Crew Foreman / Lead Climber

About the Role

The Crew Foremanis a working leader: an experienced arborist-climber who directs the day's work, keeps the crew safe, and is still in the tree when the job calls for it. The Foreman plans each job, assigns crew roles, makes the final call on safety at the job site, and is the main point of contact for the customer while the crew is on the property. The Foreman also coaches climbers and ground crew, holds the standard for quality, and helps the owner keep schedules, work orders, and equipment in order.

About the company

Paul's Tree Service (PTS) is an owner-operated, ISA-certified tree care company based in Anchorage and serving Southcentral Alaska since 2007. We provide tree removal, pruning, hazard-tree work, stump and root treatment, storm response, and vegetation management for homeowners, property managers, builders, and public agencies.

PTS actively combats workplace discrimination and will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, or bullying of any kind. We work with and for all types of people, so a positive attitude and open-mindedness are key to this role. If you love working outdoors, take pride in leading a safe and skilled crew, and want to keep learning, please consider applying with the PTS team.

Key responsibilities

Crew leadership and job planning

• Lead, direct, and support a crew of climbers and ground personnel, assigning tasks and roles based on skill level and the needs of each job.
• Assess each site before work begins: identify hazards, targets, power lines, access limits, and the safest and most efficient order of work, then brief the crew.
• Coach and train crew members in climbing technique, rigging, ground operations, and equipment use. Give clear, respectful feedback and lead by example.
• Keep the crew productive and on schedule, and communicate delays or changes to the owner promptly.

Climbing and tree work

• Climb a variety of trees safely and confidently using rope, harness, and rigging systems to prune, reduce, or remove branches, limbs, or entire trees.
• Perform aerial rescue and direct rescue response when needed.
• Communicate clearly with the ground team so material is lowered safely from the canopy.
• Perform pruning, hazard-tree removal, crown reduction, storm cleanup, and dead-tree removal to accepted industry standards, including ANSI A300 pruning practices and ANSI Z133 safety requirements.
• Use chainsaws, winch lines, pulleys, hand tools, and rigging hardware safely and efficiently.

Safety and compliance

• Set the safety standard on every job. Hold job-site briefings, verify that all crew members wear required PPE, and inspect climbing gear, ropes, and rigging before use.
• Stop work immediately when unsafe conditions arise, and correct the situation before work resumes.
• Follow and enforce company safety procedures, ANSI Z133, and OSHA requirements, including safe work near energized lines and traffic control in residential areas.
• Report injuries, near misses, and property damage to the owner right away and help document them.
• Take part in ongoing safety and skills training, and keep first aid and CPR credentials current.

Equipment and vehicles

• Safely operate and supervise the use of chippers, chainsaws, log and branch transport equipment, large trucks and trailers, and potentially stump grinders.
• Operate truck and trailer systems in residential areas; load, secure, and transport equipment and debris.
• Perform daily equipment checks, basic maintenance, and cleaning. Report and tag out any equipment that is unsafe or needs repair.
• Help the crew haul, cut, and chip material and leave each site clean.

Customer service and job management

• Serve as the customer's main contact on site. Explain the work, answer questions, and reassure clients while the crew is on the property.
• Confirm the scope of work with the customer before starting, and flag any changes or additional work to the owner for approval.
• Complete a final walk-through with the customer and confirm the site is clean and the customer is satisfied.
• Manage work orders: keep them in order and legible, record notes, photos, and time on site, and collect and record payments where applicable.
• Maintain a professional appearance and manner that reflects well on PTS at all times.

Qualifications

Required

• Valid driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the company's insurer.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Currently living in Anchorage, Alaska, or able to relocate to the Anchorage area before your start date.
• Proven tree climbing experience and knowledge of climbing harness systems, ropes, knots, and rigging techniques used in arboriculture.
• Experience running an arborist's chainsaw safely and effectively.
• Prior experience leading or mentoring others in the field, or clear readiness to step into a lead role.
• Ability to safely run different types of machinery, including chippers, log and branch transport devices, large trucks, and potentially stump grinders.
• Knowledge of tree species in Alaska, or willingness to learn quickly.
• Customer service skills: ability to converse, explain concepts, and reassure clients.
• Basic reading and writing skills for work orders and safety paperwork.

Preferred (not required)

• ISA Certified Arborist, TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP), or ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), or willingness to earn one with company support.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake endorsement.
• Current First Aid / CPR certification.
• Experience with line-clearance or utility vegetation management work.
• Prior experience working in Alaska conditions, including winter and storm response.

Physical requirements and working conditions

• Be physically fit enough to walk all day, carry over 50 lbs., and climb large trees with saws and equipment attached to your harness.
• Have keen enough eyesight to see from 150 feet in the air down to the workers below for safety purposes.
• Hearing screenings are not required, but if you are hard of hearing, you must be willing to use clear hand gestures and other accommodations for the safety of the team.
• Work outdoors year-round in Southcentral Alaska in varying conditions, including rain, cold, snow, heat, wind, and noise. Work is done at height, near roads and structures, and around energized lines.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and respond to emergency/storm-related calls when needed.

Other requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• Able to provide proof of ability to work in the United States.
• Ability to conform to established procedures and to help identify and solve problems.
• Ability to get along with other employees, follow directions, and work under stressful conditions (noise, weather, etc.).
• Ability to complete on-the-job training in the first few days of work.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check and verification of a valid driver's license.

Compensation & Hours

• Compensation is dependent on experience, certifications, and leadership ability.
• Operational demands peak during the summer and fall months.

How to Apply

Send your resume, a cover letter, and any certifications to the contact below. Please include your current city of residence and confirm that you hold a valid driver's license.

[email protected]/[email protected]

Application Question(s):

• Do you have professional experience with tree climbing and rigging?

License/Certification:

• driver's license (Preferred)

Work Location: In person