What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bucket Operator position at West Tree Services?
Who We Are:
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, ensuring a clear and manageable ROW for reliable utility services. Most of our management team and supervisors are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), promoting professional arboriculture practices.
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 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
- Strong communication skills with customers
- Willingness to travel for extended periods, often on short notice (generally 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, including the ability 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 upon experience
Salary : $17
