General Foreperson

Wright Tree Service•Fridley, MN

19h

About The Position

The General Foreperson supports and coaches a line-clearance crew to meet production goals, identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and assigns and prioritizes job-site work as directed by the Project Manager. The position directly supervises crew members and oversees work assignments, performance, training, safety practices, and adherence to company, customer, industry, and regulatory requirements. It also coordinates with Human Resources on employee matters and maintains production records and cost controls. The General Foreperson interprets utility maps and circuit drawings, assigns daily work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical application, and maintains vehicles, equipment, and tools. The role works with internal departments on investigations and claims, communicates with customers, property owners, contractors, utility representatives, government agencies, and the public, and may help coordinate emergency or disaster response. Work involves hazardous equipment and close proximity to energized power lines, outdoor work on rugged terrain, and substantial travel. Emergency work may require call-outs, extended hours, weekends, holidays, and travel beyond the regular work location. The position requires leadership, tree-care and electrical safety knowledge, professional communication, and the ability to operate and service required tools and equipment. A minimum of 4–5 years of tree-trimming or line-clearance crew experience is required, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required. Valid First Aid and CPR cards are required, as is the ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate driver’s or commercial driver’s license and a DOT medical card.

Requirements

Minimum 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 and 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; 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, and represent Wright Tree Service professionally.
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 be subject to call-out work.
Knowledge of and training in tree and bucket rescue.
Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment and work independently or as part of a group.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
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 of force occasionally, 30 pounds frequently, or 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

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, including assigning work, applying union agreements, managing performance, and coaching employees.
Train and coach employees on company policies, approved work methods, job-site safety practices, and OSHA regulations.
Conduct safety training, stand-downs, and pre-job briefings; coordinate additional training initiatives with the Safety Education Training team.
Collaborate with Human Resources on hiring, discipline, separation, leave matters, policy enforcement, interviews, and employee relations issues.
Obtain and interpret utility maps and circuit drawings; assign daily work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical application.
Maintain crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, work units, man-hours, crew assignments, and locations.
Control costs through effective manpower use, work methods, trimming practices, and equipment operation.
Support accident investigations, property damage claims, truck breakdowns, and workers’ compensation claims; may serve as a designated representative for minor claims.
Inspect vehicles and equipment, perform routine maintenance, and request major repairs or replacements as needed.
Maintain knowledge of equipment specifications, standard practices, and operating procedures.
Communicate with customers, property owners, the public, contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies; promote positive customer and public relations.
During emergencies or natural disasters, coordinate crew response, identify steps to eliminate hazards, and oversee tree trimming or removal at the site.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Support Wright’s safety and employee-ownership culture, comply with applicable laws and company policies, and maintain regular, punctual attendance.