Crew Leader with CDL

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 investing in your future.

Why you’ll love it here: experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk; we prioritize training and internal promotions; a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage a crew performing utility vegetation management, ensuring safe and efficient tree trimming and line‑clearing operations.
• Supervise daily tree‑crew operations, including training, onboarding, coaching, discipline, and ensuring high‑quality 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 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 job‑site hazards and implement safeguards such as barriers and warning signs.
• Make decisions regarding work slow‑downs 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.
• Respond to emergency situations to eliminate hazards and assist in service restoration, exercising sound judgment 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 utility vegetation management.
• Strong knowledge of ANSI Z133 safety requirements and A300 pruning standards for arboricultural operations.
• Proficient in identifying poisonous plants.
• Understanding of electrical circuit basics and ability to interpret circuit maps.
• Advanced skills 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 obtain).
• Valid driver’s license; CDL as needed; required medical certification.
• Training and licenses for safe and proper use of herbicides.
• CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
• Strong leadership, effective communication, and decision‑making abilities.
• Ability to ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

Physical Demands

• Lift 50 lb to shoulder height or higher.
• Push or pull up to 50 lb.
• Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain.
• Endure extreme climate variations (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 at considerable heights during adverse weather.
• Continuous: standing, walking, handling/grasping, repetitive movements.
• Frequent: lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, stooping/kneeling, reaching, tree ascending/descending.
• Occasional: driving, climbing stairs/ladders.
• Rare: sitting/operating.

Tools & Equipment

• 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 saws.
• Sprayer applicators, pump sprayers, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs.
• Tablets and communication devices.

Benefits

• Union benefits (Local 1249).
• Competitive pay: $37.25 – $39.70 per hour.
• Paid training and certifications.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).