Hand Cutter

POSITION SUMMARY:

The position of hand cutter is a high skill position and requires the ability to perform the skilled labor to get trees safely on the ground by felling, rigging or climbing for customers, as qualified and directed by management and within safety and policy guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

- Provides the skilled physical labor work needed for safely accomplishing tasks, duties and responsibilities in providing tree clearing services to customers as needed or directed.

- Cuts trees using a chainsaw with proper techniques and to the appropriate standards

- Uses ropes and other rigging equipment to direct trees safely to the ground and avoiding hazards

- Assists Supervisors with safely setting up equipment and tools on projects. Unloads tools as needed.

- Ensures assigned truck is cleaned out at the end of the day of all trash and non-essential materials.

- Cleans, sharpens, inspects and lubricates tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Ensures all tools assigned are returned to designated area daily. Requests new tools and replacements as needed.

- Follows all safety rules and company policies and wears PPE appropriate for the work being conducted. Calls a “stop work” should work or environmental conditions become too dangerous for work. Alerts supervisor/manager of safety hazards for instructions.

- Seeks guidance and direction where needed in the safe performance of responsibilities and duties.

- Reports free time to the Supervisor or Manager and asks for additional assignments.

- Assures that equipment in need of repair has been reported and tagged and listed for maintenance.

- Safely operates machinery/vehicles/equipment as qualified. (Stump Grinders, Wood Chippers, Chainsaws, Vehicles, Trucks, etc.)

- Ensure toolboxes, storage areas, gates and buildings are locked at end of each day (if you are the last employee to leave).

- In conjunction with the company management, shares ideas to improve safety, efficiency, productivity, quality, and cost control for this job and associated responsibilities.

- Safely assists and trains others as needed on work methods and other work-related skills as needed or requested.

- Performs all duties in a safe and proper manner with direction from the Supervisor or Manager; consistently showing ability to: recognize and deal with priorities; recognize and perform duties which need to be performed although not directly assigned; make the best use of time by reporting free time and, asking management for additional assignments.

- Strives to reach and achieve project committed completion goals on projects.

- Demonstrates good judgment and reasoning in investigating and solving problems, in respecting the confidentiality of the company and personnel information.

- Works well with and maintains cooperative working relationships with the management, employees and customers.

- Consistently shows ability to recognize and safely deal with priorities and demonstrates ability to handle difficult situations.

- Maintains good attendance, reports to work on time and provides proper notification when absence or tardiness is unavoidable.

- Strives to improve knowledge in tree care procedures, equipment operation, safety, efficiency and quality and quantity of work.

- Maintains a groomed professional appearance appropriate for the position, and in compliance with the company dress code.

- Meets regularly with the Operations-Project Manager, and other Management to ensure that stated objectives are adhered to.

- Safely performs other duties and responsibilities required by business conditions or as assigned by Management.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed at outdoor job-sites, in the company yard and buildings. The position requires travel to customer sites with related exposure to routine hazards such as falling trees or debris, moving machinery, vehicles, and severe weather conditions. Some prolonged travel and overnight stays will be required. Subject to odors, fumes and substances typically associated with tree care operations and from small gasoline equipment use. Frequent exposure to small cuts, scrapes and abrasions and temperature changes. Subject to varied workloads and must possess ability to work in a busy environment. Must be able to remain calm in emergencies to prevent injuries, maintain safety and assist as needed. Position is considered moderately stressful on an occasional basis.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

High School Diploma or GED preferred.

LICENSING & CERTIFICATIONS

A Driver’s License in good standing is required

EXPERIENCE

1 year work experience in tree felling or related work is preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

The person in this position must be able to physically labor on work projects using hand and power tools, and equipment such as blowers, rakes, shovels, chippers, chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, etc. May drive/operate work trucks and equipment as qualified.