Crew Leader/Climber

Reports to Department Supervisor or Operations Supervisor

A Crew Leader/Climber at Joshua Tree will oversee and manage a 2 to 6 member team conducting tree and shrub pruning, removal, and general tree preservation techniques and ensure safety, service quality, and standards are being met.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
    •    Trains and manages Groundmen, Climber, and Crew Leader Trainee coworkers on their assigned team
    •    Oversees the daily operations of assigned work orders
    •    Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations 

Duties and Responsibilities:
    •    Demonstrate Joshua Tree Experts Core Values
    •    Perform and delegate ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments
    •    Complete daily assigned work in a timely, efficient and safe manner
    •    Report to work each day prepared and punctually
    •    Ensure that vehicles and equipment are prepared daily to execute work orders
    •    Use handsaws, pruning hooks, sheers, and clippers to prune and manage growth of trees and shrubs
    •    Collaborate with clients and property owners to address their concerns and, provide recommendations, and maintain positive relationships
    •    Trims and reshapes trees to remove low hanging branches and to create more attractive shapes
    •    Removes dead and excess branches from trees and/or around power lines
    •    Demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of General Tree Care Operations
    •    Use roping and rigging devices safely in trimming and removal operations
    •    Monitor project progress, report on accomplishments, and ensure work quality meets or exceeds company standards
    •    Operates spyder lifts, boom trucks, loaders, power saws, pruning equipment, and other necessary equipment and tools
    •    Executes recommendations of Arborist Account Managers in pruning, removing, or reducing for clients
    •    Ensure that vehicles and equipment are prepared daily
    •    Perform professional tree care and maintenance using company and industry standards and techniques
    •    Manage assigned equipment and vehicle through proper maintenance and inspections 
    •    Stay up to date on all training and certifications required to conduct tree care operations
    •    Safely operates chipping equipment, feeding limbs and brush into machines
    •    Loads and hauls away debris and trash
    •    Administer emergency rescue techniques including but not limited to aerial rescue and first aid procedures
    •    Perform all the duties of a Lead Groundsman and Expert Climber when necessary
    •    Assist Department Supervisor in training Groundsman, Climber, and Crew Leader Trainee
    •    Adheres to Safety Cultures and other related rules and regulations
    •    Delegate work to crew members
    •    Follow ANSI Standards for proper tree care operations
    •    Performs other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Abilities:
    •    Demonstrate strong ability to lead, manage, and hold others accountable
    •    Excellent ability to understand and nurture safe tree care practices
    •    Excellent ability to identify job site hazards and make necessary approaches to overcome
    •    Dedication to safety, both for the crew and the public, during all tree care operations
    •    Excellent ability to work independently and in a group
    •    Excellent ability to climb and navigate a tree safely and efficiently
    •    Excellent ability to present a professional image
    •    Provide excellent customer service
    •    Ability to perform aerial lift operations
    •    Demonstrates expert knowledge of knots, ropes, and rigging techniques
    •    Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and physically demanding environments
    •    Must be able to work at least 40 hours per week
    •    Must be able to work overtime and weekends, if necessary

Required Education and Experience:
    •    Minimum 6 Years Climbing Experience or Successful completion of 90 Day Probationary as Crew Leader 
Trainee
    •    ISA Certified Arborist
    •    TCIA Crew Leader Certification
    •    TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP)
    •    High School Diploma or Equivalent
    •    Pass DOT CFR-49 physical exam
    •    Valid Driver’s License with no major delinquencies in the past 5 years
    •    Experience driving a forestry or bucket truck is preferred
    •    Valid CDL-B is preferred
    •    Forestry or Horticulture Degree preferred
    •    EHAP Certified
    •    First Aid and CPR Certified
    •    Other tree related certifications is preferred
    •    Must be at least 21 years of age

Physical Requirements:
    •    Prolonged periods of climbing trees at extreme heights
    •    Must be able to have adequate strength and agility including but not limited to good balance and depth perception
    •    Must be able to hear verbal instructions from a distance
    •    Must be able to quickly remove themselves from potential danger
    •    Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds for extended periods of time
    •    Must be able to pull up to 70 pounds
    •    Must be able to work in all types of weather and at extreme temperatures
    •    May be exposed to higher-than-average risk of work related injuries and illnesses from exposure to dangerous working conditions, machinery, and heights