Tree Crew/Groundsman, 1St, 2Nd, 3Rd Year Or Tree Trimmer

Job Title: Tree Crew/Groundsman, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Year or Tree Trimmer
Job Classification: Non-exempt, Full-time
Location: Topeka
Who We Are:
FreeState is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas, with more than 15,000 member-owners. It functions as a democratic, not-for-profit organization. We are controlled by our members who actively participate in setting cooperative policy and making decisions in the best interest of the cooperative. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our profits are returned to our members as capital credits.
FreeState offers excellent benefits including a pension plan, 401(k) matched savings, and medical, dental and vision insurance paid for at 100% for individual coverage. FreeState also provides a health savings account with an annual generous employer contribution, life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off benefits and so much more. Employees are provided with on-the-job safety training, professional development opportunities and an employee focused work culture.
Summary:
FreeState is currently seeking a qualified candidate for a position ranging from Tree Crew Groundsman to Tree Trimmer. There is one position available, and the position will be filled based on the candidate's knowledge and years of relevant job experience.
Starting Wages:
Tree Crew/Groundsman: $23.45/hour
1st Year Tree Trimmer: $27.40/hour
2nd Year Tree Trimmer: $29.06/hour
3rd YearTree Trimmer: $31.42/hour
Tree Trimmer: $34.19/hour
Primary Accountability and Qualifications:
The Tree Crew Groundsman, 1st Year Tree Trimmer, 2nd Year Tree Trimmer, 3rd YearTree Trimmer, and Tree Trimmer positions are part of FreeState's 4-year ROW Apprentice program. Each of these positions are responsible for effectively and efficiently conducting all ROW clearing and spraying in a safe and professional manner and in accordance with the system requirements, to ensure quality electric service to our members. Each of these positions understand minimum separation as it applies to line clearance and has knowledge of clearing and trimming techniques used to clear ROW. Additionally, each level within the ROW Apprentice program must be trained in administering CPR, First Aid, and Tree Top and Bucket Rescue.
Essential Duties and Qualifications of ROW Apprentice Program Levels:

