Tree Trimmer (Apprentice)

• Trims and/or removes trees by climbing with the aid of a ladder, safety belt, climbing line, powered trimmer lift truck, or works from the ground using saws/pruners. Will cut branches or trunk sections and drops or lowers them to the ground with lines.
• Uses appropriate tools, will fell trees or trimmed trunks and split them into manageable pieces.
• Sprays stumps and brush with hand-spraying equipment to prevent further growth.
• Loads and unloads trucks with logs, stumps, brush, and debris and/or feeds brush into a wood chipper.
• Repairs slight damage to lawns, fences, and walks caused by tree trimming.
• Relays hand-signals, directs traffic, drives and operates trucks and equipment as assigned, and keeps trucks and work area clear and orderly.
• Trains new employees on proper procedures.
• Safeguards employees and public from hazards in and around work area. Cooperates with customer, police, and fire departments when blocking street or driveways. Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, etc. to protect employees as well as the public. Trained to perform tree and bucket rescue.
• Assumes responsibility for the inspection and proper working conditions of tools, trucks, and other work equipment. Requests repair or replacement of equipment when necessary.
• Works around hazardous equipment and in close proximity to energized power lines.
• Works around excessive noise from machines, chainsaws, wood chipper and must wear proper personal protective equipment.
• Is exposed to all temperatures and weather; will be exposed to nature, i.e., irritating plants, biting or stinging insects, dust, etc.
• May work on rough terrain.
• Helps enforce on-the-job safety practices for crew members.
• Services truck, chipper and equipment, maintaining them in a neat, clean, and specified mechanical order. Reports the need for equipment and truck maintenance to crew lead.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

• Has a minimum of 3 months experience working on tree trimming or clearing crews and/or has successfully completed applicable performance reviews.
• Enforces on-the-job safety practices.
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Needs to be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times per day.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work tasks such as rain, heat, sun, cold, snow.
• Must be able to write, read, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information.
• Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner.
• Possess the ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis and up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call-out work.
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
• Has a valid driver’s license (dependent on Division and utility/contract requirements) and be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Maintains a herbicide applicator or operators certification and license as required by Wright Tree Service and local, state, and federal law.
• Must have valid First-Aid and CPR cards.
• Must complete and pass a Climber Trainee Performance Review.

We provide vegetation management, storm restoration, and work planning services to utility companies and their communities across North America. Wright Tree Service is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, and has more than 4,000 employees across 16 geographic divisions. At Wright Tree Service, we recognize that our employees are the foundation of a successful business. We are committed to providing our employees with the training and resources needed to elevate their position into a successful career. We provide opportunities to earn certifications, leadership programs and customized trainings. Safety is our #1 value – this culture is guided by our “Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper” pledge to keep both ourselves and others safe.