POWER LINE CLEARANCE & TREE TRIMMER PROGRAM
Line clearance is maintenance of a power line right of way intended to prevent interruption of service to customers. A line clearance/tree trimmer engages in a variety of tree care operations which include tree pruning, tree removal, and brush clearing. Much of this work is done in the vicinity of energized, high voltage power lines. An individual working in this trade must remain alert, and aware of the extreme hazards associated with such work, always.
Trimmers use both powered and hand tools, some insulated to prevent electric shock. The use of bucket trucks and heavy equipment is common. Ropes and rigging are also tools of the trades. They may work for residential or industrial customers, but most often work on utility properties. Line Clearance / Trimmers work almost exclusively outdoors, and very often in inclement weather. Their work includes cleanup operations during and after storms and other natural disasters. They must be willing to travel between cities.
The work of a tree trimmer includes climbing and heavy lifting. It is quite strenuous and is usually performed at great heights (20’ to 100’).
Tree trimmers must display physical agility and coordination. They should be stable, dependable, cooperative, physically active, and have a well-controlled temperament. Interests in outdoor activities and a mechanical aptitude are conducive to this occupation.
REQUIREMENTS AND HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted year-round and the rank list is updated the first Tuesday of every month. To start your application your will need to create your account under “My Account“. Once your account has been confirmed, you will be notified by email. You can then start your online application.
Minimum requirements to apply are the following:
- Complete online application
- Copy of Birth Certificate or Driver’s License (Proof of age)
- High School Diploma or High School Equivalency
- Apprenticeship registration form (emailed to you for signature)
Items strongly recommended (not required) to include in your application:
Documentation of past work experience on company letterhead
Industry related certifications – i.e. pesticide applicator licenses.
Applicants will be placed in the order of the rank (or point number) on the list of eligible according to their score. The pool of eligible list will be re-ranked once a month, or more frequently if necessary.
Qualifying applications will be reviewed and scored according to the following point system:
Trade-related work experience:
Power line clearance: 1,000 hours = 8 points
Trimmer (residential): 1,000 hours = 4 points
Groundman/logging: 2,000 hours = 1 point
Current employee of training agent = 5 points
General work experience:
Letter must be from employer on company letterhead
General construction: 2,000 hours = 1 point
Other: 2,000 hours = ½ point
Education related to occupation:
Copies of cards and/or certifications
Laws & Safety 2 points
Rights of Way 2 points
ISA Certification: 2 points
Flagging Traffic Control Certification: 3 points
1st Aid/CPR Certification: 3 points
High school education:
Transcript or copy of diploma or GED
High school diploma: 5 points
GED or equivalent: 2 points
GPA – 2.0 or above (official copy is required): 1 point
Additional schooling:
Transcripts or copy of Completion Certificate
Trade school (need to specify): 5 points
Job Corps or B-FIT graduate: 3 points
4-year college degree (official copy is required): 3 points
(Manual transmission – no code “E” restriction)
2-year college degree (official copy is required): 3 points
Job Corps Forestry Program Graduate 2 points (additional)
Military/Americorps/Peace Corps: 1 year service = 2 points 8 maximum points
Commercial driver’s license permit: 1 point
Commercial driver’s license: 5 points
