Crew Leader - Travel Crew

Wright Tree Service•Fridley, MN

10d

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 work at the job site as directed by the General Foreperson. The Crew Leader performs and oversees tree trimming, removal, and herbicide application work, often near energized power lines, and supports safe, efficient, customer-focused work by the crew. This position includes extensive travel (greater than 50%) and may require travel outside the regular work location during emergencies or natural disasters. The employee may be required to remain on duty during these events and work long hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays, and may be subject to call-out work. The role involves outdoor work on rugged terrain and routine exposure to varied weather, heights, electrical current, moving equipment, noise, vibration, chemicals, and other environmental hazards. Physical activities include bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and frequent entry into and exit from vehicles and equipment. The position may require exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and lifting or maneuvering objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently. The role requires at least three years of experience on tree-trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required. Current First Aid and CPR cards are required, or must be obtained within 90 days of hire. The posted hourly wage is $35.46–$36.31. Benefits include union benefits and pay, growth opportunities, on-the-job training, potential overtime, and weekly pay.

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 tree identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Excellent customer-service and communication skills; 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 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, 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; communicate professionally on behalf of Wright Tree Service; and read, write, and understand written and verbal job 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 weekends, holidays, 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 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 meet the stated physical demands, including climbing and lifting or maneuvering objects as described in the posting.
English reading, writing, and speaking ability.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, as required by the division and utility or contract, 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 and support the crew in meeting production goals.
Follow and coach employees 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 trimming or removal and herbicide application; coordinate site access, explain planned work, and advise customers of potential interruptions.
Trim, remove, and fell trees using climbing equipment and ground tools, including work near energized power lines and hazardous equipment.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify hazards.
Load manageable limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping; repair minor property damage caused at the work site.
Escalate situations to the General Foreperson promptly when necessary.
Promote positive customer and public relations through effective work and appropriate crew conduct.
Maintain 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 traffic-control devices; relay hand signals and direct traffic to protect workers 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, help coordinate the crew’s response and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees.
Support and participate in 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 assigned vehicles and equipment.