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

Job Summary: 

A Climber/Bucket Operator will advance the safety and productivity of the tree crew utilizing their industry knowledge and skills. They possess problem-solving skills and anticipate potential problems that could compromise the safety of the crew. They take initiative and perform tasks that allow the Foreperson to achieve greater efficiencies related to assignment planning and managing the overall responsibilities of the crew.

What we are pround 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:

• Support Crew Foreperson with industry skills to plan, route, and execute work assignment.
• Trim and/or remove trees with aerial lift or manually climb (usually in close proximity to energized lines).
• Manually ascend a tree with the aid of a climb rope and saddle, or ladder.
• Use hand tools, such as pruners, axes, ropes, saws, and rigging gear.
• Trim branches or trunk sections and lower them to the ground safely with ropes.
• Fell, cut and split tree logs into manageable pieces using chainsaws, sledges and wedges.
• Work from the ground using gas powered tools such as chain saw, power blower, weed trimmer. 
• Spray stumps and brush with hand-spraying equipment to prevent further growth.
• Operate and service equipment, such as company vehicle, aerial trim lift, chipper and stump grinder.
• Safeguard employees and public from hazards in and around work area (directs traffic, relays hand- signals, warning signs, flags, markers, etc.).
• Assist Crew Foreperson in providing industry training to new employees.
• Assume responsibilities of a Foreperson during their absence, which requires planning and organizing work responsibilities.
• Repair slight damage to lawns, fences, and walks caused by tree trimming.
• Load and unload trucks with logs, stumps, brush, and debris and/or feeds brush into a wood chipper.
• Assume responsibility for the inspection and proper working conditions of tools, truck, and other work equipment.  Requests repair or replacement, when necessary. 
• Maintain good housekeeping on truck and at work locations, keeps work area clear and orderly.
• Gather and stage Temporary Traffic Control devices.
• Gather brush and feed brush into wood chipper.
• Obtain permission from property owners to access property, explain work to be done, etc.

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, 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 device.
• 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 lift, 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 cooperatively work with others.
• Must be able to safely drive an approved 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 (hand-to-eye coordination).
• Must be able to work around loud noise from machines, chain saw, 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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as per task assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Key: