General Foreperson

Wright Tree Service•Omaha, NE

About The Position

The General Foreperson supports and coaches a line-clearance crew to meet production goals. As directed by the Project Manager, the role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and allocates and prioritizes job-site work. The position directly supervises crew members, including assigning work, coaching and managing performance, and applying company policies and union agreements. The General Foreperson trains and coaches employees on safety practices, approved work methods, company procedures, and OSHA requirements; conducts safety training and pre-job briefings; and coordinates additional training as needed. The role works with Human Resources on hiring, discipline, separations, leaves, and employee relations matters. It interprets utility maps and electrical circuit drawings, assigns daily work orders, and maintains crew production records and reports. The position also helps control costs through effective staffing, work methods, trimming practices, and equipment use. The role coordinates with internal departments on accident investigations, property damage claims, vehicle breakdowns, and workers’ compensation claims. It inspects and maintains vehicles, equipment, and tools, and requests major repairs or replacements. The General Foreperson communicates with customers, property owners, the public, contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies, and may represent the company in settling minor claims. The position works around hazardous equipment and near energized power lines. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be required to remain on duty, travel outside the regular work location, and coordinate the crew’s response. The role may involve substantial travel, long hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and call-out work. It requires regular and punctual attendance and adherence to company policies and applicable laws.

Requirements

At least 4–5 years of experience working on tree-trimming or tree-clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Valid First Aid and CPR cards.
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.
Excellent leadership skills and ability to handle stressful situations and multitask.
Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
Strong customer service and communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with the public, customers, and employees at all levels.
Knowledge of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300 standards.
Ability to follow, teach, and enforce 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, properly use insulated tools near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend 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.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent; preferred but not required.
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 the company and applicable laws.

Responsibilities

Provide direct oversight and supervision of line-clearance crew members, including assigning work, managing performance, and coaching employees.
Apply union agreements and company policies, procedures, and customer requirements in crew management.
Train and coach employees on company policies, on-the-job safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Conduct safety training, stand-downs, and pre-job briefings, and coordinate additional training with the Safety Education Training team.
Collaborate with Human Resources on hiring, discipline, separation of employment, leaves of absence, and employee relations matters.
Obtain and interpret utility maps and electrical drawings; understand line types, voltages, equipment, and circuit symbols; and assign daily work orders.
Maintain crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, work units, manhours, crew assignments, and locations.
Control costs through effective use of manpower, appropriate work methods and trimming, and proper operation of equipment.
Support accident investigations, property damage claims, vehicle breakdowns, and workers’ compensation claims; may represent the company in settling minor claims.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance on vehicles, equipment, and tools, and request major repairs or replacements when needed.
Maintain knowledge of new equipment specifications, standard practices, and operating procedures.
Communicate with customers, property owners, the public, contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies, and promote good customer and public relations.
During emergencies, coordinate crew response and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Support and follow the company’s safety and employee-ownership culture, applicable laws, and company policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.