Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Austin, TX

13d

About The Position

The Crew Leader supports and coaches a tree-trimming or clearing crew to achieve production goals. The role identifies safety hazards, promotes compliance with company and industry requirements, and allocates and prioritizes work on the job site as directed by the General Foreperson. The Crew Leader performs and coordinates tree trimming, removal, and herbicide application work, including work near energized power lines, and supports safe, effective interactions with customers, property owners, the public, and emergency personnel. The position also involves keeping production and application records, interpreting work maps and circuit information, maintaining traffic control and orderly job sites, and inspecting and maintaining vehicles, tools, and equipment. During emergencies or natural disasters, the Crew Leader may be called to work extended hours, travel outside the regular work location, and coordinate crew response. Extensive travel is indicated. The work routinely takes place indoors and outdoors, often on rugged terrain and in varied weather, with exposure to electrical, mechanical, chemical, height, noise, and other job-site hazards.

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 ability to handle stressful situations and multitask.
Knowledge of trees, identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Excellent customer-service and communication skills, including the ability to build rapport, listen, ask questions, and communicate effectively with the public, customers, and employees.
Knowledge and understanding of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300.
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 equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
Ability to communicate professionally and represent Wright Tree Service.
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.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and entering and exiting 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.
Keeping informed about new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Support and coach crew members to meet production goals; allocate and prioritize work as directed by the General Foreperson.
Follow and coach employees on company policies, approved work methods, on-the-job safety practices, customer requirements, and OSHA regulations.
Assist with safety training and pre-job briefings, assign crew tasks, and provide coaching.
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 planned work, and advise of potential interruptions.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment and ground-based tools, including work near energized power lines.
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 issues to the General Foreperson 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 controls.
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, flags, and other traffic-control devices; relay hand signals and direct traffic to protect employees 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 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 as needed, help coordinate crew response, and determine appropriate steps to address hazards and perform tree work onsite.
Support and act in accordance with Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture.
Comply with applicable laws and regulations and company policies and procedures; maintain regular, punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.