Crew Leader - Travel Pod

Wright Tree Service•Stillwater, MN

About The Position

The Crew Leader supports and coaches a tree-trimming crew to meet production goals. Under the direction of the General Foreperson, the role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, assigns tasks, and prioritizes job-site work. The Crew Leader performs and oversees tree trimming, removal, and herbicide application work; coordinates with customers and property owners; and helps protect employees and the public around work zones and energized power lines. The role also maintains crew production records, inspects and maintains vehicles and equipment, and supports emergency and storm response. Extensive travel is required, and the role may involve long hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and call-outs 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 the ability to handle stressful situations and multitask.
Knowledge of tree identification, growth habits, and arboricultural methods for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Strong customer-service and communication skills, including the ability to build rapport, listen, ask questions, and communicate effectively with the public, customers, and employees.
Knowledge 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.
Ability to learn quickly, follow instructions accurately, and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
Ability to read, write, 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 and 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 bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, and repetitive motions; lifting and moving objects as described; visual tasks; and repeatedly entering and exiting vehicles and equipment.

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 towing a 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

Follow and coach employees on company policies, procedures, on-the-job safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Assist with safety training and pre-job briefings, assign crew duties, and coach crew members according to company policies, procedures, and customer requirements.
Use applicable herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush and maintain application records.
Obtain property-owner permission to trim or remove trees and apply herbicides.
Coordinate job-site access with customers and property owners, explain the work, and advise them of potential interruptions.
Trim, remove, or fell trees using climbing equipment and work on the ground with applicable saws, pruners, and other tools.
Inspect work areas before starting to identify potential hazards.
Load vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs that are not suitable for wood chipping.
Repair minor property damage caused at the job site and promptly escalate situations 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, production units, labor hours, crew assignments, and cost controls.
Obtain and interpret utility or General Foreperson maps and understand drawings and symbols representing power-line types, voltages, and equipment; assist 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 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, travel outside the regular work location as needed, help coordinate the crew 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 maintain regular, punctual attendance.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.