We are seeking a highly motivated individual to help perform safe and efficient Vegetation Management services for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE).

Job Summary: 

An Apprentice will support the tree crew by learning and developing the knowledge and skills necessary to advance crew safety and productivity. They are eager to gain knowledge involving company expectations, industry requirements and customer needs. They take initiative to speak up when they notice a hazardous situation that will compromise the safety of the crew. They take ownership to complete tasks they are qualified to perform which support their Foreperson achieve overall greater efficiencies.

What we are proud to offer:

As an employee of VM Utility Services working on SDG&E and SCE property you will receive the same rates of pay, wages, hours and other benefits of employment as those who currently perform Line Clearance Tree Trimming on the premises. 

• Wages
• Vacation
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health Insurance
• Retirement 

Essential Job Functions:

• Inspect work site location for work site hazards.
• Gather and stage Temporary Traffic Control devices.
• Gather brush and feed brush into wood chipper.
• Ascend tree with climbing rope and saddle.
• Ascend tree with aerial device and body harness.
• Use a pruner and handsaw to clear vegetation (often from energized lines).
• Use a chainsaw to cut brush, logs and stumps of larger trees.
• Load and unload trucks with logs, stumps.
• Direct movement of traffic through the work site using approved traffic control devices.
• Assist in mixing herbicide in spray tank.
• Spray herbicide to stumps and brush with backpack or hand-spraying equipment.
• Obtain permission from property owners to access property, explain work to be done, etc.
• Obtain written permission from property owners to remove trees and apply herbicides.
• Maintain good housekeeping on truck and at work locations.
• Inspect truck, chipper, and equipment, keep them in specified mechanical order.
• Clean up debris at worksite.   

Minimum Requirements:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

• Must possess mental and physical endurance to work around hazardous conditions and hazardous equipment to safely perform various duties throughout an eight or ten-hour shift. 
• Must be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, i.e. rain, heat, sun and cold.
• Must be able to work while exposed to nature (irritating plants and biting or stinging insects, and dust). 
• Must be able to work at various heights above ground with fall protection equipment.
• Must be able to walk, climb, and work from ladders, or at various heights, on uneven and slippery surfaces while handling equipment or material. 
• Must be able to life, move and maneuver heavy weights up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis, but up to 10 pounds on a frequent basis. 
• Must be able to write, read and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information. 
• Must be able to communicate and work cooperatively with others. 
• Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle. 
• Must be able to operate and service all required equipment and tools. 
• Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day. 
• Must be able to work in close proximity to energized power lines and traffic hazards. 
• Must be able to work long hours and overtime during holidays, call-out emergencies, weekends, etc. 
• Must have sufficient eye sight to judge distances and coordination to get and use the appropriate equipment and tools.
• Must be able to work around loud noise from machines, chain saws, wood chipper and other equipment with hearing protection. 
• must be able to work with hands above head for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to traverse various terrains. 
• Must be able to operate and service all required equipment and tools.
• Must be able to wear necessary PPE as per task assigned. 

Physical Requirements:

Key: