Powerline Clearance Tree Trimmer

Full Job Description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served.

Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound.

Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

We are looking to hire a Powerline Clearance Tree Trimmer in the Power Line Clearance and Landscapes organizational unit, Transmission Right-of-Way (ROW) Maintenance work group.

This position is responsible for performing line-clearance tree trimming and removal and inspecting overhead power lines and equipment, primarily on the Transmission ROW in and around Seattle.

This position serves under the immediate supervision of the Journey-person in Charge (“JIC” – crew lead) and as a Direct Report to the Transmission ROW Maintenance Crew Chief.

Requirements

Here is more about what you’ll be doing:

The Power Line Clearance and Landscapes (PLC&L) organizational unit is a support-service to the Transmission and Distribution Operations Division.

Among other things, the PLC&L group is responsible for maintaining stated vegetative clearances off all energized conductors and critical infrastructure.

On the Transmission ROW, this body of work is subject to federal oversight by the North American Electrical Reliability Corporation (NERC) as well as internal policies and standards.

The goal of the Tree Crew is to ensure all applicable electrical, safety and environmental policies/standards are continuously met, in a manner which promotes public safety, ecological sustainability and system reliability for our customer-owners.

• Tree Trimmers perform tree trimming and removal operations, rigging, tree inspections, herbicide applications, and support other veg mgmt.
• Completed activities in the Transmission ROW Maintenance program as assigned.
• Work may be conducted on the ground, from an aerial lift (bucket truck), or from within a tree’s canopy and the ability to climb is essential.
• The work requires a thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment, and tools required for trimming and removing trees within the electrical transmission and distribution system (Utility Arboriculture), the ANSI Z133 safety standards, a working knowledge of herbicide application requirements and strong tree identification skills.
• Work assignments are carried out as part of a team and under the direct supervision of the JIC and/or Trans ROW CC.
• The position requires the ability to operate equipment (trucks) and tow a chipper, and the necessary license endorsements to do so.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Requires successful completion of a two-year line clearance apprenticeship program and sufficient experience and/or training with vegetation management to perform the powerline tree-trimming portion of the work.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

Current Washington State driver's license and CDL with "A" endorsement.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Three + years of Power Line Clearance tree trimming experience (not inclusive of apprenticeship).
• A current Washington State pesticide applicator’s license, or the ability to obtain on within 60 days of hire.
• Experience working with and knowledge of native and invasive plant material relative to the Pacific Northwest
• Current ISA Certified Arborist certification and Utility Arborist certification, or the ability to acquire them within 90 days of hire.

Additional Information

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies.

Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations.

Your participation is vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

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The full salary range for this position is $61.52 to $61.52 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check.

The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3.

A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.