Crew Leader (Crew Foreperson)

Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned; Maryland; On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Competitive pay

Paid training and industry certs

Health, dental, vision & HSAs

401(k)

Paid time off and EAP

Job summary

Lewis Services, a leading utility vegetation management company and employee-owned business, is seeking a Crew Leader to oversee a tree crew performing line clearance and trimming for utilities and other customers.

You will supervise daily operations, plan tasks, ensure safety and training, and maintain compliance with ANSI Z133 and A300 standards while keeping thorough records and coordinating with customers.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a tree crew or utility vegetation management.
• Knowledge of ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards.
• Proficiency in identifying poisonous plants.
• Basic understanding of electrical circuits and circuit maps.
• Advanced tree ascent/descent with ropes, aerial lift operations.
• Crew Leader certification or ability to obtain it.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL as needed.
• CPR and First Aid certification provided by Lewis.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Compliance with state/local/federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily tree crew operations and ensure safe, efficient work practices.
• Plan and assign tasks based on crew skills and job requirements.
• Monitor crew performance and manage training, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
• Maintain crew contact information and report fitness-for-duty concerns.
• Conduct field training and job briefings to ensure readiness.
• Enforce safety standards and company policies; report hazards.
• Identify jobsite hazards and implement safeguards.
• Make decisions on weather-related work slowdowns.
• Perform tree trimming/removal near energized lines using climbing or aerial lifts.
• Operate trucks, chippers, aerial lifts, and power saws.
• Interpret work orders and utility drawings related to voltage and equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles and sites.
• Communicate with property owners for access and permissions.
• Promote positive relationships with customers, utility reps, and contractors.
• Assist emergency services when blocking streets or driveways.
• Maintain records on performance, incidents, and equipment issues.
• Investigate incidents and claims as assigned.
• Control crew costs through efficient resource use.
• Stay informed on policies, union agreements, and equipment standards.

Skills

3+ years tree crew experience

ANSI Z133 Safety

Poisonous plants knowledge

Electrical circuit basics

Aerial lift operations

Crew Leader Certification

Valid driver’s license / CDL

CPR and First Aid

Leadership and communication

Regulatory compliance

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.

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)!

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do as a Crew Leader

As a Crew Leader at Lewis Services, 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.

Environmental Conditions

Continuously

Outdoor work

Occasionally

Noise Levels

Frequently

Extreme Temperatures

Rarely

Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never

Confined Spaces

Comments

You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns. Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment May Include

• Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs
• Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers
• Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes
• Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes, hanger puller, manual and hydraulic pole saw, spikes.
• Sprayer applicators, pump sprayer, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs
• Tablets and communication devices

What We Offer

Non-Union Benefits

• Competitive pay [$24.01-$31.13]
• 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 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