Trimmer Trainee

About the role

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!

Responsibilities

• Assist with ground-level vegetation management around power lines (tree pruning, vegetation removal, lifting logs, dragging brush, assisting climbers, handing 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 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/ladders; rarely – tree ascending/descending
• Environmental Conditions: Continuously - outdoor work; Occasionally - noise levels; Frequently - extreme temperatures; Rarely - contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues; Never - confined spaces
• Tools & Equipment: May include 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

• Union benefits
• Paid training and certifications
• Career advancement opportunities
• Local 1-2 benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pay

Competitive pay ($32.63‑40.18/hour)