Trimmer Trainee

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Ionia (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Paid training and industry certs

Health, dental, vision & HSA options

401(k)+

Paid time off and EAP

Job summary

Lewis Tree Service is seeking a Trimmer Trainee to join a safety‑driven team. You will assist with ground‑level vegetation management around power lines, prune and lift logs, and support crews with site prep and equipment setup in outdoor environments.

Applicants should have 6+ months on tree crews, willingness to learn climbing or aerial lift techniques, and a valid driver's license with required certifications. Travel to multiple worksites and training are expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience on tree crews as a groundperson or driver.
• Willingness to work at heights and learn climbing or aerial lift techniques.
• Understanding of basic tree identification and vegetation management practices.
• Trimmer Trainee knowledge/certification or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground-level vegetation management around power lines (tree pruning, vegetation removal, lifting logs, dragging brush, assisting climbers, hand lines).
• Prune, remove branches, and lift logs while climbing or using an aerial lift under supervision after training.
• Support crews with site prep, equipment setup, and job-site cleanup.
• Operate and maintain tools like chainsaws, chippers, sprayers, and ropes.
• Assist with rigging and felling of trees.
• Apply herbicides to manage growth with proper certification.
• Load/unload trucks and hike through terrain carrying gear.
• Help with traffic control and public safety at the job site.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and briefings.
• Travel to multiple worksites, including overnight stays.

Skills

Ground crew experience

Height work

Safety conscious

Tools

Chainsaws

Chippers

Ropes

Sprayers

Job description

Únase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas. En Lewis, no solo cultivamos 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 job‑site 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

• Minimum 6 months of experience working on tree crews as a groundperson or driver.
• Willingness to work at heights and learn climbing or aerial lift techniques.
• Understanding of 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

• 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.

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)

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 Employment Opportunity Statement

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.