Crew Leader - Travel Crew

Wright Tree Service•Omaha, NE

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Crew Leader supports and coaches a tree-trimming crew to meet production goals. The role identifies safety hazards, promotes compliance, and allocates and prioritizes job-site work as directed by the General Foreperson. The position involves tree trimming, removal and felling; herbicide application; work near energized power lines and hazardous equipment; communication with customers and property owners; crew recordkeeping; traffic and site safety; and inspection and routine maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and tools. The Crew Leader may be called to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and outside the regular work location during emergencies or natural disasters. Travel is required for travel crews serving Kansas City, MO/KS; Fridley, MN; and Omaha, NE, with travel described as extensive (greater than 50%).

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience working on tree-trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Excellent leadership skills and ability to handle stressful situations and multitask.
Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits, and arboricultural practices for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Excellent customer-service and communication skills, including rapport-building, listening, questioning, and patience; ability to communicate effectively with the public, customers, and employees.
Knowledge of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300 standards.
Ability to follow and teach company and industry safety requirements.
Knowledge of electrical circuits and ability to read and understand circuit maps.
Knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards, including 29 CFR 1910.269.
Ability to determine nominal voltage, use insulated tools properly near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately; communicate professionally and read, write, and understand written and verbal job instructions.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment and to work independently and as part of a group.
Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering materials and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment repeatedly.
Ability to work outdoors on rugged terrain and in variable weather and around noise, vibration, moving equipment and vehicles, electrical current, heights, chemicals, and other listed environmental exposures.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, depending on division and utility or contract requirements, and a DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
Ability to drive a vehicle towing a chipper or other trailing unit to, from, or within the work area.
Herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable local, state, and federal law.
Keep informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Coach crew members and support production goals; allocate and prioritize work as directed by the General Foreperson.
Follow and coach employees on company policies, approved work methods, job-site safety practices, and OSHA regulations.
Assist with safety training and pre-job briefings, assign crew tasks, and coach employees in accordance with company and customer requirements.
Apply herbicides to stumps and brush using applicable equipment, and maintain application records.
Obtain property-owner permission for tree work and herbicide application; coordinate site access with customers or property owners, explain planned work, and advise of potential interruptions.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment and work on the ground using applicable saws, pruners, and tools, including near energized power lines and hazardous equipment.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify potential hazards.
Load manageable limbs and logs that are not suited for wood chipping; repair minor job-site property damage.
Escalate situations to the General Foreperson promptly when necessary.
Promote good customer and public relations through effective work and appropriate crew conduct.
Maintain crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, work units, labor hours, crew assignments, and cost control information.
Obtain and interpret work maps and orders; understand drawings and symbols for power-line types, voltages, and equipment; assist the General Foreperson with daily work-order assignments.
Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, and traffic-control devices; relay hand signals and direct traffic to protect employees and the public.
Coordinate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
Stage and clean up tools and equipment and maintain a neat work area.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance, and report specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location as required; help coordinate the crew’s response and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture; comply with applicable laws and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Work extended hours and overtime during emergencies, including weekends, holidays, and storm work, and respond to call-outs as required.
Perform tree and bucket rescue when trained.