General Foreperson

Wright Tree Service•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The General Foreperson supports and coaches a line clearance crew to meet production goals, identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and allocates and prioritizes job-site work as directed by the Project Manager. The role directly supervises crew members, including work assignments, performance management, coaching, and application of union agreements and company policies. It provides safety training and pre-job briefings, coordinates additional training, and works with Human Resources on employee matters. The General Foreperson interprets utility maps and work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical applications; understands drawings and symbols for power lines, voltages, and line equipment; and assigns daily work. The role maintains production records, manages costs and crew resources, supports investigations and claims, inspects and maintains vehicles, equipment, and tools, and requests major repairs or replacements as needed. It also maintains contact with customers, property owners, contractors, utility representatives, government agencies, and the public, and promotes good customer relations. The position works around hazardous equipment and near energized power lines. During emergencies or natural disasters, the employee may be called to duty and travel outside the regular work location, including to coordinate crew response and identify steps to eliminate hazards and trim or remove trees. The role requires substantial travel, outdoor work in varied weather and rugged terrain, and the ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including weekends and holidays. The General Foreperson operates assigned vehicles and equipment and supervises crew employees.

Requirements

At least 4–5 years of 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 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 the 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 comply with, 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 write, read, 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 weekends, holidays, 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 and work independently or as part of a group.
Ability to communicate in English by reading, writing, and speaking.

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

Provide direct supervision of line clearance crew members, including assigning work, applying union agreements, and managing and coaching performance.
Follow, teach, and reinforce company policies, 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, employee relations, and policy enforcement.
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 crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, units of work, manhours, assignments, and locations.
Control costs through effective use of manpower, appropriate work methods and trimming, and equipment operation.
Work with internal departments on accident investigations, property damage claims, truck breakdowns, and workers’ compensation claims; serve as a designated representative for minor claims when applicable.
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, and maintain courteous customer and public relations.
Coordinate crew response during emergencies or natural disasters 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, punctual attendance.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment and supervise crew employees.