Tree Trimmer

Job Purpose

Maintain line clearance by evaluating, clearing, and trimming trees and other vegetation.

Specific Responsibilities

• Inspect and inventory power line easements and right of ways (ROW) for hazardous vegetation.
• Complete annual vegetation management inspections, maintaining accurate inspection and work planning records.
• Trim trees and operate the tools and equipment associated with trimming, including chainsaws, brush chippers, vehicles, bucket trucks, and other hydraulic tools and equipment.
• Use safe industry accepted work practices and techniques when working around transmission and distribution lines.
• Stock trucks with required material, supplies, and tools.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain a culture of safety within the department.
• Support the Utility's safety programs, complete training appropriate for the position, and provide safe working conditions and practices.
• Maintain a culture of continuous improvement within the department.
• Utilize lean principles and other continuous improvement tools to maximize the efficiency of the department.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Demonstrate knowledge of tree species and various growth characteristics.
• Minimum 1 year tree-trimming experience preferred and be able to achieve journeyman status within 3 years.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all audiences, including customers.
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with ability to build productive professional relationships and promote a team atmosphere.
• Familiar with use of computers and mobile devices, including email, calendar, Internet browsers, and the Microsoft Office suite of products at a basic level.
• Good problem identification, analysis, and solving skills.

Abilities

• Work as part of a team, either as team leader or a member of a team.
• Drive results and ensure work is accomplished properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
• Work independently, effectively prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust work priorities as needed to meet department/organizational objectives.
• Must have mechanical aptitude and be comfortable working with power tools of all sizes.
• Develop, read, and interpret drawings, schematics, specifications, and technical manuals, including digital mapping applications.
• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Must be able to climb ladders and climb continual flights of stairs under various types of weather/seasonal conditions.
• Must be comfortable working in a bucket truck.
• Must be able to climb trees using arborist rigging.
• Must be able to perform repeated duties such as dragging and chipping brush.
• Must be able to operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and skid steers.

Position Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required within 6 months of hire and be maintained while in the position.
• Position is included in the Utility's DOT drug testing program.
• Must comply with all safety and site rules at all locations.
• At times employees will have to comply with customer facial hair policies.
• Must be able to attend work on a regular basis, work overtime as needed and respond to callouts as needed.
• Must maintain a method of communication in order to be contacted by MPW outside normal work hours.
• Must be certified in CPR or become certified within 1 year of hire and maintain certification while in position.
• Certification in herbicide application required, or ability to obtain the certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must comply with the Utility's Residency Policy.

Salary

$30.53 - $39.12 per hour