Job Description
Tree trimmers climb trees to prune and remove limbs, protecting communities from hazards near power lines. Professionals in this role prevent accidents by cutting overgrown vegetation that could cause outages or fires. They operate chainsaws and other equipment to safely reshape trees above the ground.
Xylem Tree Experts specializes in vegetation management for electric utilities and provides pruning and removal services across the United States. The company focuses on safe practices to maintain clear routes for power transmission and serves clients in various utilities and municipalities. With a team of skilled climbers and ground crews, Xylem emphasizes safety protocols and emergency responses.
Climbers ascend trees using ropes and saddles, following directives from forepersons to trim branches. They load logs, brush, and debris onto trucks and feed materials into chippers. Operators inspect chainsaws, pole saws, pruners, loppers, and hand tools to ensure functionality. They communicate with coworkers to enforce clean work sites and remove debris promptly. One challenge involves working from elevated positions in adverse weather, requiring physical agility and depth perception. Climbers must wear personal protective equipment including harnesses and helmets to prevent falls. During storm events, they participate in emergency response to remove downed trees and restore access to affected areas.
The position is full-time and located in Aiken, South Carolina, with flexible scheduling that may include evening or weekend hours depending on weather conditions. Pay is hourly and based on experience, with benefits including health insurance for medical, vision, and dental coverage, and options for 401K enrollment. Additional perks involve professional development through ongoing safety training and certifications in first aid and CPR. Opportunities for advancement within the vegetation management field are available upon demonstrating climbing proficiency.
Responsibilities
- Climb, prune, and remove trees according to foreperson directives
- Load and unload trucks with logs, brush, and debris
- Lift and feed brush into brush chipper
- Work from ground using hand saws, pole saws, pruners, hand pruners, loppers, and chain saws
- Inspect assigned tools and equipment for proper working condition
- Enforce safe practices and rules to safeguard employees and public
- Keep work area clean and orderly
- Stay in frequent voice communication with co-workers
- Perform storm work duties as needed
Requirements
- Prior experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred
- Previous climbing experience preferred
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Working knowledge of knots, ropes, and rigging devices
- Ability to climb and descend trees using rope and safety saddle
- Ability to administer emergency rescue techniques including tree rescue and first aid
- Familiarity with electrical hazards and operating procedures near conductors
- Ability to work at heights under varying weather conditions
- Physical strength, agility, balance, depth perception, and ability to hear instructions from distance
- Ability to quickly exit danger areas
- First-aid certification and CPR
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment
- Ability to travel out of town for storm restoration
- Meet I-9 requirements for work authorization