Hiring in the Springfield, MA area - Multiple Roles

climbingmonkey24

Carpal tunnel level member
Location
United States
Currently looking to fill various roles near Springfield, MA either by the same individual or multiple individuals.


#1 Groundsperson

  • You will be responsible for assisting with various aspects of a project including but not limited to: cleanup (cutting and managing brush, chipping, loading debris) and working a rigging rope to assist in the safe lowering of branches and limbs after they’ve been cut by a tree climber.
  • No experience is necessary, training will be provided tailored to our specific operations. Anyone with prior climbing experience however is also encouraged to reach out and will be considered for additional roles.
  • Flexible schedule / part-time hours to start with the potential for additional hours later on if desired.
  • Pay range starts at $20 - $25 / hr for groundwork-only roles.
  • Any groundwork candidate also interested in learning how to climb will be provided with training opportunities.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work.

#2 Climber (contract or part-time)

  • Either looking to hire someone with climbing experience to work part-time or on a contract basis. Experience handling larger removal projects desired, as is the ability to climb without spurs for non-removal work (pruning).
  • If part-time, you would be expected to also help out with groundwork, and there may be projects where another climber takes the lead or climbing isn’t necessary and you would be working on the ground for part of or all of that day’s job. Sometimes if we have multiple climbers on site we’ll switch off to give someone a break, or there may be opportunities for multiple climbers to be working depending on the nature of the job.
  • If working as a contract climber, you must be able to provide proof of your insurance.
  • For hourly candidates, pay starts at $30 / hr depending on experience, if you have any certifications, etc. And on days where a climber might be working on the ground you would still be paid the same rate as you are when climbing. Also to clarify, $30 / hr is only a baseline starting point and is not the maximum amount you could potentially earn.
  • Hours would be more part-time to start with the potential for additional hours later on if desired.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work.
  • For contract climbers, we can discuss terms and compensation.

*Additional info

We are a smaller but growing company that’s been in business for about 8 years specializing primarily in tree pruning, shrub maintenance, and hedge trimming. We also do some removal work, storm cleanup, and are considering branching out into more crane-assisted projects. Our primary service area includes towns throughout Hampden and Hampshire County.

We utilize Sena communications. If you don’t have a helmet equipped with Sena, we can provide you with one.

What I’m really looking for is someone who wants to be part of what we are doing, is passionate about customer service, and who conducts themselves in a safe and professional manner. With every job we do, we strive to go above and beyond and exceed our client’s’ expectations throughout all aspects of the project.

If interested or if you know of anyone who may be interested, please send me a message on here.

Thanks for your time.
 
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What's cost of living there? Those rates are especially not tempting without a material handler. Meant as helpful feedback.

I would say like everywhere else, the cost of living has gone up.

But from my personal experience having worked for another tree company and researching what others companies are offering, this would not be considered low ball. I know of companies that start their ground workers at less than $20 / hr and their climbers at around $20.

Also, majority of the work we do (right now) is pruning or smaller removals where we are talking about smaller branches, etc. That’s a lot different then doing huge removals on a daily basis without a material handler. Obviously sometimes there are larger limbs and stuff. We also will use some sort of hand trolley, etc. for heavier logs or as I said if I think it would be helpful I will rent a mini.

And I am at some point looking at getting a machine. Cleanup is also not a “one man job” I myself also pitch in, move brush, etc.

These rates are only a starting point, not necessarily a done deal forever. Naturally as time goes on and if someone was a good fit I would be re-considering their pay.

So let me ask, what rates would you think would be more appealing or appropriate?
 
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I’m definitely not trying to just do what other companies might be doing or just offer the bare minimum. I realize tree work is hard work.

So I welcome all the feedback you may have.

Not only did I look at some job ads online I also looked at some of what others have posted on here. In my opinion I thought my rates were bordering on average for a starting point, maybe slightly above average in some areas.
 
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We are in coastal Maine, costs have skyrocketed for property. Lawn mowing is $20+/hr, Target jobs similar, I was $18/hr over 10yrs ago doing treework. Local decent company I've heard $30-35 starting for climber, larger line clearance company $25ish for foreman with full benefits. With or without solid benefits, 401k match, dental etc adds into the spread. Small outfit looking for reliable and loyal help, closer to $25 ground $30 climb. If part time it needs to be tempting enough to keep them around too. My 2 cents and always bump rates if needed as everything creeps up.
Edit: part of the equation, and my bluntness, is the wild divide between laboring working class and those that fuel the divide making our small bumps in wage inconsequential for buying power. House prices in my county have doubled in less than a decade and wages have sure as shit not. Same equipment I bought 5 yrs ago has increased 8%/yr, we are made to pay more for iron and insurance overhead but human inputs are not seeing the same boost. Rant paused and apologies for your thread, you have posted great work over the years and I would bet you are a stellar person to work for.
 
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We are in coastal Maine, costs have skyrocketed for property. Lawn mowing is $20+/hr, Target jobs similar, I was $18/hr over 10yrs ago doing treework. Local decent company I've heard $30-35 starting for climber, larger line clearance company $25ish for foreman with full benefits. With or without solid benefits, 401k match, dental etc adds into the spread. Small outfit looking for reliable and loyal help, closer to $25 ground $30 climb. If part time it needs to be tempting enough to keep them around too. My 2 cents and always bump rates if needed as everything creeps up.
Edit: part of the equation, and my bluntness, is the wild divide between laboring working class and those that fuel the divide making our small bumps in wage inconsequential for buying power. House prices in my county have doubled in less than a decade and wages have sure as shit not. Same equipment I bought 5 yrs ago has increased 8%/yr, we are made to pay more for iron and insurance overhead but human inputs are not seeing the same boost. Rant paused and apologies for your thread, you have posted great work over the years and I would bet you are a stellar person to work for.

I get what you’re saying. Most of us are probably feeling the effects of the cost of living going up one way or the other. And as an employer, I certainly would want to be on the end of trying to do right by an employee as opposed to the opposite.
 

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