Crew Leader

Why you'll love being part of the Lewis Family:

• We are empowered to share our talents. We care deeply. We conquer challenges. We respect our differences. We trust each other. We keep each other safe. Together, we do great things.
• We offer for Union positions:
• Competitive pay
• Specialized paid training & certifications
• Career advancement opportunities
• Employee assistance program

We Believe…

• That everyone on the team matters
• That we don't constrain workers in order to create safety, we ask workers what they need to do work safely, reliably, and productively.
• That workers aren't the problem; workers are the problem solvers.
• That through diversity we build strength
• That being an employee-owned company (ESOP), it provides future financial stability for our employees
• That when you join the Lewis Tree Team, your potential is unlimited

Why you'll love this Job:

• You love the outdoors: you enjoy varying environments/weather, not afraid to get dirty, adventurous
• You are open to new ideas: willing to listen and observe, humble
• You are self-motivated: driven, strong work ethic, willing to "do what it takes"
• You are adaptable: can think on your feet, nimble, flexible
• You are collaborative: strong people skills, able to give and receive constructive feedback, willing to speak-up

Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• Three years of experience working on tree crews or similar
• General knowledge of trees including identification, growth habits and correct arboriculture pruning techniques
• Proficient in the identification of poisonous plants
• Know and understand the American National Standards ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations and the A300 Pruning Standards
• Must successfully complete Crew Leader Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification
• Understanding of all policies and procedures that apply to the Crew Leader position
• Must have met all qualifications of Top Trimmer
• Must have a basic knowledge of electrical circuits
• Must be skilled in reading and understanding circuit maps
• Advanced skill in tree ascent and descent using ropes and safety saddle
• Advanced skill in performing work from an aerial lift while aloft
• Valid driver's license, CDL and medical certification as required for relevant vehicle operation
• Obtain and maintain company-provided CPR and First Aid certifications
• Obtain and maintain herbicide applicator certification and licensing as necessary
• Obey state, local and federal laws

Essential Responsibilities:

• Supervise a tree crew
• Responsible for the proper administration of supervisory practices and economical work practices such as field training, onboarding, ongoing coaching, disciplinary action and ensuring quality and quantity of work production
• Follows and enforces safe work practices, rules and policies, and contacts the General Foreman if work cannot be done safely
• Closely supervises and evaluates new hires
• Evaluates crew members' performance for promotion consideration
• Notifies General Foreman or next leader immediately of any incident, no matter the severity
• Directs field crew and performs the following as required or assigned:
• Tree clearance near energized lines through climbing or aerial lift
• Removal and/or disposal of trees and brush
• Operation of powered equipment such as trucks, chippers, aerial lifts, power saws, etc.
• Assist General Foreman with notifying and obtaining written permission from property owners
• Arranges with property owner to obtain access, advises of interruption, explains work to be done, etc.
• Help promote and maintain good customer and public relations
• Performs field training, retraining, and evaluations
• Notify General Foreman of any crew member not fit for duty
• Adherence to Lewis and customer safety practices and evaluates crew members for same
• Other employee relations, responsibilities, and interpretation and application of union agreement where applicable
• Promote sound relations with employees on all personal matters for exercising fair and reasonable judgment in settling employee misunderstandings
• Crew Leader must be capable of responsible, independent action that will mutually benefit both the customer and Lewis Services
• Receives and interprets tree trimming, removal and spraying orders initiated by General Foreman or a representative of the utility
• Understanding of drawings and symbols representing types of lines, voltage, line equipment, etc.
• Plans and lays out daily work for crew
• Considers such factors as ability to get power equipment to locations, time required to complete work, cleanup time, equipment available, weather conditions, property owner's permission, etc.
• Identifies the need for close supervision to perform difficult or challenging tasks safely.
• Prepare, participate and ensure proper completion of job brief with all crew members and assigns work tasks based on individual employee's knowledge, skills and abilities
• Recognizes jobsite risks and hazards and uses proper safeguards including coordinating the set up of barriers, warning signs, markers, etc. to protect employees and the public
• Together with General Foreman considers inclement weather conditions and determines when to start or cease work
• Discusses responsibility for apparent damage to property, repairs minor damage, refers controversial cases to General Foreman
• Responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of all records and reports related to the performance of crew operations
• Furnishes General Foreman and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of work completed, crew time, etc.
• Periodically furnishes reports on incidents, equipment breakdowns, private property damage, new employee follow-ups, etc.
• Authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., as assigned
• Responsible for controlling crew costs including such factors as effective use of crew members, work methods, proper amount of clearance, operation of equipment, etc.
• Cooperates with police and fire departments when blocking streets or driveways
• Keeps informed on division and company employee relations policies and practices, union agreements, etc.
• In emergency situations, determines action to be taken to eliminate hazards to life and property
• Expedite the restoration of service in emergent situations
• Must maintain current list of locations where crew personnel may be contacted at any time
• Must maintain dialog with customers, property owners, general public, other contractors, and representatives of utility and governmental agencies
• Maintain skills as experienced line clearance tree trimmer to demonstrate and teach less-experienced employees
• Request major tool or equipment repairs as necessary
• Keeps informed of new equipment specifications, standards, practices and procedures
• Maintains clean and orderly work vehicle
• Jobsite preparation, maintenance, and cleanup
• Must be willing to frequently travel long distances which may include overnight stays
• Performs other related work as assigned

Our DEI Promise:

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is key to the success of our business. We respect the differences among 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 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 on the basis of 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 in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.