Climber

The Climber physically implements all arbor ground and climbing activities and procedures established by Company policy and with specific direction from the Foreman.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Climbs to heights of at least 75 feet.
• Operates bucket truck, chipper, chipper truck, stump grinder, all types of chain saws and other tree-related equipment.
• Maintains climbing gear and tree care equipment in a safe and operational condition.
• Assists in preparing truck and materials needed for the day’s work at Foreman’s direction.
• Helps to maintain and keep track of all tools and/or equipment used in daily operation.
• Uses all equipment and performs all jobs safely.
• Participates in the pre-job meeting with the Foreman to be informed of the job site and any potential site hazards.
• Uses hand lines to lower limbs and equipment.
• Practices good housekeeping by keeping trucks, assigned equipment and work area in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Safeguards Associates and public from hazards in and around the work area, and stays in frequent verbal communication with workers on the ground.
• Observes all safety rules strictly and ensures that fellow workers observe all safety rules.
• Alerts the Foreman of any potential problems anticipated or observed including electrical hazards.
• Observes all company policies and procedures including dress standards.
• Implements traffic control safety program as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the daily maintenance and safe operation of all equipment commonly used in tree care is required. Including, but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, work boots, climbing rope, climbing saddle (harness), snaps or double auto locking carabiner’s, safety lanyard, handsaw and chainsaw.
• Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of all knots, ropes and rigging devices used in tree trimming and removal operations.
• Must be able to perform the following:
• Inspection of Equipment. Must demonstrate a pre-climb inspection of equipment. This includes a manual and visual inspection of the rope, safety lanyard, and climbing saddle for any defects which could pose a safety hazard.
• Proper Tie-In. Must demonstrate a proper tie-in, including a recognized friction hitch (tautline hitch, Blake’s hitch, Distel, Schwabisch, or French Prusik (VT).
• Tying a Figure-8. Must demonstrate tying a figure-8 in running end.
• On Rope. Must demonstrate on-rope for body thrust OR secured footlock. Must be tied in, both feet on tree, and hands off of rope.
• Knots and Hitches. Must demonstrate the tying of six required knots. Bowline, running bowline, cow hitch with a better half OR timber hitch, sheetbend OR quick hitch, clove hitch with two half hitches, midline knot: clove hitch or butterfly.
• Tree and Site Inspection. Each Climber must do a tree and site inspection. Identify the following: The location of utilities and wires, In ground targets, Above ground targets and tree structure and stability.
• Climbing Line Installation. Climbers must install the climbing rope at a predetermined position (20 to 25 feet [6 to 8 meters] above the ground).
• Secured Entry. The climbing rope must be installed in a manner which will permit a secured entry into the tree by tying a recognized friction hitch. Candidates must then enter the tree using the body-thrust OR secured footlock technique.
• Tree Inspection. Climbers should provide a verbal tree inspection by identifying potential hazards, if present.
• Ascend to Final, Pre-Determined Tie-In Point. The climber must tie-in in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Hand Contact Station – First Designated Work Station. Climbers must assess the first designated work station, demonstrating the controlled use of the climbing line. Climbers must never put themselves in a position in which they could fall (unchecked) more than 3 feet (0.91 meters). Climbers must be secured at all times and maintain balance, control, and posture while they contact the flag OR bell by hand.
• Pole Saw/Pruner Work Station – Second Designated Work Station. Climbers must move to the second designated work station where they must contact the flag or bell with a pole saw or pole pruner, while demonstrating controlled use of the climbing line. Climbers must never put themselves in a position in which they could fall (unchecked) more than 3 feet (0.91 meters). An uncontrolled swing or slip may lead to an unsatisfactory mark and may not constitute failure. The pole must be requested and sent up from the ground. Climber should maintain balance and confident posture, climber should be secured, and the pole should be used with both hands while contacting the target. Climbers must also demonstrate the safe setting of the pole saw/pruner in the tree before sending the pole down safely with an approved knot. The pole saw/pruner cannot be dropped.
• Descent – Descend to Ground. The climber must ensure sufficient rope to reach the ground. The climber pulls up running end of climbing rope OR shows a figure-8 stopper knot. Climber should descend and land in a controlled manner at a safe speed without damaging rope.

REQUIRED LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• A valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance is not required but preferred.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of two (2) years climbing experience with a tree care company is preferred.
• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• First aid certification preferred.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constant climbing, standing, sitting, walking, stooping, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, traversing uneven ground, grasping (tools), power grasping (tools and equipment), reaching, frequent pushing or pulling, and stretching. Getting in and out of vehicles including vehicle cab and bed multiple times a day.
• Lifting, carrying and manipulating objects up to 50 pounds for varying periods of time.
• Must be able to wear all personal protective equipment according to company Safety Health and Environmental Policies, Industry Related ANSI Safety Requirements and OSHA Regulations.
• Climber must be able to pull and lift his/her body weight while effectively using common tree care equipment and tools.
• Must be able to work and maneuver at considerable heights under varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions.
• Must possess physical strength and agility, good balance, good depth perception and the ability to hear verbal instructions from a distance.
• Must be able to climb and descend trees using rope and safety saddle; administer and implement emergency rescue techniques, including tree rescue and all applicable first aid techniques; must be able to quickly remove him/herself from a potential danger area.
• Occasionally lifting objects that weigh more than 100 pounds, frequently lifting objects that weigh less than 100 pounds and more than 50 and constantly lifting objects that weigh less than 50 pounds.
• Occasionally pushing/pulling objects that weigh between 100 and 150 pounds, frequently pushing/pulling objects that weigh less than 100 pounds and more than 50 pounds and constantly pushing/pulling objects that weigh less than 50 pounds.

 WORKING CONDITIONS

• Working conditions are outdoors with exposure to the following: Hot and cold temperatures, sudden changes in temperatures, varying levels of noise, slippery surfaces, rain, dust/dirt, fumes, wind, uneven ground and landscaped slopes.

 EQUIPMENT/MACHINARY

• Chippers, chainsaw, stump grinders and back-pack blowers, bucket truck and chipper trucks and a variety of other tree-related equipment. A wide range of hand tools including but not limited to: loppers, shears, pruners, hand saw, leaf rake, pole pruner, pole saw, push broom, shovel, ax sharpening tools and maul.

BENEFITS

• Sick Pay
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• 401(k) Plan
• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Multiple Reporting Locations

This job description is intended to state the essential function of the position and to be an accurate reflection of the current job, but it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to assign other duties and tasks and revise the job as needs of the Company, property or position change.  

RGS Landscape & Arbor Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (over 40), disability, mental and physical, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and military and veteran status or any other legally protected status.