Right of Way Crew - Clearing Trimmer

Right-of-Way Department

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Status: Regular Full-Time

Union Position: Yes

 

Position Summary:

The Right-of-Way Trimmer performs skilled vegetation management work to maintain safe and reliable clearance around the Cooperative's overhead electrical distribution facilities, service drops, rights-of-way, easements, and other utility property.

This position is responsible for trimming, pruning, removing, and controlling trees, brush, vines, and other vegetation that may interfere with electrical facilities, system reliability, public safety, or access to Cooperative equipment. The Right-of-Way Trimmer operates bucket trucks, chainsaws, woodchippers, pole saws, brush cutters, herbicide application equipment, and other specialized machinery while working both on the ground and at heights.

This experienced-level position requires prior experience in tree trimming, line clearance, forestry, arboriculture, landscaping, or utility vegetation management. Employees are expected to safely perform assigned work with limited supervision, exercise sound judgment, and maintain the highest safety standards.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of utility vegetation management and tree-trimming practices.
• Knowledge of proper pruning techniques and safe tree removal procedures.
• Ability to recognize electrical hazards and maintain minimum approach distances while working near energized electrical facilities.
• Knowledge of tree species, growth characteristics, structural defects, and hazard-tree identification.
• Ability to determine proper cutting techniques, limb weight distribution, and safe fall zones.
• Ability to safely operate chainsaws, pole saws, hydraulic saws, woodchippers, brush cutters, bucket trucks, and other vegetation management equipment.
• Knowledge of traffic control procedures and work-zone safety.
• Ability to read work orders, maps, staking information, and property boundaries.
• Ability to communicate professionally with members, contractors, and fellow employees.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and safety.
• Basic computer knowledge and ability to complete required reports and documentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform skilled tree trimming, pruning, brush clearing, and vegetation removal along Cooperative rights-of-way, easements, and service lines.
• Maintain required clearances around overhead electrical distribution facilities in accordance with Cooperative standards and industry best practices.
• Remove hazardous trees and vegetation that threaten electrical facilities, public safety, or system reliability.
• Safely operate chainsaws, hydraulic saws, pole saws, brush cutters, woodchippers, bucket trucks, and other assigned equipment.
• Perform aerial tree trimming and removal from bucket trucks after obtaining Cooperative certification.
• Demonstrate proficiency in bucket truck lower controls and perform emergency bucket rescue procedures when necessary.
• Determine safe cutting methods, fall direction, rigging requirements, and work-zone setup to protect employees, members, property, and Cooperative facilities.
• Identify underground utilities, septic systems, water lines, communication facilities, overhead obstructions, and other hazards before beginning work.
• Perform traffic control and establish safe work zones in accordance with Cooperative policies and applicable regulations.
• After completing work, clean and restore work sites by removing brush, limbs, logs, and debris.
• Operate and apply approved herbicides and vegetation control chemicals in accordance with Cooperative policies, manufacturer recommendations, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate records regarding removed vegetation, retired materials, work completed, and equipment usage.
• Notify the Warehouse or appropriate department of materials removed, retired, or requiring replacement.
• Inspect assigned equipment daily and report maintenance or repair needs.
• Respond to emergency callouts and storm restoration efforts involving fallen trees, blocked access, damaged vegetation, and restoration of safe access to electrical facilities.
• Promote and follow all Cooperative safety policies, OSHA regulations, ANSI Z133 standards, and industry best practices.
• Provide professional customer service while interacting with property owners, contractors, and the public.

The responsibilities listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.

Marginal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Clean, sharpen, inspect, and perform routine maintenance on chainsaws, pole saws, hydraulic saws, and related equipment.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain woodchippers, bucket trucks, trailers, and other assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Excavate trenches by hand when necessary.
• Assist with maintenance of Cooperative grounds and facilities.
• Assist line crews and other departments as requested.
• Participate in departmental safety meetings and training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

Applicants should possess demonstrated experience, training, or working knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• Minimum of 1 (one) year of experience.
• Utility right-of-way vegetation management.
• Tree trimming and removal using accepted arboricultural practices.
• Utility line-clearance tree trimming around energized electrical facilities.
• Operation of chainsaws, pole saws, brush cutters, woodchippers, and other vegetation management equipment.
• Operation of bucket trucks and aerial lift equipment.
• Hazard tree assessment and safe tree felling techniques.
• Brush management, vegetation control, and herbicide application.
• Reading work orders, maps, and right-of-way boundaries.
• OSHA, ANSI Z133, and utility vegetation management safety practices.
• Traffic control and work-zone safety.

Strong preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in electric utility line-clearance tree trimming or utility vegetation management.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Working knowledge of electrical distribution systems and the hazards associated with working near energized conductors.
• Experience working safely from aerial lift devices and bucket trucks.
• Ability to work independently while making sound decisions in the field.
• Experience operating and maintaining commercial tree-trimming and vegetation management equipment.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality work, and customer service.

 

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License and an acceptable driving record in accordance with Cooperative insurance requirements.
• Must possess a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or obtain one within the time established by the Cooperative.
• Must obtain and maintain Cooperative certification to work from a bucket truck.
• ISA Certified Tree Worker, Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Must observe and follow all Cooperative safety policies and procedures.
• Must use cybersecurity best practices and exercise responsible conduct while using computers, mobile devices, and email.
• Must be available to work additional hours during emergencies, storms, restoration efforts, or when operational needs require. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Residency within the Cooperative service territory is not required but is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions, Tools and Equipment Used, and Physical Requirements:

This position requires strenuous physical labor and frequent exposure to outdoor environmental conditions. Employees regularly perform work at elevated heights, around energized electrical facilities, and in adverse weather conditions.

 

Physical requirements include the ability to:

• Lift and carry up to 100 pounds occasionally.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach.
• Stand and walk for extended periods over uneven terrain.
• Push, pull, grasp, and perform repetitive hand and arm motions.
• Operate chainsaws, brush cutters, bucket trucks, and other heavy equipment.
• Work from aerial lift devices at various heights without fear of heights.
• Communicate effectively through oral and written communication.

Employees may be exposed to:

• Extreme heat, humidity, rain, and other adverse weather conditions.
• Uneven terrain and wooded environments.
• Poisonous plants, insects, snakes, and other wildlife.
• Loud noise, vibration, dust, and flying debris.
• Moving mechanical equipment.
• High-voltage electrical hazards.
• Working at heights.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

 

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as a contract of employment. The Cooperative reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as business needs require.

 

 

 

 

All applicants are subject to passing a background check and a pre-employment drug screen.