General Foreperson

Wright Tree Service•Omaha, NE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The General Foreperson supports and coaches a line-clearance crew to achieve production goals. The role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and allocates and prioritizes job-site work as directed by the Project Manager. It directly supervises crew members and oversees work assignments, performance coaching, safety practices, work orders, production records, cost control, and equipment inspections and maintenance. The General Foreperson also coordinates with Human Resources and internal departments, communicates with customers and other stakeholders, and may help coordinate emergency response work. The position works around hazardous equipment and near energized power lines, and may require substantial travel and emergency call-outs.

Requirements

Minimum of 4–5 years’ experience 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; 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 rapport-building, listening, questioning, and patience; ability to 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 understand 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.
Ability to perform the physical activities described, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment frequently.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently, or 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Visual acuity sufficient for observing work, reading screens and printed material, inspecting small defects, and using measuring devices.
Ability to work in indoor and outdoor conditions, variable weather, rugged terrain, and environments with noise, vibration, moving equipment and vehicles, electrical current, heights, heat, chemicals, dust, odors, pests, and other listed hazards.

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 local, state, and federal law.

Responsibilities

Directly oversee and supervise line-clearance crew members, including assigning work, applying union agreements, managing performance, and coaching employees.
Follow and teach company policies, procedures, approved work methods, job-site safety practices, and OSHA regulations.
Conduct safety training, stand-downs, and pre-job briefings; coordinate additional training with the Safety Education Training team as needed.
Collaborate with Human Resources on hiring, discipline, separation, leaves of absence, policy enforcement, and employee relations matters.
Obtain and interpret utility maps and work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical applications; understand drawings and symbols for power lines, voltages, and line equipment; 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, work methods, appropriate trimming, and equipment operation.
Work with internal departments on accident investigations, property damage claims, truck breakdowns, and workers’ compensation claims; may act as a designated representative to settle minor claims.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance on company 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; promote good customer and public relations.
Work around hazardous equipment and in close proximity to energized power lines.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location as needed; help coordinate crew response and determine 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.
Supervise crew employees.