Trimmer Trainee

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Paid training

Health, dental, vision & HSA options

401(k)+

PTO

EAP

Job summary

Lewis Tree Service is seeking a Trimmer Trainee to join our outdoor, hands-on team. You will assist with ground-level vegetation management around power lines and learn climbing/aerial lift techniques under supervision.

Expect rigorous safety training, hands-on skill-building, and opportunities for advancement. We offer competitive pay, an ESOP program, paid training, health benefits, and a supportive environment focused on growth and safety.

Qualifications

• Ground crew experience on tree teams is required or preferred.
• Willingness to work at heights and learn climbing/aerial lift techniques.
• Basic tree identification and vegetation management knowledge.
• CPR and First Aid certified or provided by Lewis before start.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground-level vegetation management around power lines (pruning, removal, lifting logs, dragging brush).
• Prune and remove branches while climbing or using an aerial lift under supervision.
• 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 and apply herbicides with proper certification.

Skills

Groundcrew experience

Climbing/aerial lift learning

Tree identification basics

Safety mindset

Team player

Tools

CDL license

OSHA training

Job description

Spanish Posting

Únase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas. En Lewis, no solo eliminamos 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 Trainee

• 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 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

What You Bring

• 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 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

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.

Continuously

• Standing
• Walking
• Handling/Grasping
• Repetitive Movements

Frequently

• Lifting/Carrying
• Pushing/Pulling
• Stooping/Kneeling
• Reaching

Occasionally

• Driving
• Climbing Stairs/Ladders

Rarely

• Tree Ascending/Descending

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

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

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)

People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business. We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated. We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.