Trimmer Trainee

About the role

Join Lewis, the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business. At Lewis, you’ll experience the outdoors while working in nature, not behind a desk. We prioritize training, internal promotions, and a strong safety culture, fostering camaraderie and valuing your feedback. Shape your future with our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground-level vegetation management around power lines, including tree pruning, vegetation removal, lifting logs, dragging brush, and supporting climbers.
• Prune and remove branches, lift logs (while climbing or using an aerial lift), under direct supervision after proper training.
• Support crews with site prep, equipment setup, and jobsite cleanup.
• Operate and maintain tools such as chainsaws, chippers, sprayers, and ropes.
• Assist with rigging and felling of trees.
• Apply herbicides (with proper certification) to manage growth.
• Load/unload trucks and hike through challenging terrain carrying gear.
• Help with traffic control and public safety at the jobsite.
• Participate in daily job briefings and safety meetings.
• Travel to multiple worksites, including occasional overnight stays.
• Learn and follow all safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Drive and operate trucks and other equipment as assigned (with appropriate certifications).

Requirements

• Minimum 6 months of experience working on tree crews as a Groundperson or Driver.
• Willingness to work at heights and learn climbing/aerial lift techniques.
• Understanding of basic tree identification and vegetation management practices.
• Ability to obtain Trimmer Trainee certification (provided by Lewis).
• Valid driver’s license; CDL with medical certification or ability to obtain (provided by Lewis).
• CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
• Acquire and maintain required training and licenses for safe herbicide use.
• Strong work ethic, team mindset, and commitment to learning safely.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

Physical Demands

• Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher.
• Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain.
• Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity).
• Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively.
• Operate two-handed tools and equipment.

Frequency of Activities:

• Continuously: Standing, walking, handling/grasping, repetitive movements.
• Frequently: Lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, stooping/kneeling, reaching.
• Occasionally: Driving, climbing stairs/ladders.
• Rarely: Tree ascending/descending.

Note: Expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental Conditions

• Continuously: Outdoor work.
• Occasionally: Noise levels.
• Frequently: Extreme temperatures.
• Rarely: Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues.
• Never: Confined spaces.

Note: Expect variability based on regional weather patterns. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required per OSHA and ANSI standards.

Tools & Equipment

• Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs.
• Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers.
• Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes.
• Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes.
• Sprayers, herbicides, fuel, cones, signs.
• Tablets and communication devices.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Paid training and industry certifications.
• Health, dental, vision, and HSA options.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).