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Tree Service Crew Leader

Drost
Petoskey, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 8/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/29/2026

Work With The Best

We are building the premier outdoor living company in the country by creating a “family of family companies” across the nation. Now you can build your landscaping career with the best, working in one of our many company locations nationwide. Learn from the top experts in the field and work on some of the country’s largest and most complex landscape projects. Take advantage of opportunities to share and exchange best practices across our network. The opportunities are endless.

Job Overview

The Crew Leader is responsible for leading arbor care crews in the safe, efficient, and professional completion of tree care services. This position performs advanced ground and aerial tree care operations while overseeing daily job site activities, developing crew members, maintaining equipment, and ensuring work is completed in accordance with ANSI standards, company expectations, and industry best practices. The Crew Leader serves as the primary field leader, fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service while supporting the company's operational and sales objectives.

Compensation: $34-$38/hour

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Perform all Ground Technician and Aerial Lift Operator responsibilities as needed to support daily operations.

  • Lead, direct, and develop a high-performing tree care crew by setting expectations, assigning work, and promoting accountability.

  • Conduct daily job site safety briefings, complete hazard assessments, and develop safe work plans before beginning work.

  • Ensure compliance with ANSI Z133, ANSI A300, company safety policies, and all applicable regulations.

  • Perform advanced tree pruning, removals, felling, technical rigging, climbing, aerial lift operations, crane-assisted removals, and tree preservation techniques.

  • Safely operate bucket trucks, spider lifts, chainsaws, stump grinders, chippers, trucks, trailers, and other arbor care equipment.

  • Install and inspect tree cabling and bracing systems using sound knowledge of tree biomechanics and structural support principles.

  • Inspect vehicles, aerial equipment, ropes, rigging equipment, PPE, and tools to ensure safe operation and proper maintenance.

  • Coordinate job site setup, traffic control, equipment staging, and workflow to maximize safety and productivity.

  • Monitor work quality to ensure projects meet company standards and customer expectations.

  • Mentor, coach, and train crew members in technical skills, safety procedures, equipment operation, and professional development.

  • Build positive customer relationships by communicating professionally, answering questions, and identifying opportunities for additional arbor care services.

  • Support sales efforts by recognizing customer needs and communicating recommendations to the appropriate sales team members.

  • Maintain accurate job documentation and utilize company software and operational processes.

  • Demonstrate mechanical aptitude by troubleshooting equipment issues and coordinating maintenance or repairs as needed.

  • Maintain clean, organized, and professional job sites and vehicles.

  • Promote a positive team culture built on safety, communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to teamwork.

  • Advanced expertise in tree pruning, removals, technical rigging, felling, climbing, aerial lift operations, and arbor care equipment operation.

  • Ability to safely operate and maintain chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, trucks, trailers, and other arbor care equipment.

  • Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to inspect, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain arbor care equipment and vehicles.

  • Proven leadership, communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills with the ability to develop and motivate team members.

  • Ability to perform physically demanding work for long hours in varying weather and environmental conditions.

  • Strong communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

  • Ability to build positive customer relationships while representing the company in a professional manner.

  • Commitment to ongoing professional and technical development within the industry.

  • Possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License. CDL Class A preferred or willing to obtain through company-sponsored training.

Career Path (including but not limited to):

Senior Arborist Crew Leader - $38-$44/hr

  • ISA Certified Arborist Certification

  • Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

  • EHAP and Aerial Rescue Certifications

  • High level of accountability and decision making

  • Perform all responsibilities of aerial operator, climber, crew leader

The Perks

  • 401(k) plan with company match

  • Medical insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • FSA/HSA

  • PerkSpot

  • Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance

  • Paid time Off

  • Tuition Reimbursement (after one year of service)

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Employers can only E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

A part of the U.S. Immigration laws protects legally-authorized workers from discrimination based on their citizenship status and national origin. If you have the skills, experience, and legal right to work, your citizenship or immigration status shouldn’t get in the way.

Mariani Enterprises, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $34 - $44

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