Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Crew Leader provides support and coaching to the crew to achieve production goals. The role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, allocates tasks, and prioritizes job-site work as directed by the General Foreperson. The Crew Leader performs and oversees tree trimming, removal, and herbicide application work, including work near energized power lines and hazardous equipment. The position also coordinates with customers and property owners, maintains crew production records, supports safe traffic control, and inspects and maintains vehicles, equipment, and tools. During emergencies or natural disasters, the Crew Leader may be required to remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the event. The role may coordinate the crew’s emergency response and determine steps needed to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees. Extensive travel is indicated. This position requires outdoor work on rugged terrain and exposure to varying weather, heights, electrical current, mechanical hazards, chemicals, noise, vibration, and other environmental conditions.

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 and the 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 and understanding 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, follow instructions accurately, communicate professionally, and read, write, and understand written and verbal job instructions and information.
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 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 to work independently and in 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 physical demands described, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering objects; the posting specifies lifting or maneuvering up to 50 pounds infrequently and up to 30 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally or up to 50 pounds frequently or constantly to move objects.
Ability to enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.

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, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable law.
Keep informed about new equipment and 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, pre-job briefings, crew assignments, and coaching in accordance with company and 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 site access and explain planned work and potential interruptions to customers or property owners.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment or ground-based tools, including work near energized power lines.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify hazards.
Load manageable limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping and repair minor property damage caused at the job site.
Escalate situations to the General Foreperson promptly when necessary.
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 control information.
Obtain and interpret work maps and understand drawings and symbols for power lines, voltages, and line equipment; assist the General Foreperson with assigning daily work orders.
Set up warning signs, barriers, flags, hand-signal relays, traffic direction, and other traffic-control devices; cooperate 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, support and coordinate crew response and determine steps needed to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees.
Support and act in accordance with 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 vehicles and equipment as assigned.