Groundsperson in Durham

Join a Company That Grows People. At Lewis, we’re not just trimming trees — we’re building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
• Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions!
• Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
• Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do as a Groundperson:

• You’ll be on the right hand of our tree crews, supporting vegetation management for utility partners and various other customers.
• Clear vegetation and debris from work sites around power lines (Tree pruning, vegetation removal, lift logs, drag brush, etc.).
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment like chainsaws, chippers, blowers, and sprayers.
• Assist climbers by spotting from the ground, handing up tools, and using hand lines.
• Assist with rigging and felling of trees.
• Safeguard colleagues and the public from hazards in and around the work area.
• Apply herbicides (with proper certification) to manage growth.
• Maintain clean, organized trucks and job sites.
• Set up traffic control zones and direct traffic when needed.
• Travel frequently (including overnight stays) to different job sites.
• Participate in safety briefings and follow all company safety protocols.

Qualifications

What You Bring:

• Groundperson certification (or ability to complete).
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Physical ability to hike, lift up 50 lbs., and handle tools.
• Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred).
• CPR/First Aid certification (provided by Lewis).
• Herbicide applicator certification (or ability to complete and maintain).
• Team player attitude, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

Physical Demands

Ability to:

• Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher.
• Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain.
• Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity).
• Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively.
• Operate two-handed tools and equipment continuously.
• Frequently engage in lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, stooping/kneeling, reaching.
• Occasionally drive and climb stairs/ladders.
• Rarely sit or operate machinery.

Environmental Conditions

Continuously outdoor work; occasionally noise levels; frequently extreme temperatures; rarely contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues; never confined spaces.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment may include:

• Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs.
• Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chipper.
• Blowers, pruners, pole pruners, rakes, winches, ropes.
• Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes.
• Sprayers, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs.
• Tablets and communication devices.

What We Offer

Benefits:

• Competitive pay.
• Sign-on bonus.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Paid training and industry certifications.
• Health, dental, vision & HSA options.
• 401(k) +.
• Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business. We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated. We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued. Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service’s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.