Trimmer Trainee

About the role

Join a company that grows people. At Lewis, we’re not just trimming trees — we’re building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk! Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions! Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie! Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground-level vegetation management around power lines (tree pruning, vegetation removal, lifting logs, dragging brush, assisting climbers, hand up tools, using hand lines, etc.)
• Prune, remove branches, and lift logs while climbing or using an aerial lift, under direct supervision (after proper training and demonstration of expertise)
• Support crews with site prep, equipment setup, and jobsite cleanup
• Operate and maintain tools like 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)

Qualifications

• 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
• Trimmer Trainee Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification (or ability to complete)
• Valid driver’s license, CDL, and medical certification as required
• CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis)
• Acquire and keep the required training and licenses for the safe and proper use of herbicides
• Strong work ethic, team mindset, and commitment to learning safely
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations

Physical Demands

• Ability to 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
• Continuously: standing, walking, handling/grasping, repetitive movements
• Frequently: lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, stooping/kneeling, reaching
• Occasionally: driving, climbing stairs/ladder
• Rarely: tree ascending/descending

You should 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

You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns. Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

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 & HSA options
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)