Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Frederick, MD

12d

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 performs and oversees tree trimming, removal, and herbicide application work near energized power lines, while coordinating with property owners, customers, and the public. The Crew Leader also maintains crew production records, inspects and maintains vehicles and equipment, and helps coordinate emergency response. The position involves extensive travel (greater than 50%), outdoor work on rugged terrain, and exposure to varied weather and job-site hazards. Emergency response may require extended hours, weekends, holidays, and travel outside the regular work location.

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; ability to handle stressful situations and multitask.
Knowledge of tree 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, 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; communicate professionally on behalf of Wright Tree Service; and 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 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.
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 stated physical demands, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motion, and frequent entry into and exit from vehicles and equipment.

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 local, state, and federal law.
Keeping informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Coach crew members on company policies, procedures, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA requirements.
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, maintain application records, and obtain property-owner permission for tree work or herbicide application.
Coordinate job-site access with customers or property owners, explain planned work, and advise them of potential interruptions.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment and ground tools, including work near energized power lines.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify potential hazards.
Load manageable limbs and logs onto vehicles or equipment when they are not suitable for wood chipping; repair minor property damage occurring at the job site.
Escalate situations to the General Foreperson promptly when necessary.
Promote positive 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 understand drawings and symbols for power-line types, voltages, and equipment; assist the General Foreperson with assigning daily work orders.
Set up warning signs, barriers, and flags; relay hand signals, direct traffic, and use traffic-control devices 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 an orderly work area.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance, and report specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson.
During emergencies or natural disasters, help coordinate the crew’s response and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees at the site.
Support Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location when required.