Trimmer Trainee: Outdoor Tree Care & Career Growth

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Missouri; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training and certifications

Career advancement opportunities

Competitive pay

Local benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Lewis Tree Service is hiring a Trimmer Trainee to support our tree crews with trimming and line clearing operations while learning vegetation management for utility partners.

You will gain hands-on experience, work outdoors in varied conditions, and advance through training and certifications. This role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and ongoing skill development within a nationwide vegetation management leader.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience on tree crews as Groundperson or Driver.
• Willingness to work at heights and learn climbing/aerial lift techniques.
• Understanding basic tree identification and vegetation management practices.
• Trimmer Trainee Certification (or ability to complete).
• Valid driver’s license, CDL, and medical certification as required.

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 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).

Skills

Groundperson experience

Willingness to climb

Basic tree identification

CDL license

CPR and First Aid certification

Education

Trimmer Trainee Certification (or ability to obtain)

CDL license

Tools

Chainsaws

Chippers

Sprayers

Ropes

Aerial lift equipment

Job description

Lewis Tree Service is hiring a Trimmer Trainee to support our tree crews with trimming and line clearing operations while learning vegetation management for utility partners.

You will gain hands-on experience, work outdoors in varied conditions, and advance through training and certifications. This role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and ongoing skill development within a nationwide vegetation management leader.