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Power Line Tree Trimming Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Experience- Typically five or more years in utility tree trimming, private tree trimming, arborist ... Join us today and power your potential! Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a ...

Climber III (41/III)

Tualatin, OR

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Perform advanced tree care operations such as pruning and limb removal on the ground and in small ... Advanced skills in the safe operation of powered equipment such as chippers, trucks, and blowers

Climber III (41/III)

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Perform advanced tree care operations such as pruning and limb removal on the ground and in small ... Advanced skills in the safe operation of powered equipment such as chippers, trucks, and blowers

Climber II (41/II)

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Perform intermediate tree care operations such as pruning and limb removal on the ground and in ... Intermediate skills in the safe operation of powered equipment such as chippers, trucks, and ...

Climber II (41/II)

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Perform intermediate tree care operations such as pruning and limb removal on the ground and in ... Intermediate skills in the safe operation of powered equipment such as chippers, trucks, and ...

Prune and trim trees using precision hand tools and power equipment. Tend to newly planted trees ... Clean up debris and waste generated during tree care activities. Ensure the work site is left clean ...

Landscape Laborer (LSCAPE/LSC1)

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

... powered blower * Prune shrubs and low trees as needed to improve the shape or growth habit, or to remove damaged branches * Plant and maintain flower beds * Operate the edger and line trimmer along ...

Production Home Assembler

Woodburn, OR

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

... line environment. Essential Duties and responsibilities: * Operate various hand tools, power tools ... Cabinet and or finish carpentry and trim, build and installation * Installation of siding, windows ...

Production Home Assembler

Woodburn, OR

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

... line environment. Essential Duties and responsibilities: * Operate various hand tools, power tools ... Cabinet and or finish carpentry and trim, build and installation * Installation of siding, windows ...

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Power Line Tree Trimming information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$19

$27

How much do power line tree trimming jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for power line tree trimming in Portland, OR is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is power line tree trimming?

Power line tree trimming is the process of cutting and removing branches, limbs, or trees that are too close to electrical power lines. This work is necessary to prevent outages, fires, and electrical hazards caused by trees coming into contact with live wires. Specialized crews use equipment and follow safety protocols to trim trees while maintaining the health of the tree and ensuring reliable electricity. Utility companies often schedule regular trimming to maintain clearances and comply with regulations. Proper tree trimming helps protect both public safety and the power infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power line tree trimmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Line Tree Trimmer, you need knowledge of tree biology, safe trimming techniques, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with chainsaws, aerial lifts, climbing gear, and electrical hazard awareness certifications are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities help ensure safety, prevent power outages, and promote efficient, hazard-free work around electrical infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by power line tree trimming professionals, and how are they addressed on the job?

Power Line Tree Trimming professionals often encounter challenges such as working in close proximity to high-voltage power lines, navigating varying weather conditions, and managing large, potentially hazardous equipment. To address these, teams follow strict safety protocols, receive specialized training in electrical hazard awareness, and use insulated tools and protective gear. Regular communication and coordination with utility crews are also essential to ensure safe and efficient operations, minimizing risks and service interruptions.

What is the difference between Power Line Tree Trimming vs Power Line Maintenance Worker?

AspectPower Line Tree TrimmingPower Line Maintenance Worker
CertificationsClimbing certification, OSHA safety trainingClimbing certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, near power lines, in treesOutdoor, near power lines, on poles and equipment
Job FocusPruning and removing trees near power linesInspecting, repairing, and maintaining power lines and equipment

Power Line Tree Trimming and Power Line Maintenance Worker roles both require climbing skills and safety certifications. Tree trimming focuses on managing vegetation around power lines, while maintenance workers handle the repair and upkeep of the electrical infrastructure. Both jobs are essential for reliable power delivery and involve outdoor work near energized lines.

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Power Line Tree Trimming jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Power Line Tree Trimming job openings:

Infographic showing various Power Line Tree Trimming job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,164 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Portland General Electric rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven't stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We're always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.
Forester
Job Function:
Forestry: Manage vegetation in proximity to electrical facilities to promote resiliency of transmission services.
Key Job Information:
Job Title/Code: Forester/6275
Grade/Exemption: Grade 7/EX
Career Level: P3- Individuals at this level requires in-depth knowledge and experience. They use best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services. They solve complex problems, taking a new perspective using existing solutions. They work independently, receiving minimal guidance. They act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Scoping-
  • Performs safety and contractor performance audits (Quality Assurance/Quality Control)
  • Conducts scoping
  • Work layout(s)
  • Notifies customers and all stakeholders of impending work and helps to manage and review work processes.
  • Analyzes risks and prioritizes jobs according to urgency and location.

