Crew Leader

Wright Tree Service; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 103,526,640 - 106,392,048; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Sign-on bonus

On-the-job training

Growth opportunities

Overtime potential

Job summary

Wright Tree Service in Champaign, IL is seeking a Crew Leader to coach a tree-care crew, identify hazards, and ensure safety and efficiency on job sites. You will allocate tasks, comply with regulations, and maintain records under a General Foreperson's guidance.

The role requires strong leadership, arboricultural knowledge, excellent customer service, and the ability to work long hours, including overtime and storm response. CDL/OSHA certification and driver’s license are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• Three years on tree trimming/clearing crews or equivalent skill assessment.
• First-aid and CPR certificates, or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Valid driver’s license and CDL/ DOT medical card where applicable.
• Herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by law.

Responsibilities

• Coach crew to meet production goals and ensure safety.
• Identify hazards and comply with OSHA and ANSI standards.
• Coordinate crew tasks, safety briefings, and customer requirements.
• Operate and maintain equipment and perform basic maintenance.
• Maintain records of production, timesheets, and work orders.
• Assist with on-call storm work and emergency responses.

Skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Customer service

Communication

Reading maps/circuit diagrams

OSHA standards

First aid/CPR

OT/storm work

Teamwork

Learn quickly

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Herbicide certification

DOT medical card

Job description

Crew Leader

Pay: $36.13 - $37.13 per hour (non‑exempt).
Sign‑On Bonuses: $750 for CDL holders, $500 for non‑CDL holders.

Benefits: Union benefits and pay, ongoing on‑the‑job training, potential overtime, weekly pay, and a wide range of growth opportunities.

Job Summary

The Crew Leader supports and coaches a tree‑care crew to meet production goals. The role identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, allocates tasks, prioritizes work, and maintains clean and safe job sites under the guidance of a General Foreperson.

Essential Job Duties

• Coaches employees on company policies, safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
• Assists with safety training, pre‑job briefings, crew assignments, and customer requirements.
• Operates herbicide equipment for stump and brush treatment and maintains application records.
• Obtains property owner permission to trim or remove trees and apply herbicides.
• Cooperates with customers or property owners to gain site access, informs of potential interruptions, and explains required work.
• Works near hazardous equipment and energized power lines; uses climbing equipment (e.g., powered trimmer lifts, safety belts, climbing lines, ladders).
• Performs ground work with hand saws, ground saws, pruners, or other tools.
• Conducts pre‑inspection of work areas to identify hazards.
• Loads vehicles with manageable lumber unsuitable for chipping.
• Repairs minor property damage incurred on site.
• Escalates issues to the General Foreperson promptly.
• Maintains customer and public relations through efficient work completion and appropriate crew conduct.
• Maintains records of crew production (timesheets, work orders, units of work, man‑hours, crew assignments, cost control).
• Interprets maps and drawings of work orders; understands power line symbols and voltages per standards.
• Sets up warning signs, barriers, flags, hand signals, directs traffic, and uses traffic control devices to protect employees and the public.
• Cooperates with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
• Stages and cleans tools and equipment at job sites; keeps work areas orderly.
• Inspects vehicles and equipment for proper working conditions; performs routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Reports specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to the General Foreperson.
• Responds during emergencies or natural disasters, may travel outside the regular work location for the duration of the event; coordinates crew response and handles hazards.
• Supports work safety culture and owns responsibilities in accordance with company policies.
• Complies with federal, state, and local laws and company policies.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
• Drives and operates vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Excellent leadership skills and ability to manage stressful situations and multitask.
• In‑depth knowledge of trees, identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques for trimming, pruning, repairing, and removal near energized conductors.
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills focused on rapport building, listening, questioning, and patience.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Knowledge of ANSI Z133.1 and ANSI A300 standards; ability to enforce company and industry safety requirements.
• Understanding of electrical circuits and skill in reading circuit maps; knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards (29 CFR 1910.269).
• Ability to determine nominal voltage, use insulated tools near energized parts, and differentiate live parts from other equipment.
• Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
• Certified in first‑aid and CPR; ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment; experience with tree and bucket rescue.
• Capability to work long hours, overtime, holidays, weekends, and storm work; willingness to be on call during emergencies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Education, Certification & Experience

• Minimum three years of experience on tree trimming or clearing crews, or successful completion of required skill assessments.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Valid first‑aid and CPR cards (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Where applicable, must possess a valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license and a DOT medical card in compliance with FMCSA regulations.
• Herbicide application certification or equivalent as required by law and company policy.

Language Requirements

English (required). Spanish proficiency is not required.

Travel Requirements

Extensive travel—greater than 50% of time required.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Physical activities include bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting (up to 100 lbs occasionally, up to 50 lbs frequently, up to 30 lbs regularly), and repetitive motions. Must maintain visual acuity for detailed inspection and measurement. Exposure to weather, climate, outdoor terrain, noise, vibration, chemical hazards, and other environmental conditions is expected.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Wright Tree Service Corp. is an inclusive and equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations and maintain a drug‑ and alcohol‑free workplace.

Disclaimer

This job description is not exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice to ensure operational effectiveness.