Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service•Grand Forks, ND

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 job-site work as directed by the General Foreperson. The Crew Leader also performs tree trimming, removal, and herbicide work, maintains customer relations and production records, inspects and maintains vehicles and equipment, and helps coordinate crew responses to emergencies and natural disasters. The position works around hazardous equipment and near energized power lines, and may require extensive travel, long hours, overtime, and emergency call-outs.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience 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 communicate effectively with the public, customers, and employees.
Knowledge of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300.
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 near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other equipment parts.
Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
Ability to represent Wright Tree Service professionally and read, write, and understand written and verbal job 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 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 stated physical demands, including climbing, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering materials.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
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.
Experience driving a vehicle with an attached chipper or other trailing unit.
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

Coach crew members on company policies, procedures, approved work methods, safety practices, and OSHA requirements; assist with safety training and pre-job briefings.
Assign crew tasks and help prioritize work according to company policies, customer requirements, and direction from the General Foreperson.
Apply herbicides using applicable equipment and maintain application records.
Obtain property-owner permission for tree work and herbicide application; coordinate site access and explain work and potential interruptions to customers or property owners.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment and ground tools, including working near energized power lines.
Inspect work areas before starting work to identify potential hazards.
Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs that are not suited for wood chipping.
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.
Interpret maps, work orders, drawings, and symbols related to tree work, electrical lines, voltages, and line equipment; assist the General Foreperson with assigning daily work orders.
Set up signs, barriers, flags, hand signals, traffic direction, and other traffic-control devices to protect workers and the public; cooperate with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel.
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.
Assist with coordinating crew responses during emergencies or natural disasters, including determining appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and perform tree work.
Support and participate in Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture, and comply with applicable laws and company policies.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.