Hi Rail Apprentice I

Job Title: Hi Rail Apprentice I
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Creation Date/Revision Date: 07/2025

BENEFITS:

• Plenty of growth opportunities

• On the job training

• Potential overtime

• Get paid weekly

• competitive benefits package

Hourly Wage: $30.10 - $38.79 subject to position and experience

Travel: 5 weeks travel, 1 week home

JOB SUMMARY: The Hi Rail Apprentice I is responsible for overseeing daily vegetation management cleanup as directed by crew operator. Assists crew in essential duties of maintaining a safe and clean work environment alongside railroad track.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:

• Loads and unloads vehicles and equipment from a trailer. Responsible for proper load securement in accordance with company policies, approved work methods and FMCSA regulations.
• Loads and vehicles and equipment with manageable size limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
• Conducts pre-inspection of work area to identify potential hazards.
• Operates heavy machinery such as skid steers, excavators, stub grinder, feller-buncher, etc. 
• Utilizes a variety of tools (i.e. rake, shovel, leaf blower) to remove debris from work area.
• Works around hazardous equipment.
• Adheres to and helps enforce company policies, on-the-job safety practices, approved work methods, OSHA and FRA regulations.
• Communicates with customers effectively to resolve concerns and plans for success.
• Staging and clean-up of tools and equipment at the job site. Maintains a neat and orderly work area.
• Conducts vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions. Conducts routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment and tools. Reports specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to Supervisor.
• May be required to be on duty and travel outside of regular regional assignment. Assists with contacting and coordinating the crew’s response to such work and responsible for determining proper steps necessary to eliminate hazards and trim/remove trees while onsite during emergency response.
• Support, actively participate, and act in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership.
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintain knowledge of and follow all company policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required.
• Must have valid First-Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience operating heavy equipment successfully, preferably on Hi-Rail railroad track.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Drives and operates vehicles and equipment as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIY REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to utilize electronic application tracking devices. Learn how to successfully operate and maintain them.
• Has basic knowledge of computers, with a focus on Microsoft Office Products
• Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and arboricultural techniques specific to trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing, along railroad track.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills focused on rapport-building, listening, questioning and patience. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, customers and employees.
• Ability to adhere to and enforce company and industry safety requirements.
• Ability to learn quickly and to follow instructions accurately.
• Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner.
• Must be able to comprehend and/or read and write both written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
• Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take proper safeguard against them.
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call-out work.
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment.
• Ability to work both independently and in a group.

OTHER PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s licen