Scheduling-
  • Plan and coordinate vegetation clearance activities.
  • Prioritizes work in accordance with the company and department strategy.
  • Schedule contracting vegetation crews.
  • Schedules work assignments and contract crews based on manager/supervisor priorities.
  • Helps to organize and maintain tasks and the ability to track progress throughout multiple projects.

Vendor Management-
  • Ensures contract crew performance meets PGE standards and specifications.
  • Continually analyzes and monitors crew productivity to ensure PGE is receiving benefits for vegetation clearance expenditures relative to statement of work.
  • Reviews and corrects as needed tree pruning practices to ensure conformance to PGE's vegetation clearance policy.
  • Adapts tree pruning practices as needed to optimize resource use.

Consultation-
  • Advises region engineering with capital job vegetation clearance needs and problems.
  • Represents PGE's Forestry department to contractors impacted by/impacting company operations.
  • Serves as subject matter expert on projects.
  • Proactively analyzes issues and resolves complex problems in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Works with PGE transmission forester to coordinate herbicide applications in assigned area.

Coordination-
  • Coordinates vegetation clearance with line restoration crews during emergency periods.
  • Collaborates with regional line operations to determine and schedule maintenance and construction vegetation clearance needs.
  • Coordinates vegetation clearance and selective herbicide applications with city, county and state agencies.

Compliance-
  • Reviews new standards, regulations and agreements and analyzes work processes to ensure compliance.
  • Adapts work direction as needed to meet changing standards.

Education/Experience/Certifications:
Education-
Requires a bachelor's degree in earth science, horticulture, geology, forestry, natural resources or similar field or equivalent experience.
Experience-
Typically five or more years in utility tree trimming, private tree trimming, arborist work, nursery work or related field including vendor management and project management.
Certifications, Licenses and Training-
Valid driver's license and ISA Arborist Certification required. ISA Utility Specialist credential and Valid Oregon State Pesticide Consultant license preferred and required within six months of obtaining position. ISA TRAQ preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Expert knowledge of utility forestry processes and procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of forestry best practices and procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of proper arboriculture pruning practices and herbicide/pesticide applications.
  • Intermediate Knowledge of Pacific Northwest vegetation species, growth rates, insects/disease problems, and failure risk potentials.
  • Thorough knowledge of regulations impacting vegetation management
  • Thorough knowledge of vendor management principles
  • Intermediate skills in critical thinking, including analysis and problem solving
  • Working skills in using database and documentation tools
  • Intermediate decision-making skills
  • Working skills in critical thinking, including analysis, problem solving and prioritization
  • Intermediate Interpersonal Skills
  • Intermediate written and oral communication skills
  • Intermediate presentation skills
  • Intermediate organizational awareness

Physical and Cognitive Demands:
  • Cognitive Level Substantial: Consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions (for example, engineer, HR director, plant manager, etc.).
  • Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines, and time-sensitive tasks
  • Ability to follow accuracy standards
  • Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks
  • Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment
  • Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress
  • Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change
  • Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback
  • Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement
  • Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks
  • Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, supervisors, managers and others within the organization
  • Demonstrates sound memory
  • Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks

Schedule/Attendance:
  • Ability to work long hours
  • Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance
  • Ability to work shift schedule
  • Must be able to serve on call at all times

Physical Capabilities
  • This position requires a valid driver's license and a history of safe driving practices.
  • Daily Driving/travel/commute within the service territory
  • Occasional Overnight inside/outside the service territory
  • Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)
  • Lifting/pushing/pulling/carrying up to 50 lb
  • Walking on unstable surfaces requiring balance
  • Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)
  • Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
  • Stairs (over 10 steps)

Environment - Indoor/Outdoor: Office, Field
Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.
PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.
Join us today and power your potential!
Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.
PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Recruiter associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting talentacquisition@pgn.com or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process.
To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date. Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.

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