A Skilled Land Clearing Specialist will be expected to assist inexperienced crew members in tasks like pruning, tree removal and basic equipment maintenance and must be able to effectively perform these duties. Must know the fundamental tree biology identifying specific tree species, proper techniques, safe use of land clearing tools and power equipment including applying herbicide and spraying equipment, operator basic land clearing equipment like chippers and side by sides and adhering to safety protocols. Applying herbicide treatments to specified tree species. Be able to work with little supervision. They are physically fit, comfortable working in difficult terrain in all weather conditions and comfortable with climbing equipment. Have a strong willingness to learn and follow instructions.

Expectations for Skilled Land Clearing Specialist:

• Strict adherence to safety procedures, understanding site safety rules, including wearing appropriate gear, PPE, practicing proper safety techniques, and awareness of potential hazards
• Teamwork and collaborating effectively with other crew members, following instructions from experienced leaders, successfully completing tasks and meeting production goals
• Assist fellow employees as assigned. This may include jobs such as carrying equipment or land clearing gear, and materials or supplies
• Proficient with all hand tools like pruners, saws, and basic power tools like chainsaws, pole saws, and power trimmers used for clearing tree limbs and brush. Proficient in the safe operation of land clearing trucks, side by sides, chippers, and trailering small equipment.
• Proficient in the safe removal of dead, diseased or dangerous trees and flat cutting target trees and brushy areas
• Tree Climbing Techniques demonstrates proficiency in using ropes, harness, and other climbing equipment
• Safety and Situational Awareness with a strict adherence to safety procedures including site safety awareness, using PPE, wearing appropriate gear, practicing proper safety techniques, including proper use of climbing gear, and awareness of potential hazards.
• Able to identify and report potential hazards
• Unloading materials and/or supplies distributing them as the supervisor or crew leader specifies
• Applying pesticides/herbicides and obtaining necessary licenses
• Perform project layout properly measuring Right of Way, RTEs, wetlands, or other areas that need to be flagged
• Understand basic tree anatomy, identification of common tree species, and signs of disease or stress
• Prepare tools and equipment for use.
• Manually clearing woody debris, brush, and limbs
• Familiarity with hand tools like pruners, saws, and basic power tools like chainsaws, used under supervision
• Direct traffic/pedestrians near, in, or around work zones
• Properly completes daily paperwork
• Spotting equipment by assisting operator with backing, loading, movement, and alerting for minimum approach distances
• Clean job sites at the end of each day, ensuring trash is properly disposed of and materials and/or equipment are properly stored
• Assist team with proper equipment care
• Maintain a safe working environment
• Responsible for the proper maintenance of all tools and equipment
• Follows instructions verbally and in written form and performs tasks with little or no supervision
• Learning Attitude and Training requirements. Commitment to ongoing training and learning new techniques, including attending workshops or obtaining certifications both in person and online, as needed or required
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Being prepared for physically demanding work
• Training requirements, both in person and online, as needed or required.

Typical task for Skilled Land Clearing Specialist:

• Familiar with safety protocols including any additional customer safety procedures
• Assisting in pruning by removing small branches and limbs
• Ground support during tree removal operations
• Cleaning up work sites, including debris removal
• Maintaining and inspecting equipment
• Properly flagging and identifying wetlands, endangered species, hazards, and measuring ROW marking and flagging designated clearing areas, identifying and protecting sensitive features like utilities or environmentally sensitive areas 

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Valid driver’s license able to obtain driver qualifications screening
• High School diploma or GED preferred
• Experience in Land Clear Ground Specialist I role with 1-3 years or equivalent
• Ability to listen, understand, retain, and follow directions
• Ability to read maps, plans and GPS/GIS applications
• Ability to remain flexible as assignment change
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors
• Have good communication skills both verbally and written
• Able to weekends and/or night when needed
• Able to travel out of town for a day or a week
• Proficiency in math and reading
• Ability to participate in regulatory trainings
• Tree biology/identification: understanding tree anatomy, able to identify common tree species, growth patterns, diseases and pests
• Climbing techniques: proficiency in using ropes, harnesses, and other climbing equipment
• Equipment operation: ability to inspect, operate and maintain power tools like chainsaws, pruners and chippers.
• Customer service: communication skills to interact with clients and address their concerns
• Basic computer skills: checking emails, daily data entry in B2W, and familiar with customer-based applications on mobile devices
• Keep written daily reports and logs.
• Customer service: communication skills able to interact with clients and address their concerns
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• Flagger Training
• Customer Safety Training including Spotter and Environment Training
• Osha 10/30 (obtain training within six months)
• Pesticide/herbicide ROW license or actively obtaining

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand, walk, climb inclines, and traverse difficult terrain while carrying an addition 30 pounds for the duration of shift between 5 to 10 miles daily
• Work that may involve lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 80 pounds
• Must have physical strength, balance, hand eye coordination, and stamina necessary to complete jobs
• The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Attributes:

• Possess a positive attitude and desire to learn.
• Ability to Thrive in a dynamic team environment
• Ability to remain flexible as assignments change
• Ability to listen, understand, and follow directions
• Demonstrates a preference for outdoor work
• Good communication skills both verbal and written
• Strong bias for action and sense of urgency. Resolves issues quickly
• Take initiative and be self-motivated, always looking for improvement opportunities

Casella Construction offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, supplemental insurances, and 401(k) retirement options including a company match. 

About our Company:

Joseph Casella and John Casella II are the second generation of the Casella family, carrying on a legacy that was built on hard work, grit, determination, and most of all, innovation. Together with a team equally committed to exemplifying the highest industry standards, and reinventing systems to create effective solutions when old methods no longer serve new thinking, Casella Construction has evolved to become an industry-leading company in the field.

Our strength is in our team, who we continue to invest in and depend on to help expand critical areas of our business, including heavy highway construction, demolition, utility installation, environmental contracting, commercial site development, land management, aggregate, transportation, and fleet maintenance.

Casella Construction’s success is attributed to our employees’ love of the industry, our leadership’s drive to remain at the forefront of technology and environmental stewardship, and our collective ability to thrive in dynamic situations.