Job Overview
Adney Tree Service is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Foreman / Crew Lead to run our production crew in the field. The Foreman owns the jobsite from setup to final cleanup—planning the day’s work, directing the crew, upholding safety standards, and making sure every job is completed safely, efficiently, and to the standard our customers expect.
This is a working lead position. You’ll be on the tools alongside the crew—climbing, rigging, or running equipment as the job requires—while setting the pace and the standard for everyone around you.
This position is for a proven tree care professional who leads by example, takes ownership of the work, and is looking for a long-term career with a growing company—not seasonal or temporary employment.
Key Responsibilities
Crew Leadership & Daily Production
- Lead the crew through jobsite setup, daily planning, and job flow from start to finish
- Assign roles and direct climbers, ground crew, and equipment throughout each job
- Manage production pace so jobs are completed on time, as scoped, and to standard
- Work hands-on alongside the crew—climbing, rigging, running equipment, or on the ground as the job requires
Safety & Jobsite Control
- Lead a hazard assessment and safety briefing with the crew before work begins on every job
- Enforce company safety policies, Cal/OSHA requirements, and ANSI Z133 industry standards across the crew
- Watch for unsafe practices and correct them on the spot
- Ensure required PPE is worn at all times and that saws, rigging, climbing gear, and equipment are inspected and in safe working condition
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional jobsite
Customer Communication
- Walk the job with the customer before work begins to confirm scope and expectations
- Handle customer questions and concerns on-site professionally, and bring in the office when needed
- Complete a final walkthrough with the customer to confirm the work is done right and the site is clean
- Represent Adney Tree Service professionally on every job
Equipment, Trucks & Documentation
- Oversee daily inspection of trucks, chipper, saws, and rigging and climbing gear; report maintenance needs promptly
- Make sure trucks are loaded, fueled, and ready for the next day
- Verify crew hours and submit accurate job notes and photos to the office
- Communicate job status, scope changes, and any issues to management the same day
Team Development
- Train and mentor ground crew and climbers in safe, efficient work practices
- Set the tone for the crew: on time, prepared, positive, and team-first
- Hold the crew accountable for quality, safety, and professionalism
Required Experience & Qualifications
Tree Industry Experience
- Proven hands-on experience in professional tree work, including removals, pruning, and rigging
- Strong working knowledge of cutting and rigging techniques, equipment, and jobsite safety
- Ability to climb and/or operate an aerial lift strongly preferred
Leadership & Communication
- Prior experience leading a crew as a foreman, crew lead, or lead climber
- Ability to plan a full day of production, direct a crew, and keep the job moving
- Confident, professional communication with customers and crew
- Team-first leadership style—leads by example, holds a high standard, and keeps a level head under pressure
Safety & Professionalism
- Safety-first mindset with consistent situational awareness
- Clean, professional appearance and conduct on every jobsite
Transportation & Driving
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Must qualify to drive company trucks
- Reliable personal transportation to and from the yard required
Physical & Job Requirements
- Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors for full workdays in varying conditions
- Comfortable working around chainsaws, chippers, cranes, and heavy material
- Prepared with appropriate work clothing, food, and water for full workdays
Commitment
- Not seeking seasonal or short-term employment
- Looking for a long-term leadership role with room to grow
Bonus Points (Preferred, Not Required)
- ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Certified Tree Worker (or working toward certification)
- Class A or Class B CDL
- Experience with crane-assisted and emergency removals
- First Aid/CPR, aerial rescue, and Electrical Hazard Awareness (EHAP) training
- Experience training and mentoring ground crew and climbers
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
What We Offer
- Competitive pay based on experience, leadership ability, and performance
- Year-end and performance-based bonuses
- PPE provided by the company
- A leadership role with real responsibility—and room to grow as the company grows
- Variety of work: residential and commercial removals, pruning, crane-assisted removals, and defensible space projects across Santa Cruz County
- Stable, full-time work with a growing company
About Adney Tree Service
Adney Tree Service is a growing tree care company serving Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas. Licensed and insured (CA Lic. #962071), we handle everything from pruning and removals to crane-assisted work and defensible space projects. We focus on quality work, safe operations, and building long-term relationships with both customers and employees.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re an experienced tree care professional who’s ready to lead a crew, take ownership of the jobsite, and grow with a solid tree company, we want to hear from you.
