Job Title and Summary
Crew Leader – Non‑Exempt. Creation/Revision Date: 04/24/2026.
The Crew Leader provides support and coaching to the crew to achieve production goals, identifies safety hazards, ensures compliance, and allocates and prioritizes work on the job site as directed by the General Foreperson.
Essential Job Duties
- Adheres to and coaches employees on company policies, procedures, on‑the‑job safety practices, approved work methods, and OSHA regulations.
- Assists with safety training, pre‑job briefings, crew member assignments, and coaching in accordance with company policies, procedures, and customer requirements.
- Uses applicable herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush; maintains application records.
- Obtains permission from property owners to trim or remove trees and apply herbicides; works with customers or owners to gain site access, advises of potential interruptions, and explains required work.
- Works around hazardous equipment and in close proximity to energized power lines.
- Trims, removes and/or fells trees using climbing equipment such as powered trimmer lift truck, safety belt, climbing line, and ladder; also works on the ground using hand saws, ground saws, pruners or other tools.
- Conducts pre‑inspection of work areas to identify potential hazards.
- Loads vehicles and equipment with manageable limbs and logs not suitable for chipping.
- Repairs minor property damage that occurs on the job site.
- Escalates situations to the General Foreperson in a timely manner.
- Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through effective completion of assigned work and appropriate crew behavior.
- Maintains records and reports related to crew production, such as timesheets, work orders, units of work, man‑hours, crew assignment distribution, and cost control to meet organizational goals.
- Obtains and interprets maps or utility information showing tree‑trimming, removal, and chemical‑application work orders.
- Assists the General Foreperson with daily work‑order assignments based on drawings, symbols, and power‑line information.
- Sets up warning signs, barriers, flags, relays hand signals, and directs traffic to protect employees and the public from hazards.
- Cooperates with property owners, customers, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
- Stages and cleans up tools and equipment at the job site; maintains a neat and orderly work area.
- Conducts vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions.
- Performs routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, and tools; reports specialized maintenance needs to the General Foreperson.
- During emergencies or natural disasters, may be required to be on duty and travel outside the regular work location; coordinates crew response and determines steps to eliminate hazards and trim/remove trees onsite.
- Supports, actively participates, and acts in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership.
- Complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintains knowledge and follows all company policies and procedures.
- Maintains regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.
- Other duties: Drives and operates vehicles and equipment as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Ability Requirements
- Excellent leadership skills and ability to handle stressful situations while multitasking.
- Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits, and arboricultural techniques specific to trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees near energized conductors.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills focused on rapport building, listening, questioning, and patience.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, customers, and employees.
- Knowledge of ANSI Z133.1 and ANSI A300 standards for tree care operations and pruning.
- Ability to educate on company and industry safety requirements.
- Knowledge of electrical circuits and reading of circuit maps.
- Knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards, including 29 CFR 1910.269.
- Ability to determine nominal voltage, use insulated tools near energized parts, and distinguish exposed live parts.
- Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions accurately.
- Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, holidays, weekends, storm work; subject to call‑out work.
- Knowledge and training to perform tree and bucket rescue.
- Ability to operate and service required tools and equipment.
- Ability to work independently and in a group.
- Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Must be able to recognize poisonous plants and take proper safeguards.
- Must be able to write, read, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions.
Education, Certification & Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience on tree‑trimming or clearing crews or successful completion of applicable skills assessments.
- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred but not required).
- Valid First‑Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
Other Preferred Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license, depending on division and contract requirements.
- DOT medical card in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
- 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 law.
- Current knowledge of new equipment, specifications, standards, practices, and operating procedures.
Travel Requirements
Extensive travel – greater than 50% of time.
Physical Characteristics
- Effective bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, lifting up to 100 lbs occasionally, 50 lbs frequently, or 50 lbs constantly.
- Carry, move, and maneuver up to 50 lbs infrequently, and 30 lbs frequently.
- Visual acuity sufficient for safety and work accuracy.
- Ability to enter and exit vehicles and equipment multiple times per day.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to indoor and outdoor conditions, weather, climate, and temperature; exposure to heat, cold, rain, sun, snow; exposure to plants, insects, dust, and chemicals; work on rugged terrain; exposure to noise, vibration, moving parts, vehicles, gasoline power, electrical current, heights, chemicals, tight spaces, communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning chemicals, odors, and pests.
Equal Employment Opportunities
Wright Service Corp. respects diversity and is an inclusive and equal‑opportunity employer. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, veteran status, disability, mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodation
Wright Service Corp. is committed to complying with federal, state, and local laws governing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The company will provide reasonable accommodation unless an undue hardship results.
At‑Will Employment
Employment is at will; either party may terminate employment at any time without cause or notice, except as required by law.
Drug & Alcohol‑Free Workplace
Wright Service Corp. maintains a workplace free of unlawful or unauthorized drugs and alcohol to ensure safety, health, and productivity.
Additional Information
For additional privacy and policy information, visit https://www.wrighttree.com/privacy-policy/.