General Foreperson

Title: General Foreperson
Type: Full-Time/Non-Exempt
Reports to: Project ManagerHourly Wage Range: $36.05$600 Sign On Bonus Wright Tree Service provides vegetation management, storm restoration, and work planning services to utility companies and their communities across North America. Our operations are guided by a set of values: safety, integrity, excellence, teamwork, innovation, and family.Safety is always our highest value. That focus is guided by our “Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper” pledge to keep both ourselves and others safe. We abide by the highest ethical standards, knowing our service is critical to utilities and their customers, and we work as a team to deliver creative solutions to our clients. Finally, we are proud of our family-founded history and have worked to retain those family values in our culture since becoming employee-owned in 2002.
Essential Functions:

• Supervises a line clearance crew and is responsible for the proper administration, communication and enforcement of supervisory and economic work practices such as policy enforcement, quality and quantity of work production, adherence to and enforcement of safety practice, other employee relations responsibilities, and interpretation and application of Union Agreements if applicable. 
• Works with Human Resources regarding employment for crew members including, but not limited to, hiring, discipline, separation of employment, leaves of absence – FMLA/ADA, as well as policy enforcement. 
• Interviews potential candidates for hire. Works with Human Resources to follow proper new hire procedures. Must understand I9 process as well as proper interviewing techniques. 
• Evaluates crew member’s performance to determine promotions/performance. Ensure crew members have consistent performance reviews for opportunities to advance. 
• Participates in training to administer oral drug testing if applicable. Understands obligations related to reasonable suspicion training and process. 
• Promotes sound relations with employees on all personnel matters and exercise fair and reasonable judgment in management of employee conflicts while working with Human Resources. 
• Trains and coaches employees. Evaluate performance and provide feedback as necessary. 
• Directs lead crew members with their performance in the following functions: provide technical expertise for safe operations and productive line clearance practices, administration duties to assist crews in production, ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance through training, and monitor and assist in training, obtaining certifications and licenses. 
• Receives and interprets tree trimming, removal and chemical application orders initiated by supervisor or the utility, involving an understanding of drawings and symbols representing types of line, voltages and line equipment. 
• Assigns work to individual crew members and supervises crew in carrying out work according to good tree clearance practices. Must be capable of adjusting to field requirements. 
• Conducts safety training of assigned personnel in accordance with good safety training procedures. Conducts stand downs and tailgate trainings as applicable. 
• Responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of all records and reports related to the performance of the crew’s operation. Provides Supervisor/Manager and Utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of work completed, crew time and distribution. May furnish reports on accidents, truck breakdowns, private property damage, and new employee feedback. 
• Investigates accident reports, damage claims, and may be a designated representative to settle minor damage or injury claims. 
• Works with Risk Management department regarding work comp claims, return to work status on current claims, etc. Inform and communicate with Safety Supervisor regarding training opportunities, concerns, and problem areas. 
• Responsible for control of crew costs including effective use of manpower, work methods, proper amount of trimming, and operation of equipment. 
• Inspects proper working conditions and repairs to tools, trucks and other work equipment. Request major repairs and replacements when necessary. 
• Keeps informed of new equipment specifications, standard practices and operating procedures. 
• In emergency situations, determines action to be taken to eliminate hazards to live and property as well as the trimming and removal of trees to expedite the restoration of service by calling out crew personnel and perform other activities connected with emergency work. Maintains a list of locations at which crew personnel may be contacted at any time. 
• Remains in contact with customers, property owners, general public, other contractors, and representatives of utilities and governmental agencies 20-30% of the time. Must be professional and courteous when communicating on behalf of Wright Tree Service. 
• Works around hazardous equipment and in close proximity to energized power lines. 
• Works around excessive noise from machines, chainsaws, wood chipper and must wear proper personal protective equipment. 
• Is exposed to all temperatures and weather; will be exposed to nature, i.e., irritating plants, biting or stinging insects, dust, etc. 
• May work on rough terrain. 
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Has a minimum of 4-5 years’ experience working on tree trimming or clearing crews and/or has successfully completed applicable performance reviews. 
• Possesses excellent leadership skills and be able to handle stressful situations along with being able to multi-task. 
• Has a basic knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and correct arboricultural techniques for the trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing, as applies to working in close proximity to energized conductors. 
• Knows and understands the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations (ANSI Z133.1-2000). 
• Knows and understands the American National Standards for Proper Pruning (ANSI A300). 
• Has an understanding of OSHA rules and guidelines.
• Experience with computers focusing on Microsoft Office products. 
• Has a basic knowledge of electrical circuit and must be skilled in the reading and understanding of circuit maps. 
• Ability to communicate professionally, both verbal and in writing, with the general public, customers, and fellow employees. 
• Enforces on-the-job safety practices. 
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. 
• Needs to be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times per day. 
• Must be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work tasks such as rain, heat, sun, cold, snow. 
• Must be able to write, read, and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information. 
• Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner. 
• Possesses the ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis and up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis. 
• Ability to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call-out work. 
• Ability to operate and service all required tools and equipment. 
• Has a valid driver’s license (CDL), medical card and be able to pass a pre-employment drug test as well as background check.  
• Maintains a herbicide applicator or operators certification and license as required by Wright Tree Service and local, state, and federal law. 
• Has a valid First-Aid and CPR cards. 

About Wright Tree Service:

We provide vegetation management, storm restoration, and work planning services to utility companies and their communities across North America. Wright Tree Service is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, and has more than 4,000 employees across 16 geographic divisions. At Wright Tree Service, we recognize that our employees are the foundation of a successful business. We are committed to providing our employees with the training and resources needed to elevate their position into a successful career. We provide opportunities to earn certifications, leadership programs and customized trainings. Safety is our #1 value – this culture is guided by our “Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper” pledge to keep both ourselves and others safe.

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