Crew Leader/Bucket Truck Operator

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Rutland (VT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay ($26+/hour)

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid training and industry certs

Health, dental, vision & HSA options

401(k) +

Paid time off and EAP

Job summary

Lewis Tree Service is seeking a Crew Leader to oversee utility vegetation management operations, ensuring safe tree trimming and line clearance for utilities and customers. You will supervise daily crews, plan tasks, train staff, and enforce safety standards in a dynamic outdoor setting.

The role requires 3+ years in a tree crew or utility vegetation management, ANSI Z133 knowledge, and strong leadership. Eligible for ESOP, competitive pay, paid training, health benefits, and a sign-on bonus for

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in a tree crew or utility vegetation management.
• Strong knowledge of ANSI Z133 safety requirements and A300 pruning standards.
• Proficient in identification of poisonous plants.
• Proficient in electrical circuit basics and reading circuit maps.
• Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle; skilled in aerial lift operations.
• Crew Leader Certification or ability to obtain it.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL as needed; required medical certification.
• CPR and First Aid certification (provided by Lewis).
• Strong leadership, effective communication, and decision‑making skills.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily tree crew operations and ensure safe, efficient work practices.
• Plan and assign tasks based on crew members’ skills and job requirements.
• Monitor crew performance, including new hires, for training and promotion.
• Maintain up-to-date contact information for crew members and report availability.
• Conduct field training and job briefings to ensure crew readiness.
• Enforce safety standards and company policies; report unsafe conditions.
• Identify jobsite hazards and implement safeguards such as barriers and signs.
• Make decisions regarding weather-related work slowdowns or stoppages.
• Perform tree trimming, removal, and clearance near energized lines with appropriate equipment.
• Operate trucks, chippers, aerial lifts, and power saws; interpret work orders and drawings.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles and sites; communicate with property owners for access.
• Promote positive relationships with customers, utility representatives, and other contractors.
• Assist emergency services when blocking streets or driveways.
• Maintain records on crew performance, incidents, and equipment issues.
• Travel frequently, including overnight stays.

Skills

Tree crew experience

ANSI Z133 safety

A300 pruning standards

Poisonous plants ID

Electrical basics

Rope ascent techniques

Aerial lift operations

Leadership

Communication

Education

Crew Leader Certification

Tools

Power saws

Chippers

Aerial lifts

Trucks

Job description

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 training and internal promotions!
• Join a vibrant 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 to 50 lbs.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain
• Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity)
• Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively
• Operate two‑handed tools and equipment
• Maintain skill in tree ascent and descent
• Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather conditions

Continuously – Standing, Walking, Handling/Grasping, Repetitive Movements.

Frequently – Lifting/Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Stooping/Kneeling, Reaching, Tree Ascending/Descending.

Occasionally – Driving, Climbing Stairs/Ladders.

Rarely - Sitting/Operating

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

What We Offer

Non-Union Benefits

• Competitive pay ($26+/hour)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Paid training and industry certifications
• Health, dental, vision & HSA options
• 401(k) +
• Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business. We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated. We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued.

Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay‑off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service’s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Spanish Posting

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.

Por qué le encantará trabajar aquí

• ¡Experimente un maravilloso entorno al aire libre mientras trabaja en la naturaleza, no quede atrapado detrás de un escritorio!
• Eleve su carrera profesional con nosotros. ¡Priorizamos la capacitación y las promociones internas!
• ¡Únase a un equipo vibrante que es pionero en seguridad, valora su opinión y fomenta un fuerte sentido de la camaradería!
• ¡Forme su futuro con nosotros a través de nuestro fantástico