Crew Leader (Crew Foreperson)

About the role

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

• 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

• At least 3 years of experience in a tree crew or in utility vegetation management.
• CDL Required.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards for arboricultural operations.
• Proficiency 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.
• Physical Demands (frequency): 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.
• Environmental Conditions: Continuously - Outdoor work. Occasionally - Noise Levels. Frequently - Extreme Temperatures. Rarely - Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues. Never - Confined Spaces.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 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)