What are the responsibilities and job description for the Journeyman Tree Trimmer position at Townsend Tree Service?
Job Title:
Journeyman Tree Trimmer
Division:
The Townsend Company, LLC
Function:
AZU – Manual/Unskilled Labor
Reports To:
Manager
Discipline:
AZU000 – Manual/Unskilled Labor Generalist
Pay Type:
Hourly
Career Band:
(W) -Production/Manual Labor
Job Type:
Non-Exempt
EEO Group:
Laborers and Helpers
Effective:
6/26/2026
Position Summary
While providing supervision, a Journeyman Tree Trimmer maintains trees for public safety. This position provides tree trimming for assigned jobs by pruning, cutting, removing, and caring for trees. A Journeyman Tree Trimmer may be exposed to hazards of working near traffic, falling limbs, and power lines making attention to detail and safety guidelines critical. A Journeyman Tree Trimmer provides on-the-job training, specific day-to-day directions, and crew supervision. This position is a top-level class in the Tree Trimmer series and serves as Lead Trimmer in the Foreperson or General Foreperson's absence.
Key Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Tree Trimming & Removal Operations
- Perform tree pruning, trimming, topping, reshaping, and removal activities
- Assess tree condition, identify tree species, and evaluate tree failure risk
- Demonstrate proper pruning techniques and understanding of tree biology
- Perform precision tree felling and safe chainsaw operation
- Conduct tree climbing operations using approved climbing techniques and equipment
- Remove broken limbs from utility wires using extension poles and specialized equipment
- Cable, brace, tie, bolt, stake, and guide trees and branches to provide structural support
- Inspect trees for disease, pest infestations, and other health concerns
- Spray trees to treat disease or pest issues, including mixing chemicals and calibrating spray equipment
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Operate and maintain tree trimming equipment, including aerial lifts, trucks, chainsaws, pole pruners, root pruners, stump grinders, and brush chippers
- Perform brush chipping and stump grinding operations
- Use climbing hooks, belts, ropes, ladders, and related equipment to access and work safely in trees
- Clean, sharpen, lubricate, and maintain tools and equipment
- Properly maintain equipment used around energized power lines
- Operate shredding and chipping equipment and safely feed limbs and brush into machinery
Site Cleanup & Traffic Control
- Clear job sites, streets, and grounds of woody and herbaceous materials, including stumps, fallen trees, and limbs
- Collect and pile debris using shovels, rakes, and other tools
- Load debris onto trucks and transport materials for disposal
- Perform traffic control activities to protect crew members, pedestrians, and motorists in work zones
- Hoist tools and equipment to tree workers and lower branches using ropes, blocks, and tackle systems
Leadership & Training
- Provide day-to-day direction and supervision to crew members
- Deliver on-the-job training to trimmers and ground personnel
- Demonstrate proper tree work techniques, safety procedures, and equipment operation
- Serve as Lead Trimmer in the absence of the Foreperson or General Foreperson
- Promote compliance with company safety policies and industry best practices
- Duties may or may not be subject to change
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Meet all physical requirements of the position.
- Pass all drug and alcohol screens as required by Company policy and, if applicable, required by DOT regulations.
- 18 years of age or older, or 21 if CDL is required.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Extensive knowledge of tree trimming, pruning, climbing, and removal techniques
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with tree work
- Ability to identify tree species and assess tree conditions
- Proficiency in tree groundwork, pruning, and removal operations
- Ability to safely operate chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, aerial lifts, and related equipment
- Knowledge of lowering techniques, saw maintenance, and rigging devices used in tree work
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
- Ability to train and mentor crew members
This role is based in an office environment with occasional remote work flexibility. The position may require
limited travel.
This job description is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. The Townsend Company and its family of companies reserve the right to modify job responsibilities, duties, or schedules as needed to meet business or operational requirements. Accommodation requests will be made as necessary to support individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, this position is subject to pre-employment screening, which may include drug testing and a background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The Townsend Company and its family of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.