Foreman - Utility Danger Tree Patrol Crew

Foreman - Utility Danger Tree Patrol Crew

Georgia Right of Way

Territory: West/Central Georgia, approximately LaGrange through Central Georgia
Starting Pay: $31.11 per hour and up, based on experience, qualifications, and certifications
Required Experience: Minimum 3 years as a Foreman supervising a utility line-clearance crew or danger tree crew
Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., four 10-hour days

Position Summary

Georgia Right of Way is seeking an experienced Danger Tree Patrol Crew Foreman to lead a specialized two-person crew responsible for patrolling and maintaining assigned transmission rights-of-way throughout West and Central Georgia.

The DT Crew patrols assigned transmission ROW twice per year, identifying and correcting danger trees, encroaching vegetation, vines, invasive species, and other vegetation conditions that could threaten the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system.

This is a working Foreman position. The Foreman leads and works alongside one additional climber/tree worker and must have a strong utility line-clearance background with experience in tree risk assessment, climbing, chainsaw operation, directional tree felling, throw-line use, roping, rigging, and mechanical-advantage systems.

The position requires strong independent judgment, reliability, communication, and accountability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Transmission ROW Patrol and Vegetation Management

• Patrol assigned transmission ROW and complete required patrol cycles.
• Identify and correct danger trees, encroaching or incompatible trees, volunteer growth, vines, kudzu, cane/bamboo, and other vegetation requiring attention.
• Inspect poles, guy wires, guy anchors, fence lines, hedgerows, and other areas where vegetation may interfere with transmission facilities.
• Identify and update ROW access points and report significant access, easement, or utility-facility conditions.
• Apply approved herbicides according to label requirements and company procedures and complete required monthly pesticide application records.

Danger Tree, Climbing, and Tree Work

• Identify and evaluate hazardous trees and assess tree condition, lean, defects, terrain, electrical exposure, strike potential, and other site-specific hazards.
• Develop a safe work plan and determine whether trees can be felled whole or require climbing, rigging, mechanical assistance, additional equipment, or another removal method.
• Perform professional tree climbing, chainsaw operation, and directional tree felling.
• Be proficient with throw-line installation, arboricultural knots and rope systems, rigging blocks, friction/lowering devices, and mechanical-advantage systems.
• Recognize when work exceeds the crew's available information, training, skills, personnel, or equipment and stop and escalate the work until it can be safely completed.

Crew Leadership

• Lead, train, supervise, and evaluate the climber/tree worker assigned to the crew.
• Ensure the employee follows company safety policies and demonstrates proficiency before independently performing assigned work.
• Conduct required job briefings and tailgate safety meetings.
• Maintain responsibility for crew safety, quality, productivity, and proper care of company equipment.

Mapping and Work Documentation

The DT Foreman will be assigned a company iPad and use company-provided mapping and work-management applications to:

• Locate and address previously identified problems during patrol.
• Document work performed, work status, and ROW access information.
• Take required before and after photographs of corrective work.
• Complete and close electronic work records for supervisors, foresters, and the larger vegetation-management team.
• Follow required transmission-system notification procedures when entering, working on, and leaving assigned transmission lines.

Landowners and Company Equipment

• Professionally represent Georgia Right of Way and its utility customers when interacting with landowners and the public.
• Communicate professionally regarding ROW access, gates, livestock, property, vegetation work, and other field concerns.
• Safely operate, inspect, maintain, and secure the assigned company pickup, utility trailer, SxS/UTV, chainsaws, climbing/rigging equipment, herbicide equipment, and other assigned tools.
• Promptly report significant equipment, mechanical, or safety concerns.

Assigned equipment will normally be taken home, allowing the Foreman to report directly from home to the current field work location rather than reporting to a company office each morning.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Foreman supervising a utility line-clearance crew or danger tree crew.
• Demonstrated professional utility tree-work and climbing experience, including danger-tree assessment, directional felling, chainsaw operation, and arboricultural rigging.
• Ability to train and supervise another climber/tree worker.
• Working knowledge of common Southeastern trees, woody vegetation, vines, and invasive/problem vegetation.
• Ability to safely operate pickups, trailers, SxS/UTVs, and assigned field equipment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and communicate professionally with employees, supervisors, foresters, landowners, and utility representatives.
• Ability to effectively use company-issued iPads, mapping applications, digital photography, and electronic work-management systems.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate required for assigned company vehicles.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors year-round and respond to storm and emergency conditions when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL Class B or greater
• ISA Certified Arborist
• Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Additional utility arboriculture or line-clearance training and certifications

A CDL Class B is particularly valuable because it allows the Foreman to return to identified danger-tree locations using a company-provided bucket truck or other equipment requiring additional driver qualification.

For candidates who do not currently hold a CDL Class B, Georgia Right of Way will assist with and provide applicable training toward obtaining a CDL Class B after the employee obtains a Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP-B).

Schedule and Storm Response

The position is normally home every night. Storm and outage response may require nights, Fridays, weekends, extended hours, or temporary deployment elsewhere within Georgia. Overnight travel is generally limited to emergency assignments, with necessary travel and lodging accommodations provided or covered by the company.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting pay is $31.11 per hour, with higher starting compensation considered based on relevant experience, qualifications, certifications, and demonstrated skills.

Georgia Right of Way offers employees a comprehensive benefits package following successful completion of the first 90 days of employment, including:

• Medical and prescription drug coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Six paid holidays per year
• Additional employee wellness and benefit resources

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Right of Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace that promotes safety, professionalism, respect, accountability, and opportunity for all employees.