Crew Leader (A Foreman)/Bucket Truck Operator

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Rutland (VT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Lewis invites you to join as a Crew Leader to oversee utility vegetation management crews across outdoor environments. You will supervise tree trimming, line clearance, and safety-focused operations, reporting to the foreman, while promoting strong customer relations and operational efficiency.

You will lead by example, enforcing safety standards, training staff, and coordinating with property owners. Lewis emphasizes ESOP ownership and ongoing career growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a tree crew or utility vegetation management.
• ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements knowledge and A300 Pruning Standards.
• Poisonous plants identification.
• Electrical circuit basics and interpreting circuit maps.
• Tree ascent/descent with ropes and safety saddle; aerial lift operations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily tree crew operations, ensuring safe, efficient work practices, coaching and training as needed.
• Plan and assign tasks based on crew skills and job requirements.
• Monitor crew performance, including new hires, for training, promotions, or disciplinary actions.
• Maintain crew contact information and report availability or fitness-for-duty concerns to the General Foreman.
• Conduct field training and job briefings to ensure crew readiness and safety compliance.
• Promote safety standards, document incidents, and enforce company policies.

Job description

Spanish Posting

Únase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podamos árboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamaño de gestión de servicios y vegetación en Norteamérica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

$800 Sign On Bonus for New Employees! $1000 with CDL

Join a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, we’re not just trimming trees — we’re building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
• Elevate your career with us — we prioritize learning and internal promotions!
• Join a vibrante team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
• Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!
• $800 sign on bonus for new employees with 3+ years of experience as a crew leader

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do as a Crew Leader

You will oversee and manage a crew performing utility vegetation management, ensuring safe and efficient tree trimming and line clearing operations for the utility and other customers.

• Supervise daily tree crew operations and ensure safe, efficient work practices, including training, onboarding, coaching, discipline, and ensure high-quality and efficient job performance.
• Plan and assign tasks based on crew members’ skills and job requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate crew performance, including new hires, for training, promotion, and disciplinary actions.
• Maintain up-to-date contact information for all crew members and report any availability or fitness-for-duty concerns to the General Foreman.
• Conduct field training, retraining, and job briefings to ensure crew readiness.
• Enforce safety standards and company policies, report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately.
• Identify jobsite hazards and implement safeguards such as barriers and warning signs.
• Make decisions regarding work slowdown due to weather or safety concerns.
• Perform and direct tree trimming, removal, and clearance near energized lines using climbing or aerial lift techniques.
• Operate and oversee use of equipment, including trucks, chippers, aerial lifts, and power saws.
• Interpret work orders, utility drawings, and symbols related to line voltage and equipment.
• Maintain clean and organized work vehicles and job sites.
• Communicate with property owners to explain work, obtain access, and secure written permissions.
• Promote positive relationships with customers, the public, utility representatives, and other contractors.
• Cooperate with emergency services when blocking streets or driveways.
• Maintain accurate records and reports on crew performance, incidents, equipment issues, and completed work.
• Investigate incident reports and damage claims as assigned.
• Monitor and control crew costs through efficient use of resources and equipment.
• Stay informed on company policies, union agreements, and equipment standards.
• Emergency Response
• Respond to emergency situations to eliminate hazards and assist in service restoration.
• Exercise sound judgment in urgent scenarios to protect life and property.
• Request major tool or equipment repairs as needed.
• Travel frequently, including overnight stays, as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

What You Bring

• At least 3 years of experience in a tree crew or in utility vegetation management.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards for arboricultural operations.
• Proficient in the identification of poisonous plants.
• Proficiency in electrical circuit basics and interpreting circuit maps.
• Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift operations.
• Crew Leader Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification (or ability to complete).
• Valid driver’s license, CDL (as needed), and required medical certification.
• Acquire and keep the required training and licenses for the safe and proper use of herbicides.
• CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
• Strong leadership, effective communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

Physical Demands

Ability To

• Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher
• Push or pull up