Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Grand Forks, ND

About The Position

The Crew Leader supports and coaches the crew to achieve production goals, identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and allocates and prioritizes job-site tasks as directed by the General Foreperson. The role leads daily tree-trimming, removal, and herbicide work while maintaining safety, customer relations, production records, and tools and equipment. Work may involve hazardous equipment, energized power lines, emergency response, and travel outside the regular work location. Extensive travel is indicated (greater than 50%).

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience working on tree-trimming or tree-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 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 and professionally 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, properly use insulated tools near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
Ability to read, write, and understand written and verbal job instructions and information.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate precautions.
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 work independently or as part of a group.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and to respond to call-outs.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required.
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 law.
Keep informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Coach crew members on company policies, procedures, safe work practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Assist with safety training, pre-job briefings, crew assignments, and coaching in accordance with company and customer requirements.
Use herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush and maintain application records.
Obtain property-owner permission for tree work and herbicide application; coordinate access and explain work and potential interruptions to customers or property owners.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment or ground-based tools, including work near energized power lines and hazardous equipment.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify hazards.
Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs not suited for chipping, and repair minor property damage caused at job sites.
Escalate issues to the General Foreperson in a timely manner.
Promote good customer and public relations through effective work and appropriate crew conduct.
Maintain production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, work units, crew hours and assignments, and cost information.
Obtain and interpret maps and work orders; understand drawings and symbols for power lines, voltages, and line equipment; assist the General Foreperson with assigning daily work.
Set up warning signs, barriers, and flags; relay hand signals, direct traffic, and use traffic-control devices 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 keep the work area orderly.
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 as needed; help coordinate crew response and determine steps to address hazards and trim or remove trees.
Support Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture and 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.
During emergencies, work long hours and overtime, including weekends and holidays, and be available for call-out work.