Utility Line Clearance Arborist – General Foreman

Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc.; Indiana; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in tree care is seeking a Utility Line Clearance Arborist General Foreman to lead and supervise crews in the northwest Indiana area. This dynamic role involves ensuring safety and efficiency in utility line clearance, conducting training, and maintaining high ethical standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, with a commitment to adhering to OSHA and ANSI standards. If you are passionate about vegetation management and enjoy working outdoors, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a vital role.

Qualifications

• Ability to lead and direct multiple staff in a safe manner.
• Experience with OSHA and ANSI standards for utility line clearance.
• Valid First-Aid and CPR certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise crews performing utility line clearance and vegetation management.
• Ensure safety and quality of work done on each property.
• Conduct regular crew and safety meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Safety Practices

Vegetation Management

Team Management

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Pesticide Applicator License

Tools

Chainsaws

Hand Tools

Chippers

Personal Protective Equipment

Job description

Utility Line Clearance Arborist – General Foreman

Kramer Tree Specialists

300 Charles Court, West Chicago IL 60185

The following is a list of specific duties, which are considered to be essential functions of the Utility Line Clearance Arborist General Foreman. The list is not exhaustive as all positions at Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc. are dynamic. The employee who occupies this position is expected to assume any/all duties assigned by management irrespective of whether such duties are specifically included in this list.

MAJOR OBJECTIVES:

The main objectives of the Utility Line Clearance Arborist General Foreman are to provide leadership, direction and supervision to all crews performing utility line clearance and vegetation management for NIPSCO projects. This position is responsible for the accuracy and submittal of all applicable paperwork as it pertains to the assigned work, as well as safety, production and performance assessment of all crew members. It is our goal to abide by the highest ethical standards with a dedicated focus on safe work practices and adherence to all applicable OSHA and ANSI standards. This is a year round position with full benefits, compensation is based on qualifications and experience. Reporting locations for work will change due to operational demands and work contracts, locations will be in the northwest Indiana area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to operate, direct and supervise the use of chainsaws, hand tools and chippers in order to provide required vegetation clearance of utility electrical lines
• Hold foreman accountable to staff performance assessment assignments and competency observations
• Ability to drive and look at future projects, effectively communicate with clients, determine staffing needs, equipment and skills to complete work safely and efficiently, as well as provide expected time frame for completion of work
• Plan and provide periodic updates as requested on daily activities of crew members and equipment in executing assigned work tasks in a safe, professional, and efficient manner
• Load and unload trucks with woody debris, brush, branches, logs, etc,. Lifting up to 50 lbs. will be required.
• Ability to be prepared to work in all types of outdoor conditions including all temperatures and types of weather, and be exposed to biting/stinging insects, irritating plants, dust, etc.
• Able and willing to work in an outdoor setting, walking an working in uneven terrain at times
• Effectively employ safe work practices around hazardous equipment and energized electrical lines. Ability to identify and train others on identifying utility lines, components and hazards. Be able and involved in setting up and training others on necessary work area protection zones utilizing arrow boards, barriers, warning signs, etc.
• Initiate and lead regularly scheduled crew meetings and safety meetings.
• Apply herbicide applications for vegetation management purposes as directed
• Work around excessive noise from equipment, chippers, chainsaws, etc. Employing safe work practices through application of tasks and use and ability to wear required personal protective equipment
• Ensure and verify overall quality and safety of the work done on each property, including attention to the details through proper property evaluations, quality site inspections, and pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
• Be accountable for and direct the maintenance, supplies and proper use of all company vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Hold foreman accountable for all required paperwork as directed by supervisor and provide it in an organized manner.
• Ability to report to various reporting locations throughout northwest Indiana

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to lead and direct multiple staff in a safe, productive and efficient manner in completing assigned tasks
• Able to work for extended periods of time, involving standing, entering and exiting a vehicle numerous times per day
• Experience in or ability to learn all applicable OSHA and ANSI Z133 standards as it applies to utility electrical line tree clearance, including utility line identification & hazards
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies or as directed (weekends, holidays, storms, etc.)
• Valid First-Aid and CPR cards, or ability to attain upon hire
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, in order to effectively communicate with crew members and clients resolving issues of concern and/or contention in an effective manner for conflict resolution
• The capability to work safely and assure compliance of company and ANSI safety standards.
• Ability to operate a vehicle pulling trailers, CDL license preferred and may be required depending on job requirements
• Ability to attain pesticide applicator license as required by Kramer Tree Specialists and all local, state and federal laws

PREREQUISITES:

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
• Bi-lingual, English and Spanish (preferred)