Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Chisago City, MN

4d•$35 - $36

About The Position

The Crew Leader supports and coaches 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 Crew Leader performs and coordinates tree trimming, removal, felling, and herbicide application work, often around hazardous equipment and energized power lines. The position includes extensive travel (greater than 50%) and may involve emergency call-outs and travel outside the regular work location during natural disasters. The Crew Leader coaches employees on company policies, safe work practices, approved methods, and applicable OSHA requirements; assists with safety training and pre-job briefings; assigns crew work; communicates with customers and property owners; and maintains production, application, and work records. The role also involves interpreting maps and circuit drawings, setting up traffic controls, inspecting and maintaining vehicles and equipment, and keeping the work area orderly. The position requires the ability to work independently and as part of a crew, work extended hours and overtime during emergencies, and maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience working on tree-trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Excellent leadership skills and the ability to manage 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 the ability to build rapport, listen, ask questions, communicate patiently, and communicate effectively with the public, customers, and employees.
Knowledge of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300 standards.
Ability to follow and educate others on 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 and follow instructions accurately.
Ability to communicate professionally and represent Wright Tree Service appropriately.
Ability to write, read, 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 respond to call-outs.
Knowledge of 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.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent; 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, maintained as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable law.
Keep informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Coach crew members and support them in achieving production goals while allocating and prioritizing work as directed by the General Foreperson.
Identify hazards, conduct pre-inspections of work areas, and ensure compliance with company safety practices, approved work methods, customer requirements, and OSHA regulations.
Assist with safety training and pre-job briefings, designate crew assignments, and coach employees on company policies and procedures.
Use herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush and maintain application records.
Obtain property-owner permission for tree work and herbicide application; coordinate job-site 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 powered lift trucks, safety belts, climbing lines, ladders, hand saws, ground saws, and pruners.
Load manageable limbs and logs onto vehicles and equipment when they are not suitable for wood chipping.
Repair minor property damage and promptly escalate situations to the General Foreperson 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 assignment distribution, and cost control.
Obtain and interpret work maps and circuit drawings, understand line types, voltages, and equipment symbols, and assist the General Foreperson with assigning daily work orders.
Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, and traffic-control devices; relay hand signals and direct traffic to protect workers and the public, cooperating with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when access must be blocked.
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, remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location as required; help coordinate crew response and determine steps to eliminate hazards and perform tree work safely.
Support and participate in 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.