Tree Steward

Tree Steward Position Description

Overview

As a Tree Steward with Environmental Advantage, you will play a hands-on role in tree care and equipment operation. This position requires active learning, close collaboration with team members, and strict adherence to safety standards. You will gain foundational skills in tree pruning, removal, equipment maintenance, aerial lift operations, and customer service, while contributing meaningfully to daily field operations.

Objective

• Acquire and develop foundational tree care skills—particularly in chainsaw use, aerial lift operations, and safe equipment handling.
• Provide dependable support to the Crew Leader and teammates, ensuring projects are completed efficiently, safely, and with high customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

1. Learning & Development

Follow Guidance

• Take direction from Operations and Sales Managers, Sales Consultants, and Crew Leaders.

Path to Success

• Strictly adhere to the official Tree Steward Path to Success, which includes structured skill-building milestones, reading assignments, evaluations, and performance check-ins from Week 1 through Year 1.

Communication

• Maintain clear, respectful communication with team members and customers, whether in person or by phone.

Team Attitude

• Exhibit a positive demeanor that fosters healthy team dynamics and high customer satisfaction.

2. Tree Care Operations

Pruning & Removal

• Perform pruning, trimming, and removal of trees and shrubs using a range of tools (hand pruners, pole saws, power pruners, chainsaws, etc.) and equipment for effective, safe, and efficient production (aerial lifts, brush chippers, and mini skid steers or articulated loaders).
• Learn and execute safe tree felling methods and debris management.
• Assist with brush chipping and debris disposal, ensuring the site is clean and hazard-free.

Stewardship Tree Process and Plant Health Care

• Learn our Stewardship Tree Process and care for the trees at our nursery.
• Perform plant health care, such as basic fertilization, air spading, and other treatments that support tree health utilizing our plant health spray systems and air spading equipment.

Aerial Lift Operations

• Under the guidance of a Crew Leader or trained operator, assist with safe aerial lift use for tree trimming, maintenance, and rescue procedures.
• Perform required pre-operation checks, including equipment inspection and correct setup, following company protocols.
• Adhere to safety rules when working at heights, near power lines, or around sensitive areas.

Stump Grinding

• Safely and effectively operate our stump grinding equipment.
• Adhere strictly to our clean up processes and expectations.
• Able to operate our trucks and trailers safely and with care during this process.

3. Maintenance & Upkeep

Equipment Care

• Wash, grease, and perform light maintenance on tools and machinery (e.g., inspections, fluid checks, etc.).
• Keep all equipment in good working order—report issues promptly to the Crew Leader or Mechanic.

4. Documentation & Reporting

Timesheets & Checklists

• Complete bi-weekly timesheets accurately and on time.
• Turn in Tree Equipment Checklists weekly to the Crew Leader or other designated personnel.

Issue Reporting

• Report equipment malfunctions or operational problems without delay to our Mechanic.

Work Order Report

• Fill out the work order report for the Stewardship Tree process, Stump Grinding, and Tree Health Care process completely and effectively.

5. Safety First

Safety Protocols

• Strictly follow company safety guidelines, especially when operating chainsaws, aerial lifts, or heavy equipment.
• Consistently wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on job sites or when handling tools.
• Collaborate with the Crew Leader to conduct pre-job hazard assessments and to ensure signage/barriers are in place.

Culture of Safety

• Encourage a safe work environment by speaking up about concerns or suggestions.
• Participate in safety drills, including aerial lift rescue drills, under the supervision of qualified operators.

6. Team Collaboration & Problem Solving

Efficient Operations

• Work closely with fellow Tree Stewards and Crew Leaders to ensure tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Active Engagement

• Contribute ideas during team discussions or brainstorming sessions.
• Offer solutions when encountering obstacles in the field.

7. Customer Interaction & Service

On-Site Professionalism

• Uphold a professional, friendly demeanor in all interactions with customers.
• Communicate basic details of the day’s work and address minor customer queries or concerns.

Feedback Handling

• Promptly relay customer feedback or issues to the Crew Leader, Sales Consultant, or Sales Manager as appropriate.

Contacting Customers or Contractors for Stewardship Tree, Stump Grinding, and Tree Health Care Projects

• Be open to communicating with customers regarding scheduling, arrival and departure texts to customers, and gopher state one call submissions when needed.

8. Miscellaneous Tasks

General Labor

• Use basic tools like rakes, shovels, tree rigging gear, and wheelbarrows.
• Assist with yard clean-up, debris hauling, and general site management.

Errands & Deliveries

• Pick up and deliver parts, supplies, or other items essential for operations.

Adaptability

• Remain open and willing to learn new techniques and tasks aligned with Environmental Advantage’s services.

Qualifications & Skills

Driving Requirements

• Must hold a valid Class D MN Driver’s License with an insurable driving record.
• Ability to obtain or maintain a DOT Health Card as required.
• Comfortable operating various trucks and trailers (manual or automatic) while adhering to DOT and safety regulations.

Equipment Operation

• Keen interest in operating tools and heavy machinery—especially chainsaws and aerial lifts (under supervision).
• Willingness to learn stump grinding and other specialized equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues and perform basic maintenance.

Physical Stamina

• Capable of performing demanding outdoor tasks in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials safely.

Safety Mindset

• Strong commitment to following protocols and wearing PPE at all times.
• Understanding that safety underpins all aspects of the job.

Problem-Solving Attitude

• Takes initiative, seeks solutions, and effectively communicates challenges.

Team Player

• Comfortable collaborating on group tasks and receptive to coaching from senior team members and Crew Leaders.

Knowledge/Background (Preferred but not required)

• Basic knowledge of trees and plants or related field experience is a plus.

Education and Expansion

• Be continuously willing to learn and grow in the tree care industry with designated books or training that may be assigned. One should always be seeking professional certifications, such as becoming an ISA Certified Arborist while working at Environmental Advantage.

Growth Path

High-performing individuals can advance to a Crew Leader role with increased responsibilities, further training in advanced techniques (including more complex aerial lift operations), and potential for higher compensation. Opportunities to specialize (e.g., climbing, arborist certification, plant health care) may follow as skills expand. One may also have the opportunity to proceed with the Environmental Sales Consultant role within Environmental Advantage.

Pay & Employment Details

• Pay Range: $18.00 – $26.00 per hour (Depending on experience and skill development)
• Bonus Pay: Efficiency, Productivity, and Quality Bonuses may be available
• Employment Type: Full-time, At-Will Employment
• Work Environment: Primarily outdoors, year-round, under various weather conditions

Environmental Advantage is an equal opportunity employer and maintains an at-will employment policy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 50 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Randall, MN 56475 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Randall, MN 56475: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $26