Aerial Lift Specialist

The Aerial Lift Specialist is responsible for driving and operating a truck mounted aerial lift bucket that lifts into the air to safely reach heights above the capacity of a ladder and carry out various tree care activities. The Aerial Lift Specialist works with assigned tree crews, utilizing chain saws, hand saws, pole pruner and mechanical pruning tools to improve building clearances, removes deadwood/hazard wood from trees, selectively prunes trees for optimal health based on accepted practices while following Company and ISA standards. The Associate will operate bucket trucks, while ensuring safety and efficiency for a smooth and successful workflow. The Aerial Lift Specialist communicates with ground crews, helps with clean up and removal of tree debris, and adheres to all Company, OSHA, ANSI, and DOT rules and regulations related to the tree industry.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts daily pre-ascent inspection of all assigned equipment, including manual and visual inspection of personal protective equipment, fall arrest belt/harness, lanyard, and the bucket for any defects that could pose a safety hazard.
• Conducts daily pre-ascent walk-around visual inspection of truck and aerial lift.
• Conducts pre-ascent inspection of tree and job site to identify potential hazards, including location of utilities, wires, in-ground targets, above-ground targets, and tree structure and stability.
• Conducts pre-job start inspection of the drop zone with crew members.
• Properly sets up aerial lift bucket truck by parking the truck to orient it to the tree which includes setting up jobsite cones, wheel chocks, hazard signage, outrigger placement.
• Climbs to heights of at least 75 feet with appropriate climbing equipment.
• Uses hand lines to lower limbs and equipment.
• Maintains climbing gear and tree care equipment in a safe and operational condition.
• Helps to maintain and keep track of all tools and/or equipment used in daily operation.
• Safeguards Associates and public from hazards in and around the work area and stays in frequent verbal communication with workers on the ground.
• Submits daily inspection reports noting all deficiencies and areas of concern prior to the commencement of work.
• 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.
• Implements traffic control safety program as required.
• Uses, wears, and maintains various types of personal protective clothing and gear.
• Practices good housekeeping by keeping trucks assigned, equipment and work area in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Uses various communication equipment including two-way radios, cell phones, computers, etc.
• Participates in annual Aerial Lift certification program.
• Effectively utilizes proper equipment to perform all jobs safely, making accident prevention a part of daily conduct.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be proficient in the operation and have working knowledge of aerial lift trucks and all aspects of their operation.
• Familiarity with and working knowledge of personal protective equipment, specifically lifelines, lanyards, deceleration devices, body harness, body belt, self-retracting lifelines, etc.
• Ability to operate trucks and equipment safely, appropriately, and effectively.
• Ability to understand and communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to efficiently and accurately utilize an electronic handheld device to record employee time worked.
• Ability to understand and apply the fundamental skills necessary to perform job requirements.
• Should be proficient and knowledgeable of tree structures and strengths.
• Must efficiently climb and work from trees and or an aerial lift device.
• Must have an understanding of proper tree pruning techniques.
• Ability to identify different trees and shrubs.
• Must have the ability to interact effectively with other Associates, clients, and management.
• Adheres to all Company safety practices and policies as well as OSHA requirements.

REQUIRED LICNESES/CERTIFICATION

• Must possess a valid California Class C driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
• A California Commercial (Class A or B) driver’s license is preferred, but not required.
• Must maintain an acceptable driving record.
• ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist preferred, but not required.
• ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist preferred, but not required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of one (1) year climbing experience with a tree care company is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year operating a truck mounted aerial bucket in the tree care industry is required.
• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) is preferred, but not required.
• First aid and CPR certification preferred, but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Working from heights, constant standing, sitting, walking, stooping, bending, twisting, kneeling, digging, squatting, traversing uneven ground, grasping (hand tools and power tools), gripping (tools and equipment), reaching, climbing, frequent pushing or pulling, and stretching. Getting in and out of vehicle cabs and beds multiple times a day. getting in and out of vehicles throughout the day and lifting or carrying objects up to 50 lbs. 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.

WORK CONDITIONS

Working conditions are outdoors with exposure to the following: Working at heights, 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/MACHINERY

Chippers, chainsaw, all manner of climbing gear, including but not limited to: climbing saddles and harnesses, climbing spurs, fliplines and lanyards, friction hitches, carabineer and clips, rope, stump grinders and back-pack blowers.

Self- retracting lifeline and body harness.

A wide range of hand tools including but not limited to: loppers, shears, pruners, hand saw, leaf rake, pole pruner, pole saw, push broom and shovel.

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.