1. Tree Crew Groundsman
   1. Essential Duties:
      1. Performs all right-of-way activities that can be accomplished safely from the ground level.
      2. Performs all right-of-way activities from an aerial lift, or rope and saddle on non-energized portions of the system.
      3. Permitted to work aloft around secondary voltage conductors under the direct supervision of a Tree Trimmer, Lead Trimmer, or Tree Foreman.
      4. Performs all trimming and cutting operations necessary for right-of-way control within the limits set forth for the position.
      5. Applies chemicals under the direction of the Foreman or designated supervisor, using recommended techniques and precautions.
   2. Qualifications:
      1. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
      2. A valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) without an L or Z restriction is required. A valid Class "A" CDL without an L or Z restriction is preferred. Required to obtain a Class "A" CDL within six (6) months of hire date.
      3. General knowledge of clearing and trimming techniques used to clear right-of-way is required.
2. Tree Trimmer 1st Year
   1. Essential Duties:
      1. Performs all ROW activities from an aerial device or rope and saddle around any primary conductor(s), provided the tree does not overhang the conductor and the work does not require the employee to work at a height that is above the conductor unless the trimmer is more than ten (10) feet from the conductor under the direct supervision of a Tree Trimmer, Lead Trimmer, or Tree Foreman.
      2. Permitted to work aloft around secondary voltage conductors without supervision.
      3. Performs all trimming and cutting operations necessary for right-of-way control within the limits set forth in the job description.
      4. Applies chemicals under the direction of the Foreman or designated supervisor, using recommended techniques and precautions.
      5. Assists in the training and direction of Tree Crew Groundsman.
   2. Qualifications:
      1. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
      2. A valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) without an L or Z restriction is required. A valid Class "A" CDL without an L or Z restriction is preferred. Required to obtain a Class "A" CDL within six (6) months of hire date.
      3. Certified as a Line Clearance Arborist is preferred.
      4. At least one (1) year of experience working in ROW clearance.
      5. At least one (1) year of experience working around power lines and utilities.
3. Tree Trimmer 2nd Year
   1. Essential Duties:
      1. Performs all ROW activities from an aerial device or rope and saddle around any primary conductor(s) under the direct supervision of a Tree Trimmer, Lead Trimmer, or Tree Foreman.
      2. Demonstrates the ability to perform a pre-climb inspection.
      3. Demonstrates the ability to access tree canopy using either the foot lock or hip thrust method.
      4. Performs all trimming and cutting operations necessary for ROW control within the limits set forth in the job description.
      5. Applies chemicals under the direction of the Foreman or designated supervisor, using recommended techniques and precautions.
      6. Assists in the training and direction of Tree Crew Groundsman and Tree Trimmer 1st Year
   2. Qualifications:
      1. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
      2. A valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) without an L or Z restriction is required. A valid Class "A" CDL without an L or Z restriction is preferred. Required to obtain a Class "A" CDL within six (6) months of hire date.
      3. Certified as a Line Clearance Arborist is preferred.
      4. At least two (2) years of experience working in ROW clearance.
      5. At least two (2) years of experience working around power lines and utilities.
4. Tree Trimmer3rd Year
   1. Essential Duties:
      1. Performs all ROW activities from an aerial device or rope and saddle around any primary conductor(s) without supervision.
      2. Demonstrates the ability to perform a pre-climb inspection.
      3. Demonstrates the ability to access tree canopy using either the foot lock or hip thrust method.
      4. Ability to remove over hanging limbs and/or wood with ropes from a mechanical lifting device.
      5. Performs all trimming and cutting operations necessary for ROW control within the limits set forth in the job description.
      6. Applies chemicals under the direction of the Foreman or designated supervisor, using recommended techniques and precautions.
      7. Assists in the training and direction of Tree Crew Groundsman, Tree Trimmer 1st Year, and Tree Trimmer 2nd Year.
   2. Qualifications:
      1. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
      2. A valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) without an L or Z restriction is required. A valid Class "A" CDL without an L or Z restriction is preferred. Required to obtain a Class "A" CDL within six (6) months of hire date.
      3. Certified as a Line Clearance Arborist is preferred.
      4. At least three (3) years of experience working in ROW clearance.
      5. At least three (3) years of experience working around power lines and utilities.
5. Tree Trimmer
   1. Essential Duties:
      1. Performs all ROW activities on energized and non-energized portions of the system.
      2. Performs a pre-climb inspection.
      3. Accesses tree canopy using either the foot lock or hip thrust method.
      4. Removes over hanging limbs and/or wood with ropes from a mechanical lifting device or while climbing.
      5. Performs all trimming and cutting operations necessary for ROW control within the limits set forth in the job description.
      6. Applies chemicals under the direction of the Foreman or designated supervisor, using recommended techniques and precautions.
      7. Assists in the training and direction of Tree Crew Groundsman, Tree Trimmer 1st Year, Tree Trimmer 2nd Year, and Tree Trimmer3rd Year.
   2. Qualifications:
      1. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
      2. A valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) without an L or Z restriction is required. A valid Class "A" CDL without an L or Z restriction is preferred. Required to obtain a Class "A" CDL within six (6) months of hire date.
      3. Certified as a Line Clearance Arborist is preferred.
      4. At least four (4) years of experience working in ROW clearance.
      5. At least four (4) years of experience working around power lines and utilities.
      6. Advanced knowledge of clearing and trimming techniques used to clear ROW and advanced knowledge of basic tree biology.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently requires talking, hearing, standing, walking, pulling/pushing, reaching, crawling, squatting, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and good hand/finger dexterity.
• Frequently lifts and/or moves up to seventy-five (75) pounds; occasionally may be required to lift and/or move up to one hundred and twenty-five (125) pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Limited exposure to chemicals, oil, gasoline, and dirt as long as proper Personal Protective Equipment is used, and Safety Rules are followed.

Work Environment:

• Frequently exposed to high, precarious places, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and risk of electrical hazards.
• Exposure to poison oak, ivy and sumac is likely.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles and vibration.
• Moderate noise level.
• Regular, reliable attendance is required.
• Must be able to report to their primary worksite after regular business hours, as soon as possible, in the event of an emergency, such as electrical outages, inclement weather, etc.
• Ability to travel to attend meetings, trainings, workshops, and seminars, as directed.

How to Apply:
If you would like to apply for this position, please visit to complete an Application for Employment.
Disclaimer: The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.
FreeState is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.