General Foreperson

Wright Tree Service•Indianapolis, IN

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 work on the job site as directed by the Project Manager. The General Foreperson directly supervises crew employees, including assigning work, coaching and managing performance, and applying company policies and union agreements. The position trains employees in company procedures, approved work methods, job-site safety practices, and OSHA requirements; conducts safety training and pre-job briefings; and coordinates additional training as needed. It works with Human Resources on crew employment matters and maintains production records, interprets utility maps and work orders, and controls costs through effective use of labor, equipment, and work methods. The General Foreperson inspects and maintains vehicles, equipment, and tools; supports accident and property-damage investigations and other operational claims; and communicates with customers, property owners, the public, contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies. The role works near hazardous equipment and energized power lines, and may be required to travel and remain on duty during emergencies or natural disasters to coordinate crew response and address hazards. The position requires substantial travel (25% to 50%), outdoor work on rugged terrain, and exposure to varied weather and workplace hazards. It may involve long hours, overtime, call-outs, weekends, holidays, and storm work. Physical activities may include bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, and repeated entry into and exit from vehicles and equipment.

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.
Strong leadership skills and the 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.
Excellent customer-service and communication skills; ability to communicate professionally and effectively 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 electrical 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 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.
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 local, state, and federal law.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise line-clearance crew members, assign work, interpret and apply union agreements, and manage performance through coaching in accordance with company policies, procedures, and customer requirements.
Follow and train employees on company policies, procedures, on-the-job safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
Conduct safety training, stand-downs, and pre-job briefings; coordinate additional training with the Safety Education Training team.
Collaborate with Human Resources on hiring, discipline, separation of employment, leaves of absence, policy enforcement, and employee relations matters.
Obtain and interpret utility maps, work orders, drawings, and symbols; assign daily work for tree trimming, removals, and chemical application.
Maintain crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, work units, labor hours, assignments, and locations.
Control costs through effective use of manpower, work methods, trimming practices, and equipment.
Work with internal departments on accident investigations, property damage claims, truck breakdowns, and workers' compensation claims; represent the company in settling minor claims when designated.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools, and request major repairs or replacements when necessary.
Maintain knowledge of equipment specifications, standard practices, and operating procedures.
Communicate with customers, property owners, the public, contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies, promoting courteous customer and public relations.
Coordinate crew response to emergencies or natural disasters and determine appropriate steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees at the site.
Support and participate in Wright's safety and employee-ownership culture and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
Drive and operate vehicles and equipment as assigned.