North Coast Holdings, Inc.

Crew Leader (Crew Foreperson)

Job Locations US-MI-Ionia
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 3 days ago(3/6/2026 10:45 AM)
Job ID
2026-4823
# of Openings
3
Department
Field Operations
Position Type
Full-Time
Job Location Type
Onsite

Overview

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

What You’ll Do as a Crew Leader

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

What You Bring

  • At least 3 years of experience in a tree crew or in utility vegetation management.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards for arboricultural operations.
  • Proficient 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

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

 

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

 

Environmental Conditions:

Continuously - Outdoor work

Occasionally - Noise Levels

Frequently - Extreme Temperatures

Rarely - Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never - Confined Spaces

 

Comments: You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns.  Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

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

 

What We Offer

Non-Union 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)

 

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