Trimmer Trainee

Overview

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.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• 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)!

What You’ll Do as a Trimmer Trainee

• Develop the necessary skills to support our tree crews with tree trimming and line clearing operations, assisting and supporting vegetation management for utility partners.
• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

• Continuously – Outdoor work
• Occasionally – Noise Levels
• Frequently – Extreme Temperatures
• Rarely – Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues
• Never – Confined Spaces

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

• 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

• Non-Union 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)

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is key to…