Crew Leader - Travel Crew

Wright Tree Service•Omaha, NE

About The Position

The Crew Leader provides support and coaching to the crew to achieve production goals. The role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and allocates and prioritizes work at the job site as directed by the General Foreperson. The position involves tree trimming, removal and felling; herbicide application; work near energized power lines; customer and property-owner communication; traffic control; recordkeeping; and inspection and routine maintenance of company vehicles, equipment and tools. The Crew Leader also supports the crew’s response to emergencies and natural disasters, which may require travel outside the regular work location and extended duty. Travel is extensive (greater than 50%) for travel crews operating in Kansas City, MO/KS, Fridley, MN, and Omaha, NE. The role is non-exempt. 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 ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Excellent leadership skills; 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.
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, follow instructions accurately, and communicate professionally on behalf of Wright Tree Service.
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.
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 operate and service required tools and equipment and work independently or as part of a group.
Ability to read, write and speak English.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, walking and working outdoors on rugged terrain.

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, maintained as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable local, state and federal laws.
Keeping 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 and pre-job briefings, assign crew tasks and coach employees in line with 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 access with customers or property owners, explain the work and advise them of potential interruptions.
Trim, remove and fell trees using climbing equipment and ground tools, including powered trimmer lift trucks, safety belts, climbing lines, ladders, hand saws, ground saws and pruners.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify hazards and work safely around hazardous equipment and energized power lines.
Load manageable limbs and logs that are not suited for chipping onto vehicles and equipment.
Repair minor property damage caused at job sites and promptly escalate other situations to the General Foreperson.
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, assignment distribution and cost control.
Obtain and interpret work maps from the General Foreperson or utility; understand drawings and symbols for power-line types, voltages and equipment, and assist with assigning daily work orders.
Set up warning signs, barriers and flags; relay hand signals, direct traffic and use other traffic-control devices to protect workers and the public; coordinate with property owners, customers and emergency personnel when access must be blocked.
Stage and clean up tools and equipment and keep the work area neat and orderly.
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, help contact and coordinate the crew’s response and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees at the site; remain on duty and travel as required.
Support and actively 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.