Crew Lead / Tree Climber

About the role

The General Tree Care Team are the muscle of our operation. These industrial athletes work together to provide high-quality tree care, helping to maintain and preserve the overall health of our clients’ landscapes. In this role, team members have the opportunity to work outside and visit beautiful properties in their community. The Tree Care team applies expertise in climbing, pruning, and safety to ensure the health and well-being of each client’s landscape.

The Crew Lead position is an additional level of specialty for select individuals who have demonstrated leadership qualities and received approval from the local branch management to provide direction in a work crew setting. Specific knowledge includes: TCIA Crew Leader Training Program, Crew Safety, Personal Safety, Hazard of Inexperience, and ability to check off levels equal and below.

Responsibilities

Daily focus is working together on a General Tree Care crew to provide high-quality tree care to our clients. The Tree Care Team is involved in all aspects of:

• Pruning
• Removals
• Cable bracing
• Other concepts related to tree care

Team members are able to safely operate all equipment and perform the assigned job tasks while also providing excellent service to our clients.

Requirements

• Experience with proper pruning practices including large shade trees and ornamentals
• Ability to identify native and introduced tree and shrub species and have a working knowledge of each species’ characteristics
• Ability to climb without spurs
• Experience with tree care safety standards
• Practical knowledge of chainsaw and equipment operation
• Experience with aerial lifts (bucket truck)
• Demonstrate additional competencies in all areas of knowledge for designated skill level
• Communicate advanced understanding of all safety policies and procedures, including hazard tree identification
• Utilize specialized equipment properly for climbing (ropes, saddle, ladders) along with all associated tools
• Apply knowledge of branch collars and proper pruning cuts with total competence on chainsaw operations in small to medium difficulty (40-50’) trees
• Employ ANSI A300 Pruning Standards and Terminology and ANSI Z safety
• Demonstrate knowledge of different tree species and different techniques necessary for climbing each tree including Oaks, Maples, Dogwoods, Apples (Crab vs. Regular), Hemlocks, Pines and Spruce
• Complete work exhibiting ability to raise a ladder, throw a rope, and use safe techniques to climb into a tree
• Set up safely with proper placement of lowering lines in a strong enough crotch, know when to attach a tag line, and engage proper lowering techniques
• Know when to double crotch and use other appropriate techniques when working in trees
• Able to drop trees, know when to use ropes for take down and identify potential need to use spikes
• Perform aerial rescue if needed
• Valid U.S. driver's license to operate company vehicles (CDL a plus)
• Must be authorized to work lawfully in the U.S.
• Desire to work outdoors

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Health and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(K) Savings Plan
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Equipment Account
• Training and development opportunities, including continuing education in the industry

We invest heavily in training and continuing education to ensure everyone has the best chance to succeed. We create an environment where each team member has the resources and opportunities to advance their career and become a go-to subject matter expert.