General Foreperson

Wright Tree Service•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

The General Foreperson provides support and coaching to 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. The position directly oversees crew members, including assigning work, coaching and managing performance, and applying company policies, customer requirements, and union agreements. It also coordinates safety training and briefings and works with Human Resources on employee matters. The General Foreperson interprets utility maps and work orders, understands drawings and symbols for power lines and equipment, assigns daily work, and maintains production records. The role controls costs through effective use of labor, work methods, trimming practices, and equipment. It collaborates with internal departments on accident investigations, property damage claims, vehicle breakdowns, and workers’ compensation matters, and may represent the company in settling minor claims. The position inspects and maintains vehicles, equipment, and tools; communicates with customers, property owners, the public, contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies; and promotes positive customer and public relations. Work takes place around hazardous equipment and energized power lines. Emergency or disaster response may require call-outs, extended hours, holidays or weekends, and travel outside the regular work location. The role is subject to substantial travel (25%–50%) and includes outdoor work on rugged terrain with exposure to weather, electrical and mechanical hazards, heights, chemicals, noise, and other environmental conditions. The position requires leadership, customer-service and communication skills, knowledge of tree care and electrical-line clearance, and understanding of applicable ANSI and OSHA standards. Candidates need at least 4–5 years of experience on tree-trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required. Valid First Aid and CPR credentials are required, along with the ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate driver’s or commercial driver’s license and a DOT medical card.

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, 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 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 rapport-building, listening, questioning, patience, and professional communication 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, properly use insulated tools near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts from other electrical equipment parts.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
Ability to communicate professionally on behalf of Wright Tree Service and to read, write, and understand 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 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 and in a group.
Ability to perform physical activities including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions; exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently, or 10 pounds constantly; maintain the stated visual acuity; and enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
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, interpreting and applying union agreements, and managing performance through coaching in accordance with company policies, procedures, and customer requirements.
Follow, train, and coach employees on company policies, procedures, job-site 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, leave matters, and policy enforcement; understand the Form I-9 process and proper interviewing techniques, and use fair judgment in employee-relations matters.
Obtain and interpret utility maps and work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical applications; understand line drawings and symbols and assign daily work orders.
Maintain production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, work units, 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; act as a designated representative to settle minor claims when assigned.
Inspect vehicles and equipment; perform routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools; request major repairs or replacements when needed.
Maintain knowledge of new equipment specifications, standard practices, and operating procedures.
Communicate with customers, property owners, the general public, other contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies, and promote positive customer and public relations.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty and travel outside the regular work location as required; coordinate the crew response and determine appropriate 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 maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
Oversee crew employees.