Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Fargo, ND

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 job-site work as directed by the General Foreperson. The Crew Leader performs and oversees tree trimming, removal, felling, and herbicide application work, including work near energized power lines, while promoting safe work practices and effective customer and public relations. The position includes coordinating crew assignments and job orders, maintaining production and application records, inspecting and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools, and keeping work areas orderly. The Crew Leader may be called on to respond to emergencies or natural disasters, including travel outside the regular work location and extended hours. The role requires extensive travel (greater than 50%) and may involve overtime, weekends, holidays, and call-out work during emergencies.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience 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.
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 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 near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately; communicate professionally and read, write, and comprehend written and verbal work instructions.
Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take appropriate safeguards.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays, weekends, and storm work, and be subject to call-out work.
Knowledge and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment, and work independently as well as in a group.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
English reading, writing, and speaking ability.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting and maneuvering items and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment repeatedly; ability to work in the described outdoor and hazardous environmental conditions.

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.
Herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable local, state, and federal law.

Responsibilities

Support and coach crew members to achieve production goals; identify safety hazards and prioritize and allocate job-site work as directed by the General Foreperson.
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 provide coaching in accordance with company policies, procedures, 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, advise of potential interruptions, and explain the work to be done.
Perform tree trimming, removal, and felling using climbing equipment or ground tools, including work near energized power lines.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify potential hazards.
Load vehicles and equipment with manageable-size limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Repair minor property damage at job sites and promptly escalate other situations to the General Foreperson.
Promote good customer and public relations through effective work completion and appropriate crew conduct.
Maintain crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, units of work, manhours, crew assignments, and cost control information.
Obtain and interpret maps and work orders; understand line and equipment drawings and symbols, and assist the General Foreperson with assigning daily work orders.
Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, and other traffic-control devices; relay hand signals and direct traffic to protect employees 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 a neat, orderly work area.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance, and report specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson.
During emergencies or natural disasters, coordinate crew response, travel as required, and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees.
Support and act in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership; 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; may drive vehicles towing a chipper or other trailing unit.
Maintain knowledge of new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.