Union Foreperson (Seattle, WA)

ARBORWORKS LLC•Olympia, WA

3h•$0 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

ARBORWORKS LLC IS A NATIONWIDE LEADER IN PROFESSIONAL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, SPECIALIZING IN UTILITY LINE CLEARANCE, FIRE REMEDIATION, AND LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS. ESTABLISHED IN 2003, WE HAVE BUILT A REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND SAFETY BY LEVERAGING ADVANCED MECHANIZED EQUIPMENT AND A SKILLED TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS. GUIDED BY A COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION, SAFETY, AND SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE, ARBORWORKS PRIDES ITSELF ON AN EXCEPTIONAL SAFETY CULTURE, RECOGNIZED THROUGH INDUSTRY-LEADING THIRD-PARTY RATINGS. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO GROW YOUR CAREER OR CONTRIBUTE YOUR EXPERTISE, ARBORWORKS OFFERS A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT WHERE TEAM MEMBERS ARE VALUED, AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH IS A PRIORITY. WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT CREATING SAFE COMMUNITIES AND DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN EVERY PROJECT. The Foreperson – Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) is a frontline leadership position responsible for directing daily field operations for a single vegetation management crew performing utility line clearance and related work. The role exists to ensure work is executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with utility requirements, regulatory standards, and ArborWorks operating procedures. As the primary on‑site leader, the Foreperson provides hands‑on direction, coordinates crew activities, and maintains accountability for safety performance, work quality, and daily production. The position serves as a critical link between field crews and management by translating work plans into consistent execution while supporting public safety, system reliability, and wildfire risk mitigation efforts.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of 12 months of utility line clearance or vegetation management experience.
Ability to lead and coordinate a field crew in a safety‑critical environment.
Working knowledge of utility vegetation management practices and equipment.
Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods.
Strong verbal communication skills for crew leadership and customer interaction.
Ability to follow work plans, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing field conditions.
Valid Driver’s License required
DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA‑5876), where applicable.
CPR and First Aid Certification (required within 90 days of hire).
Groundperson Training
Aerial Rescue Training
Tree Feller Training
Equipment operation proficiency certifications (as applicable)
Successful completion of the Foreperson assessment with a minimum score of 70%

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a lead, senior trimmer, or crew‑level leadership role preferred.
CDL preferred.
Applicator or Sprayer License (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire, where applicable).
Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Experience with climbing, bucket operations, and advanced rigging techniques.
Familiarity with traffic control and roadside right‑of‑way work.

Responsibilities

Lead and direct a single field crew performing utility vegetation management work.
Assign daily tasks, coordinate work activities, and monitor job progress throughout the workday.
Provide clear direction and on‑the‑job instruction to crew members.
Maintain accountability for crew conduct, attendance, and adherence to company expectations.
Lead by example to promote professionalism, teamwork, and a strong safety culture.
Perform vegetation management work as required, including tree trimming, climbing, rigging, and ground operations.
Operate chainsaws, chippers, and other equipment for clearing, bucking, and limbing activities.
Set up job sites, establish work zones, and coordinate traffic control when applicable.
Ensure proper handling, cleanup, and disposal of vegetation debris.
Participate in pre‑job planning, daily tailboards, and job briefings.
Enforce compliance with OSHA, ANSI Z133, utility requirements, and ArborWorks safety policies.
Conduct job‑site safety checks and address unsafe conditions or behaviors immediately.
Ensure crew members use and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Respond to incidents, near‑misses, or property damage events and report them per company procedures.
Reinforce corrective actions and safety expectations with crew members.
Perform routine inspections of vehicles, tools, and equipment prior to use.
Ensure equipment is operated safely and maintained in proper working condition.
Report equipment issues, maintenance needs, or damage promptly.
Maintain accountability for crew‑assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment.
Ensure completed work meets utility specifications, trim standards, and ArborWorks quality expectations.
Conduct post‑work inspections to confirm job completion and quality.
Complete required job documentation, including production reporting, timekeeping, and daily records.
Communicate professionally with customers, property owners, inspectors, and utility representatives on site.
Escalate customer concerns or operational issues to management as appropriate.