Bucket Operator

Founded in 1945 by A. D. West and M. E. Erickson, West Tree Service has been a trusted provider of Right of Way (ROW) maintenance services for utilities. We specialize in vegetation management for Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) like Entergy and OG&E, Cooperatives, Municipalities, and gas pipeline companies. Our services include tree trimming and removal, herbicide application, and mowing to ensure a clear and manageable ROW, which is crucial for reliable and uninterrupted utility services. Most of our management team and supervisors are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), promoting professional arboriculture practices.

What We Offer

• Weekly Pay
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Benefits
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 401k employer match up to 4%
• Boot allowance on qualifying purchases

• Enforce all safety rules and actively participate in the company safety program
• Ensure all work is performed safely
• Climb trees to cut limbs
• Cut limbs from a bucket
• Rig limbs after climbing a tree
• Safely use a chainsaw and hydraulic saw in a tree and in a bucket
• Perform proper cuts on trees
• Tie standard knots used in line clearing
• Safely work around energized power lines
• Operate bucket trucks and chippers
• Drive a medium-duty truck

Position Requirements

• One year of experience as a trimmer (new applicants)
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience in warehouse, laborer, tree service, or general labor roles
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen
• Adequate training as a trimmer while employed by West Tree Service
• Expertise with knots used in line clearing
• Proficiency with chainsaws and hydraulic saws
• Experience working around energized power lines
• Ability to perform proper cuts
• Knowledge of bucket trucks and chippers
• Good communication skills with customers
• Willingness to travel for extended periods, often on short notice (weather-driven)
• Ability to work 10-hour days and a minimum of 40 hours per week (storm-related jobs may require up to 16-hour days)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 70 pounds to shoulder height
• Flexibility to squat and bend
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods
• Ability to pull body weight up 20 feet and climb a tree
• Ability to work at heights
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and withstand extreme temperatures
• Must not exceed weight limitations for hydraulic buckets

Rate of Pay

• Hourly pay rate of $17.00, paid weekly
• Rate of pay is dependent on experience