Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Crew Leader supports and coaches the crew to achieve production goals. Under the direction of the General Foreperson, the role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, assigns tasks, and prioritizes job-site work. The Crew Leader performs and oversees tree trimming, removal, and herbicide work, often near energized power lines, and helps coordinate ordinary and emergency crew operations. The position requires extensive travel, outdoor work in varied and rugged conditions, and the ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience on tree-trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Excellent leadership skills and the ability to handle stressful situations and multitask.
Knowledge of trees, growth habits, identification, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Strong customer-service and communication skills, including the 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 appropriately near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
Ability to represent Wright Tree Service professionally and to read, write, and understand written and verbal work instructions.
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 respond to call-outs.
Knowledge and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering equipment and objects.

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.
Herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable law.
Keeping informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Follow and coach employees on company policies, procedures, safe work practices, approved work methods, and OSHA requirements.
Assist with safety training and pre-job briefings, assign crew tasks, and coach employees according to company policies and customer requirements.
Use applicable herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush, and maintain application records.
Obtain property-owner permission for tree work and herbicide application; coordinate site access, explain the work, and advise of potential interruptions.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment and work on the ground with applicable saws, pruners, and other tools.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify potential hazards.
Load manageable limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping onto vehicles and equipment.
Repair minor property damage and promptly escalate matters requiring attention 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, crew assignments, and cost controls.
Obtain and interpret utility or General Foreperson maps and work orders; understand line drawings and symbols and assist with daily work-order assignments.
Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, and 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 keep the work area neat and 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 outside the regular work location as needed; help coordinate the crew response and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and perform tree work.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture.
Comply with applicable laws and regulations and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned.