Crew Lead - Tree Climber

SavATree; Mequon (WI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(K) Savings Plan

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

SavATree in Mequon, Wisconsin, is looking for a Crew Lead to join our General Tree Care Team. In this role, the candidate will lead a team in providing top-notch tree care, ensure safety standards, and utilize specialized equipment for climbing and pruning tasks.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of tree species, safety practices, and demonstrate excellent teamwork skills while enjoying working outdoors. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered, including a sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Experience with large shade trees and ornamental pruning.
• Ability to identify tree species and their characteristics.
• Knowledge of tree care safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality tree care and maintain client landscapes.
• Work collaboratively on a General Tree Care crew.
• Operate equipment safely for pruning and removals.

Skills

Proper pruning practices

Climbing without spurs

Chainsaw operation

Aerial lifts operation

Job description

About SavATree

Looking for a place where you can thrive? SavATree’s mission is to take our passion for nature and keep this country’s outdoors beautiful and flourishing. Through our comprehensive tree, shrub, and lawn care we work hard to make sure our discerning customers have attractive, healthy and cared‑for green spaces to enjoy. Over the last thirty years, we have opened new offices across the country, and we are looking for people who want to grow with us.

Role Overview

The General Tree Care Team is the muscle of our operation. These industrial athletes work together to provide high‑quality tree care, helping to maintain and preserve the overall health of our clients’ landscapes. In this role, team members have the opportunity to work outside and visit beautiful properties in their community. The Tree Care team applies expertise in climbing, pruning, and safety to ensure the health and well‑being of each client’s landscape.

The Crew Lead

The Crew Lead position is an additional level of specialty for select individuals who have demonstrated leadership qualities and received approval from the local branch management to provide direction in a work crew setting. Specific knowledge includes the TCIA Crew Leader Training Program, Crew Safety, Personal Safety, Hazard of Inexperience, and the ability to check off levels equal and below.

What a Day Is Like

Daily focus is working together on a General Tree Care crew to provide high‑quality tree care to our clients. The Tree Care Team is involved in all aspects of pruning, removals, cable bracing and other concepts related to tree care. Team members are able to safely operate all equipment and perform the assigned job tasks while also providing excellent service to our clients.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with proper pruning practices including large shade trees and ornamentals
• Ability to identify native and introduced tree and shrub species and have a working knowledge of each species’ characteristics
• Ability to climb without spurs
• Experience with tree care safety standards
• Practical knowledge of chainsaw and equipment operation
• Experience with aerial lifts (bucket truck)
• Demonstrate additional competencies in all areas of knowledge for designated skill level.
• Communicate advanced understanding of all safety policies and procedures, including hazard tree identification.
• Utilize specialized equipment properly for climbing (ropes, saddle, ladders) along with all associated tools.
• Apply knowledge of branch collars and proper pruning cuts with total competence on chainsaw operations in small to medium difficulty (40‑50’) trees.
• Employ ANSI A300 Pruning Standards and Terminology and ANSI Z safety.
• Demonstrate knowledge of different tree species and different techniques necessary for climbing each tree including Oaks, Maples, Dogwoods, Apples (Crab vs. Regular), Hemlocks, Pines and Spruce.
• Complete work exhibiting ability to raise a ladder, throw a rope, and safe techniques to climb into a tree.
• Set up safely with proper placement of lowering lines in a strong enough crotch, know when to attach a tag line, and engage proper lowering techniques.
• Know when to double crotch and use other appropriate techniques when working in trees.
• Able to drop trees, know when to use ropes for take down and identify potential need to use spikes.
• Perform aerial rescue if needed.

Essential Requirements

• The desire to work outdoors
• Valid U.S. driver's license to operate company vehicles, CDL a plus
• Must be authorized to work lawfully in the U.S.

Benefits and Compensation

• We have lots of training and development opportunities and support continuing education in the industry
• Our Tree Care Team works alongside some of the best trained and equipped teams in the industry, with an emphasis on quality and safety
• We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including health and dental, paid time off, 401(K) Savings Plan, Flexible Spending Plan, Equipment Account

This position pays up to $33/hr depending on years of experience, plus paid PTO, paid benefits, and a 401(k) plan, plus $1,500 sign‑on bonus.

Equal Opportunity

SavATree is an equal opportunity employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace.