General Foreperson

Wright Tree Service•Omaha, NE

19h

About The Position

The General Foreperson provides support and coaching to a line-clearance crew to help 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 supervises crew members and supports safe, efficient tree trimming, removal, and related utility work near energized power lines. The General Foreperson coordinates work orders, interprets utility maps and circuit information, maintains production records, and controls costs through effective crew and equipment use. The role also conducts safety briefings and training, inspects and maintains vehicles and equipment, supports investigations and claims, and communicates with customers, property owners, the public, contractors, utility representatives, and government agencies. Emergency response may require call-outs, extended hours, and travel outside the regular work location.

Requirements

At least 4–5 years of experience on tree-trimming or tree-clearing crews, or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
Excellent leadership skills, ability to handle stressful situations, and ability to multitask.
Knowledge of trees, identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repair, maintenance, and removal near energized conductors.
Excellent customer-service and communication skills, including rapport-building, listening, questioning, and patience.
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 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 and to work independently and as part of a group.
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.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and entering and exiting vehicles and equipment multiple times per day.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects, and to meet the stated visual-acuity needs.

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, applying union agreements, managing performance, and providing coaching.
Follow, teach, and enforce company policies, approved work methods, customer requirements, OSHA regulations, and on-the-job safety practices.
Conduct safety training, stand-downs, and pre-job briefings, and coordinate additional training with the Safety Education Training team.
Collaborate with Human Resources on crew employment matters, including hiring, discipline, separation, leaves of absence, and policy enforcement.
Understand the Form I-9 process and proper interviewing techniques, and use fair and reasonable judgment in employee relations matters.
Obtain and interpret utility maps and work orders for tree trimming, removals, and chemical application.
Understand drawings and symbols for power-line types, voltages, and equipment, and assign daily work orders.
Maintain crew production records and reports, including timesheets, work orders, units of work, 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; serve as a designated representative to settle 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 promote positive customer and public relations.
During emergencies or natural disasters, remain on duty and travel as required, coordinate the crew’s 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 maintain regular, punctual attendance.
Drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment.