Arborist Crew Leader

District of Columbia Public Schools; Commerce City (CO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid short-term disability

Paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Company vehicle or mileage reimburse

48 hours PTO

Job summary

DCPS Arborist Crew Leader is a hands-on leadership role responsible for leading daily tree care operations, including climbing, pruning, removals, rigging, and ground activities, while ensuring safety and productivity.

The position requires 3–5 years of professional tree care experience and proven crew leadership. Competitive hourly pay with health, dental, vision insurance, retirement benefits, and a company vehicle or mileage reimbursement are offered.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional tree care experience, including climbing, pruning, removals, and rigging.
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating tree care crews.
• Proficiency in advanced climbing techniques, aerial lift operations, and tree care equipment.
• Strong understanding of arboricultural standards, safe work practices, and proper pruning techniques.
• Ability to interpret work orders, manage crew productivity, and make sound decisions in changing jobsite conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in daily tree care operations, including climbing, pruning, removals, and rigging.
• Assign daily tasks, establish performance expectations, and provide hands-on training and mentorship to crew members.
• Perform and oversee technical tree care operations in accordance with applicable ANSI A300 standards and industry best practices.
• Evaluate tree conditions, jobsite hazards, and project requirements to develop safe and efficient work plans.
• Operate and supervise the use of chainsaws, aerial lifts, chippers, loaders, stump grinders, and other tree care equipment.
• Maintain crew accountability, professionalism, and adherence to company policies.
• Conduct daily job briefings, hazard assessments, and equipment inspections.
• Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA regulations, ANSI Z133 safety standards, and company safety procedures.
• Verify the proper use of personal protective equipment, climbing systems, rigging equipment, and machinery.
• Maintain appropriate work zones and safety precautions around utilities, pedestrians, traffic, and surrounding property.
• Identify and address unsafe conditions, exercise stop-work authority when necessary, and ensure crew readiness for emergency response and aerial rescue.
• Promptly report accidents, near misses, property damage, and equipment concerns to management.
• Review work orders, coordinate crew assignments, and ensure appropriate equipment and resources are available.
• Manage daily production to meet established schedules, labor-hour budgets, and quality standards without compromising safety.
• Monitor project progress, adjust work methods as needed, and communicate delays or scope changes to management.
• Maintain accurate records of crew hours, completed work, equipment usage, and jobsite notes using ArborGold or designated company systems.
• Oversee vehicle and equipment inspections, routine care, proper storage, and timely reporting of maintenance needs.
• Ensure jobsites are clean, organized, and properly inspected before project completion.
• Maintain professional communication with customers and management.
• Ensure assigned work meets project specifications and customer expectations.
• Protect customer property, landscaping, and surrounding infrastructure during operations.
• Communicate customer concerns, additional service requests, or proposed scope changes to the appropriate manager or Arborist Representative.
• Promote a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Skills

Tree care experience

Crew leadership

Climbing & rigging

Equipment operation

Driver's license

Education

ISA Certification (Arborist) preferred

CDL Class A/B preferred

Tools

ArborGold software

Job description

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Founded in 2011, DCPS is a one-stop provider of building services to commercial property managers and owners across Colorado and nationwide. In 2025, we provided services on over 1,100 commercial properties across our three divisions - Construction, Landscaping and Parking Lot Services.

DCPS has been awarded the “A Great Place To Work” designation for the past six years and is routinely recognized for quality by industry trade associations and our customers. In 2023, we were awarded the Denver Business Journal’s “Fast 50” recipient as the 8 th Fastest Growing Company in Colorado. As a result, we’re able to provide unparalleled opportunities for career growth to our employees.

Position Summary

The Arborist Crew Leader is responsible for leading daily tree care operations while actively participating in climbing, pruning, removals, rigging, and other arboricultural services. This hands‑on leadership position oversees crew safety, productivity, workmanship, equipment, and overall jobsite performance.

The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced technical skills, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to developing crew members while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to company standards.

Key Responsibilities

Crew Leadership & Operations

Lead and actively participate in daily tree care operations, including climbing, pruning, removals, rigging, and ground activities.

Assign daily tasks, establish performance expectations, and provide hands‑on training and mentorship to crew members.

Perform and oversee technical tree care operations in accordance with applicable ANSI A300 standards and industry best practices.

Evaluate tree conditions, jobsite hazards, and project requirements to develop safe and efficient work plans.

Operate and supervise the use of chainsaws, aerial lifts, chippers, loaders, stump grinders, and other tree care equipment.

Maintain crew accountability, professionalism, and adherence to company policies.

Safety & Risk Management

Conduct daily job briefings, hazard assessments, and equipment inspections.

Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA regulations, ANSI Z133 safety standards, and company safety procedures.

Verify the proper use of personal protective equipment, climbing systems, rigging equipment, and machinery.

Maintain appropriate work zones and safety precautions around utilities, pedestrians, traffic, and surrounding property.

Identify and address unsafe conditions, exercise stop‑work authority when necessary, and ensure crew readiness for emergency response and aerial rescue.

Promptly report accidents, near misses, property damage, and equipment concerns to management.

Production & Equipment Management

Review work orders, coordinate crew assignments, and ensure appropriate equipment and resources are available.

Manage daily production to meet established schedules, labor‑hour budgets, and quality standards without compromising safety.

Monitor project progress, adjust work methods as needed, and communicate delays or scope changes to management.

Maintain accurate records of crew hours, completed work, equipment usage, and jobsite notes using ArborGold or designated company systems.

Oversee vehicle and equipment inspections, routine care, proper storage, and timely reporting of maintenance needs.

Ensure jobsites are clean, organized, and properly inspected before project completion.

Customer Service & Communication

Maintain professional communication with customers, property managers, crew members, and management.

Ensure assigned work meets project specifications and customer expectations.

Protect customer property, landscaping, and surrounding infrastructure during operations.

Communicate customer concerns, additional service requests, or proposed scope changes to the appropriate manager or Arborist Representative.

Promote a positive, professional, and team‑oriented work environment.

Required Qualifications

3–5 years of professional tree care experience, including climbing, pruning, removals, and rigging.

Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating tree care crews.

Proficiency in advanced climbing techniques, aerial lift operations, technical rigging, and tree care equipment.

Strong understanding of arboricultural standards, safe work practices, and proper pruning techniques.

Ability to interpret work orders, manage crew productivity, and make sound decisions in changing jobsite conditions.

Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.

Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record for assigned driving duties.

Ability to safely perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Certified Tree Climber, or ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).

CDL Class A or B.

Five or more years of professional arboricultural experience.

Experience supervising commercial or residential tree care crews.

Familiarity with ArborGold or similar field management software.

Physical Requirements

Ability to climb trees and work at heights using approved climbing systems and aerial equipment.

Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with assistance or mechanical equipment used for heavier loads.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.

Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures, weather conditions, and terrain.

Ability to safely operate power equipment and perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation

Hourly Pay - $35.00 - $45.00 based on qualifications and experience.

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid short‑term disability

Paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Company vehicle or mileage reimbursement (position dependent)

48 hours PTO

DCPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.