Groundman B

Job Title: Groundman Level B
Location: Puerto Rico (may include Vieques and Culebra)
Reports to: Crew Leader / Supervisor
Compensation Range: Insert $15–$18 hourly (depending on location, experience, skills, and qualifications)
 

About Ceres Caribe

Ceres Caribe was founded in Puerto Rico in 1998 after Hurricane Georges. It has since grown to be one of the largest employers by providing careers on the island. Ceres Caribe is recognized for its rapid disaster recovery including debris removal, demolition, and blue roofs. We perform resiliency services, including vegetation management and utility line clearing for the Puerto Rican power grid. Ceres Caribe is also nationally recognized for creating natural parks and an aviary center on the island. The company is expanding its efforts to assist in securing the power grid for the Island.

At Ceres Caribe, we believe you're more than just an employee; you're part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you'll fit right in. We don't just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

What We Are Looking For

The Groundman Level B is an entry-level field operations role supporting vegetation management, tree‑trimming operations, and traffic control. This role is essential to safe and efficient crew operations and works under direct supervision. Success in the first 12 months includes demonstrating safe equipment handling, learning chainsaw fundamentals, supporting climbers and crew members, understanding environmental compliance, and reliably executing traffic control procedures.

What You Will Do

• Learn and apply chainsaw fundamentals, cutting, staging, chipping, and mulching brush.
• Work under supervision to safely trim trees, chip brush, and move vegetative material.
• Learn job site awareness, environmental compliance, and minimum approach distance requirements for energized lines.
• Assist crew members with gear setup, equipment maintenance, and daily preparation.
• Support climbers with gear preparation, inspection, setup, and aerial work‑related tasks.
• Safely operate light equipment including chainsaws, weed eaters, pole trimmers, and blowers.
• Learn to safely operate chippers, vehicles, and aerial lifts/bucket trucks from the ground.
• Maintain basic knowledge of aerial climbing techniques used by tree workers.
• Learn all aspects of trailer hauling and towing.
• Maintain and implement safe work practices in accordance with industry standards and company policies.
• Perform traffic control duties including routing plans, flagging, safe stopping distances, and installation of Temporary Lane Closures.
• Observe and assist in installing traffic control devices and advance warning signs.
• Communicate with cutting crews to stop and restart traffic based on operational needs and time limits.
• Follow all safety procedures, report unsafe conditions, and use equipment properly.
• Maintain daily attendance and meet all performance goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Less than 6 months of experience performing physical labor.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to regularly lift 50 lbs or more.
• Ability to work outdoors year‑round in varying environments.
• Ability to work in, around, and among poisonous plants and noxious vegetation.
• Ability to receive direction, work in a team, and communicate effectively.
• Basic understanding of safety risks and safe work practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Commercial Driver’s License (Class A or B, Heavy 8).
• Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC).
• Prior experience with traffic control or flagging.

What to Expect

Groundman Level B employees can expect a physically demanding, safety‑critical field role supporting vegetation management and utility line clearing. Work is performed outdoors in hot, dusty, wet, or extreme weather conditions and may involve exposure to mechanical equipment, energized lines, and high‑noise environments. The role requires frequent lifting, bending, climbing, and movement across uneven terrain. Travel across Puerto Rico—including Vieques and Culebra—is expected. Daily work includes supporting climbers, operating equipment, assisting with debris removal, and performing traffic control during active cutting operations. Success requires reliability, teamwork, safe work habits, and the ability to learn quickly in a fast‑paced environment.

Physical Requirements and Environment

Ceres provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law.

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Specific vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Willingness to wear PPE including hard hat, protective eyewear, gloves, and steel‑toed boots.
• Ability to work in adverse weather, extreme heat, wet or humid conditions, high or precarious places, exposure to mechanical parts, dust, vibration, and loud noise levels.
• Commitment to following safety standards and protocols.

Why Join Ceres Caribe?

At Ceres Caribe, you won't just have a job, you'll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.

We offer:

• A collaborative, mission‑driven culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for communities.

Ceres Caribe is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

E‑Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.