.
• Load and unload trucks and hike through challenging terrain carrying gear.
• Help with traffic control and public safety at the job site.
• Participate in daily job briefings and safety meetings.
• Travel to multiple worksites, including occasional overnight stays.
• Learn and follow all safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Drive and operate trucks and other equipment as assigned, with appropriate certifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience working on tree crews as a groundperson or driver.
• Willingness to work at heights and learn climbing/aerial lift techniques.
• Understanding basic tree identification and vegetation management practices.
• Trimmer Trainee 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 use of herbicides.
• Strong work ethic, team mindset, and commitment to learning safely.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

Physical Demands

• Continuously – 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; hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively; operate two‑handed tools and equipment.
• Frequently – Lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, stooping/kneeling, reaching.
• Occasionally – Driving, climbing stairs/ladders.
• Rarely – Tree ascending/descending.

Environmental Conditions

• Continuously – Outdoor work.
• Occasionally – Noise levels.
• Frequently – Extreme temperatures.
• Rarely – Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues.
• Never – Confined spaces.

Tools & Equipment

• Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs.
• Chainsaws, pole saws, hand saws, chippers.
• Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes.
• Climbing gear: harnesses, chaps, spikes.
• Sprayers, herbicides, fuel, cones, signs.
• Tablets and communication devices.

Non-Union Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Paid training and industry certifications.
• Health, dental, vision & HSA options.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay‑off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service’s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.