Equipment Operator

Job Summary The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating various types of machinery to support right of way vegetation maintenance and clearance around power lines. This role identifies safety hazards and helps perform basic maintenance to ensure equipment is within working order to support business needs. Essential Job Duties Loads and unloads vehicles and equipment from a trailer. Responsible for proper load securement in accordance with company policies, approved work methods and FMCSA regulations. Works on the ground using hand saws, ground saws or other applicable tools to cut brush, limbs and logs of larger trees. Utilizes a variety of tools (i.e., rake, shovel, leaf blower) to remove debris from work area. Gathers manageable size brush, limbs and logs and carries to the designated chipping area. Operates heavy machinery such as boom trimmers or mowers, excavators, tub grinder, feller-buncher, etc. Adheres to and helps educate less experienced employees on company policies, on‑the‑job safety practices, approved work methods and OSHA regulations. Uses applicable herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush and maintains appropriate application records. Applies herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps. Works around hazardous equipment and in close proximity to energized power lines. Conducts pre‑inspection of work area to identify potential hazards. Loads vehicles and equipment with manageable size limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping. Sets up warning signs, barriers, flags, relays hand‑signals, directs traffic and other applicable traffic control devices to protect employees and members of the public from hazards in and around the work area. Cooperates with property owner, customer, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways. Stages and cleans up tools and equipment at the job site, maintaining a neat and orderly work area. Conducts vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions and routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment and tools. Reports specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to General Foreperson. During emergencies or natural disasters may be required to be on duty and travel outside of regular work location for the duration of the disaster. Assists with contacting and coordinating the crew’s response to such work and is responsible for determining proper steps necessary to eliminate hazards and trim/remove trees while on site during emergency response. Supports, actively participates, and acts in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership. Complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintains knowledge of and follows all company policies and procedures. Maintains regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings. Other Duties Drives and operates vehicles and equipment as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Ability Requirements Ability to operate heavy equipment such as boom trimmers or mowers, excavators, tub grinder, feller-buncher, etc. Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and arboricultural techniques specific to trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing, in close proximity to energized conductors. Knowledge and understanding of the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations (ANSI Z133.1‑current version). Ability to adhere and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements. Knowledge of electrical circuits and skilled in reading and understanding of circuit maps. Knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards. Ability to determine nominal voltage, proper use of insulated tools near energized parts and distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment. Ability to learn quickly and to follow instructions accurately. Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner. Must be able to comprehend and/or read and write both written and verbal job instructions and safety information. Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take proper safeguard against them. Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call‑out work. Demonstrate knowledge and trained to perform tree and bucket rescue. Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment. Ability to work both independently and in a group. Education, Certification & Experience Requirements High School diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required. Must have valid First‑Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire. Other Preferred Requirements Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license (dependent upon division and utility/contract requirements) and DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations. Drive a vehicle with an attached chipper or other trailing unit to, from or within the work area. Maintain herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by Wright Tree Service and local, state, and federal law. Keeps informed of new equipment and specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures. Language Requirements English: Read, Write, Speak | Spanish: not specified. Travel Requirements Extensive travel required: greater than 50% of time. Physical Characteristics Requires frequent lifting up to 50 pounds, occasional lifting up to 100 pounds, and the ability to bend, reach, stand, walk, climb, carry, grasp, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions. Environmental Factors Work is performed outdoors, subject to weather conditions, temperature extremes, exposure to insects, dust, noise, vibration, moving machinery, electrical hazards, chemicals, and confined spaces. Equal Employment Opportunities Wright Service Corp. respects diversity and is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We are dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment. Reasonable Accommodation Wright Service Corp. is committed to complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, or regulations governing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. We will make a reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees who have requested an accommodation or for whom we have notice of a need, without regard to protected classifications. At‑Will Employment Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, rule, or regulation, employment with Wright Service Corp. is at will. This means an employee’s employment may be terminated at any time by either the employee or Wright Service Corp. for any reason or no reason, with or without cause or advance notice. Drug & Alcohol–Free Workplace Wright Service Corp. maintains a policy of a workplace free of unlawful or unauthorized drugs and alcohol. Privacy Policy #J-18808-Ljbffr