Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Custer, SD

About The Position

The Crew Leader provides support and coaching to a tree-trimming or clearing crew to achieve production goals. The role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and allocates and prioritizes job-site tasks as directed by the General Foreperson. The Crew Leader performs and oversees tree trimming, removal, felling, and herbicide application work, including tasks near energized power lines, while supporting safe and effective crew operations. The role also coordinates with customers and property owners, interprets work maps and orders, maintains production and application records, manages traffic controls and job-site setup and cleanup, and inspects and maintains vehicles, equipment, and tools. During emergencies or natural disasters, the Crew Leader may be called to work extended hours and travel outside the regular work location to help coordinate the crew’s response and address hazards. This position involves extensive travel and outdoor work on rugged terrain, with exposure to weather, heights, electrical current, moving equipment and vehicles, chemicals, noise, vibration, and other workplace hazards. Physical activities may include bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, and repetitive motions. The role may require exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and lifting, moving, or maneuvering objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and 30 pounds frequently. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required. Applicants need at least three years of experience on tree-trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments. Valid First Aid and CPR cards are required, or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience working on tree-trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or the ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Excellent leadership skills, ability to handle stressful situations, and ability to multitask.
Knowledge of trees, identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Strong customer-service and communication skills, including rapport-building, listening, questioning, and patience; ability to communicate effectively with the public, customers, and employees.
Knowledge and understanding 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, properly use insulated tools near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly, follow instructions accurately, and communicate and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions and information.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and to be subject to call-out work.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and repeatedly entering and exiting vehicles and equipment.
English reading, writing, and speaking ability.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
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 with an attached 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.
Keeps informed about new equipment and specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Coach crew members and support the crew in achieving production goals; allocate and prioritize work as directed by the General Foreperson.
Follow and coach employees on company policies, procedures, approved work methods, on-the-job safety practices, and OSHA regulations.
Assist with safety training, pre-job briefings, crew assignments, and coaching in accordance with company policies, procedures, and customer requirements.
Inspect work areas before starting work to identify potential hazards and determine appropriate safety measures.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment or ground tools, including work near energized power lines.
Use applicable herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush, maintain application records, and obtain property-owner permission for tree work and herbicide application.
Coordinate access to job sites with customers or property owners, explain the planned work, and advise them of potential interruptions.
Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs unsuitable for wood chipping, and repair minor property damage caused at the job site.
Escalate situations to the General Foreperson promptly when necessary.
Promote positive customer and public relations through effective work completion and appropriate crew conduct.
Maintain crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, work units, man-hours, crew assignments, and cost-control information.
Obtain and interpret maps and work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical application; understand drawings and symbols for power lines, voltages, and line equipment; assist with daily work-order assignments.
Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, and other traffic-control devices; relay hand signals and direct traffic to protect workers and the public.
Coordinate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when streets or driveways must be blocked.
Stage and clean up tools and equipment, and maintain a neat and orderly work area.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools, and report specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson.
During emergencies or natural disasters, be available for duty and travel outside the regular work location; help coordinate the crew 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 maintain regular, punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned, including vehicles with attached chippers or other trailing units when required.
Operate and service required tools and equipment; perform tree and bucket rescue when trained and needed.