Arborist Grounds Crew

Job Title: Arborist Grounds Crew

Location: Seattle, WA

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Salary/rate range: $20-23/hr DOE 

Reports to: Operations Manager

About us:

With a legacy spanning over 15 years, Seattle Tree Care boasts a rich legacy of excellence and stands as the forefront provider of premier tree care services in the Seattle area. Our dedicated team, composed of over 40 passionate professionals, is committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Seattle's trees. Rooted in a foundation of safety, transparency, and continuous improvement, our collaborative work environment encourages innovation. Seattle Tree Care is expanding its regional presence and service offerings, presenting exciting opportunities for individuals eager to contribute to the vitality of Seattle's urban forest. Join our dynamic team, where your dedication is valued, and experience a workplace that offers competitive wages, advancement possibilities, and a supportive, growth-oriented culture.

Job Summary:

The Arborist Grounds Crew role is a critical part of the team that provides high quality tree care services for our clients. They work side by side climbers and other crew members who perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services. 

Opportunities for additional advancement include completing testing and training requirements to perform PHC treatments as a PHC Technician when not scheduled into Production days. Employees who meet eligibility requirements have the opportunity to complete PHC applications to trees and shrubs. They will be responsible for driving a company vehicle to complete a series of projects per day. Accuracy, attention to detail, and a commitment to on time attendance are a must for this position. They must be comfortable interacting with clients and occasionally members of the public while remaining professional and courteous. A successful candidate will be self-motivated, detail oriented, and safety focused. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Drives trucks with trailers, including daily safety inspection before and after operating
• Cuts away dead and excess branches from trees, or clears branches using chainsaws, hooks and handsaws, shears, and clippers
• Hoists tools and equipment to tree trimmers, and lowers branches with ropes 
• Cables, braces, ties, bolts, stakes, and guys trees and branches to provide support.
• Cleans, sharpens, and lubricates tools and equipment.
• Operates shredding and chipping equipment, and feeds limbs and brush into the machines.
• Trims, tops, and reshapes trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches.
• Clears sites, streets, and grounds of woody and herbaceous materials, such as tree stumps and fallen trees and limbs.
• Collects debris and refuse from tree trimming and removal operations into piles, using shovels, rakes or other tools.
• Loads debris and refuse onto trucks to haul it away for disposal.
• Removes broken limbs from wires, using hooked extension poles.
• Operates loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment and tools.
• Directs road and sidewalk traffic as needed to maintain a safe work environment 
• Follows STC, OSHA and ANSI safety standards,  and wears necessary PPE 
• Maintains lines of communication throughout each project with all members of the crew 
• Immediately reports any incidents to the Crew Lead
• Ensure projects sites are left cleaner than when we arrived and moved items are returned to their original locations
• Report all equipment / truck / tool mishaps to the Crew Lead
• Participates in weekly safety meetings

PHC Specific Responsibilities:

• Maintain strong relationships with management, clients and potential clients by representing STC core values and excellent communication. 
• Apply all PHC applications to trees and shrubs according to schedule, safety procedures and label instructions.
• Maintain safety on each PHC project in accordance with approved safety rules and regulations.
• Maintain vehicle and equipment in clean and proper operating condition. 
• Accurately complete pre and post job paperwork electronically 
• Calculate product and carry correct quantities
• Properly mix and apply plant protection and/or fertilizer products using various types of application equipment
• Safe handling and use of all chemicals
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of previous tree experience, preferred not required
• High School Diploma

Eligibility requirements for PHC: 

• Current WSDA Pesticide Applicator’s License or the ability to obtain within 1 month of hire date
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and a clean, insurable driving record
• Minimum 1 year experience in the green industry

Requirements and Skills:  

• Valid WA Driver’s License 

• Current CPR certification 
• Ability to pass background check
• The ability to obtain TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional® within 3 months of hire
• The ability to obtain TCIA Certified Ground Operations® within 6 months of hire

• The ability to lift, push, and pull 75 pounds

• The ability to respond quickly to sounds
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
• The ability to work in varying environmental conditions
• The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day
• The ability to reach overhead 
• The ability to grasp objects for prolonged periods of time
• The ability to hear verbal commands 
• The ability to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and heavy machinery
• The ability to stand for extended periods of time

Occupational Health & Safety:

Employees are responsible and accountable for:

• Compliance with workplace policies and procedures for risk identification, risk assessment and risk control
• Active participation in activities associated with the management of workplace health and safety
• Identification and reporting of health and safety risks, accidents, incidents, injuries and property damage at the workplace

• Correct utilization of appropriate personal protective equipment
• Compliance with safety and quality regulations including wearing protective gear when necessary. 

Salary : $20 - $23