Arborist Grounds Crew

Job Title: Arborist Grounds Crew

Location: Seattle, WA

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Salary/rate range: $21-$24/hr DOE 

Reports to: Crew Production Manager

About us:

Seattle Tree Care is a well-established family-owned company that has been providing exceptional tree care services to the Seattle area for over 15 years. Our dedicated team of 40+ professionals is passionate about preserving Seattle’s natural beauty through tree care. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a People Operations & Payroll Coordinator who thrives in a dynamic environment and will contribute to the overall success of our business by ensuring a smooth and effective people operations process. You will play an essential role in fostering a positive work environment for our team while helping streamline payroll and HR processes.

Job Summary:

The Arborist Grounds Crew role is a critical part of the team that provides high quality tree care services for our clients. They work side by side climbers and other crew members who perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Drives trucks with trailers, including daily safety inspection before and after operating
• Cuts away dead and excess branches from trees, or clears branches using chainsaws, hooks and handsaws, shears, and clippers
• Hoists tools and equipment to tree trimmers, and lowers branches with ropes 
• Cables, braces, ties, bolts, stakes, and guys trees and branches to provide support.
• Cleans, sharpens, and lubricates tools and equipment.
• Operates shredding and chipping equipment, and feeds limbs and brush into the machines.
• Trims, tops, and reshapes trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches.
• Clears sites, streets, and grounds of woody and herbaceous materials, such as tree stumps and fallen trees and limbs.
• Collects debris and refuse from tree trimming and removal operations into piles, using shovels, rakes or other tools.
• Loads debris and refuse onto trucks to haul it away for disposal.
• Removes broken limbs from wires, using hooked extension poles.
• Operates loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment and tools.
• Directs road and sidewalk traffic as needed to maintain a safe work environment 
• Follows STC, OSHA and ANSI safety standards,  and wears necessary PPE 
• Maintains lines of communication throughout each project with all members of the crew 
• Immediately reports any incidents to the Crew Lead
• Ensure projects sites are left cleaner than when we arrived and moved items are returned to their original locations
• Report all equipment / truck / tool mishaps to the Crew Lead
• Participates in weekly safety meetings
• Lead and mentor new and existing crew members, providing training and guidance to ensure high performance and adherence to company standards
• Assist in the development and delivery of training programs for staff, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
• Support the onboarding process by effectively training new hires on job-specific tasks, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
• Monitor crew members’ progress and provide constructive feedback to enhance their skills and job knowledge.

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of previous tree experience, preferred not required
• High School Diploma

Requirements and Skills:  

• Valid WA Driver’s License 

• Current CPR certification (or the ability to obtain within the first 3 months of hire)
• Ability to pass background check
• The ability to obtain TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional® within 3 months of hire
• The ability to obtain TCIA Certified Ground Operations® within 6 months of hire

• The ability to lift, push, and pull 75+ pounds

• The ability to respond quickly to sounds
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
• The ability to work in varying environmental conditions
• The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day
• The ability to reach overhead 
• The ability to grasp objects for prolonged periods of time
• The ability to hear verbal commands 
• The ability to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and heavy machinery
• The ability to stand for extended periods of time

Occupational Health & Safety:

Employees are responsible and accountable for:

• Compliance with workplace policies and procedures for risk identification, risk assessment and risk control
• Active participation in activities associated with the management of workplace health and safety
• Identification and reporting of health and safety risks, accidents, incidents, injuries and property damage at the workplace

• Correct utilization of appropriate personal protective equipment
• Compliance with safety and quality regulations including wearing protective gear when necessary.