Trimmer Trainee

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid training

Health, dental, vision options

401(k) plans

Job summary

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned in Hastings, Michigan is looking for a Trimmer Trainee to assist with tree trimming and vegetation management. The role includes supporting crews, operating tools, and ensuring safety at job sites.

Candidates must possess basic tree knowledge and a valid driver's license. This position offers competitive pay, paid training, and various health benefits while promoting a strong employee stock ownership culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience working on tree crews as a Groundperson or Driver.
• Understanding basic tree identification and vegetation management practices.
• Valid driver’s license, CDL, and medical certification as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground-level vegetation management around power lines.
• Prune, remove branches, and lift logs under direct supervision.
• Operate and maintain tools like chainsaws, chippers, and sprayers.

Skills

Tree pruning

Vegetation management

Climbing/aerial lift techniques

CPR and First Aid

Teamwork

Education

Trimmer Trainee Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial lift trucks

Dump trucks

Job description

Responsibilities

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.

• 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 (After proper training and demonstration of expertise).
• Support crews with site prep, equipment setup, and jobsite cleanup.
• Operate and maintain tools like chainsaws, chippers, sprayers, and ropes.
• Assist with rigging and felling of trees.
• Apply herbicides (with proper certification) to manage growth.
• Load/unload trucks and hike through challenging terrain carrying gear.
• Help with traffic control and public safety at the jobsite.
• 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).
• Acquiring and maintaining the required training and licenses for the safe and proper 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

• 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.

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

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.

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

Tools & Equipment

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

What We Offer

• 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).

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.