General Foreperson

Wright Tree Service•Lakeville, MN

About The Position

The General Foreperson provides support and coaching to a line clearance crew to help achieve production goals. The role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and allocates and prioritizes job-site work as directed by the Project Manager. The General Foreperson directly supervises crew members, oversees assignments and performance, and supports hiring and employee-relations processes in collaboration with Human Resources. The role interprets utility maps and work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical application; tracks crew production and related records; and controls costs through effective use of manpower, work methods, and equipment. It conducts safety briefings and training, vehicle and equipment inspections, and routine maintenance, and coordinates with internal departments on investigations, claims, breakdowns, and workers’ compensation matters. The Foreperson also communicates with customers, property owners, contractors, utility representatives, government agencies, and the public. This position works around hazardous equipment and energized power lines. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may need to remain on duty, travel away from the regular work location, and coordinate the crew’s response. Substantial travel is required (25%–50%). The work involves outdoor conditions and rugged terrain, exposure to weather and workplace hazards, and physical activities such as climbing, lifting, carrying, and repeated entry into and exit from vehicles and equipment.

Requirements

At least 4–5 years of experience working on tree trimming or 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, as applicable, and a DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
Excellent leadership skills; 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, including the ability to build rapport, listen, ask questions, and communicate professionally with the public, customers, and employees at all levels.
Knowledge and understanding of ANSI Z133.1 (current version) and ANSI A300.
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, use insulated tools properly near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other equipment parts.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
Ability to represent Wright Tree Service professionally and to read, write, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions and information.
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.

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 Wright Tree Service and applicable law.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise line clearance crew members, including assigning work, interpreting and applying union agreements, and managing performance through coaching.
Follow, teach, and coach employees on company policies, procedures, approved work methods, job-site safety practices, 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, leaves of absence, policy enforcement, and employee-relations matters.
Obtain and interpret utility maps, drawings, symbols, and work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical application; assign daily work orders.
Maintain crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, units of work, manhours, crew assignments, and locations.
Control costs through effective manpower use, work methods, appropriate trimming, and equipment operation.
Work with internal departments on accident investigations, property damage claims, truck breakdowns, and workers’ compensation claims; represent the company in resolving minor claims when designated.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance, and request major repairs or replacements as needed.
Maintain knowledge of new equipment specifications, standard practices, and operating procedures.
Maintain contact with customers, property owners, the public, contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies, promoting good customer and public relations.
Work safely around hazardous equipment and energized power lines.
During emergencies or natural disasters, coordinate the crew’s response and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees.
Support and act in accordance with 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.