General Foreperson in Sutton, West Virginia at ARBORWORKS LLC
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Job Description
Whether you’re looking to grow your career or contribute your expertise, ArborWorks offers a dynamic environment where team members are valued, and professional growth is a priority. We are passionate about creating safe communities and delivering excellence in every project.
JOB OVERVIEW: GENERAL FOREPERSON – UTILITY VEG. MANAGEMENT
The General Foreperson is a senior field leadership role responsible for directing and overseeing multiple utility vegetation management crews to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of contract work. This position exists to translate operational plans and utility requirements into consistent field performance while reinforcing ArborWorks’ safety culture, quality standards, and productivity expectations.
Acting as the primary operational liaison between field crews, utility customers, and internal support teams, the General Foreperson drives contract compliance, production performance, workforce readiness, and continuous improvement. Success in this role requires strong leadership, sound decision‑making, and the ability to balance safety, quality, and production in dynamic field environments.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Crew Management:
- Provide direct supervision, leadership, and accountability for multiple Forepersons and their assigned crews.
- Set clear expectations related to safety, quality, productivity, and conduct; hold Forepersons accountable for performance.
- Coach, mentor, and develop Forepersons and crew members to support skill development and succession planning.
- Recognize strong performance and address performance or behavioral issues in accordance with company policy.
- Promote a consistent, professional field leadership presence aligned with ArborWorks values.
Operations & Work Execution:
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily vegetation management operations to ensure efficient use of labor, equipment, and time.
- Conduct pre‑job planning, work scheduling, and task delegation to meet production and contract goals.
- Monitor job progress, adjust resources as needed, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.
- Perform post‑work inspections to verify work completion, quality, and adherence to specifications.
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required production, timekeeping, and job documentation.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance:
- Lead and reinforce ArborWorks’ safety culture across all assigned crews.
- Conduct and oversee safety tailboards, job briefings, and field safety observations.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA, ANSI Z133, utility, and company safety standards.
- Verify crews properly maintain and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Support and participate in incident, near‑miss, and property damage investigations.
- Ensure corrective actions are implemented and communicated to prevent recurrence.
Contract, Scope & Quality Management:
- Ensure all work is performed in accordance with utility contracts, specifications, vegetation prescriptions, and work methods.
- Monitor scope compliance, including clearance requirements, trim standards, and completion criteria.
- Support utility audits, inspections, and corrective actions as required.
- Identify quality issues and coach Forepersons on corrective techniques.
- Reduce rework, customer complaints, and inspection failures through proactive field oversight.
Production, Metrics & Reporting:
- Monitor daily and weekly production metrics for assigned crews.
- Identify productivity trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
- Implement corrective actions to support contract timelines and operational goals.
- Ensure accurate reporting of production, labor hours, and job status to support billing and performance tracking.
Equipment, Vehicles & Asset Management:
- Ensure proper inspection, care, and safe operation of vehicles, tools, and mechanized equipment.
- Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, and replacements with Operations.
- Enforce company policies related to vehicle use, equipment accountability, and safe operation.
Workforce Planning & Development:
- Support workforce planning by identifying staffing needs, training gaps, and readiness concerns.
- Assist with onboarding, field training, and performance development of new Forepersons and crew members.
- Provide input and recommendations regarding promotions, reassignments, and additional training based on field performance.
Customer & Internal Coordination:
- Serve as a primary field contact for utility customers, inspectors, and other stakeholders.
- Communicate professionally to address customer inquiries, concerns, or escalations.
- Partner with internal departments (Operations, Safety, HR, Payroll, Billing) to support workforce needs, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Emergency Response & Storm Support:
- Support emergency response, storm restoration, fire mitigation, and other high‑priority operations as required.
- Coordinate crews, equipment, and communication during emergency events.
- Ensure safety, compliance, and operational control during extended or emergency work schedules.
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Foreperson or equivalent leadership role in utility vegetation management or related field operations.
- Minimum of 12 months of hands-on experience in utility line clearance, vegetation management, or arboricultural operations.
Skills & Abilities:
- Strong leadership and team management skills in a field‑based environment.
- Solid understanding of utility vegetation management operations and safety requirements.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational, planning, and problem‑solving abilities.
- Ability to make sound decisions in dynamic and sometimes high‑risk field conditions.
- Proficiency using technology for reporting, documentation, and communication.
Licenses / Certifications:
- Valid Class C Driver’s License with the ability to meet company driving requirements.
- CPR and First Aid Certification (required within 90 days of hire).
Required Training:
- Groundperson Training
- Climber Training
- Annual Aerial Rescue Training
- Tree Feller Training
- Bucket Operator Training
Successful Completion of the Following Assessments:
- Line Clearance Certified Professional (LCCP) Test
- Line Clearance Qualified Professional (LCQP) Book
- Foreperson Test (minimum score of 70%)
- General Foreperson Test (minimum score of 70%)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing multiple crews across multiple job sites or contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to balance safety, quality, and productivity in utility operations.
- Prior experience working directly with utility clients or inspectors.
- Strong administrative and reporting skills related to compliance and performance tracking.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Primarily field‑based with daily presence at active job sites.
- Regular exposure to outdoor environments, varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, and roadside or right‑of‑way work zones.
- Frequent interaction with mechanized equipment, vehicles, and energized power line environments.
- Physical demands include standing and walking for extended periods, climbing in and out of vehicles, and occasional lifting of equipment or materials.
- Work schedule may include early mornings, extended hours, weekends, and emergency response as operational needs require.
- Travel within assigned service areas is required.
EEO STATEMENT
ArborWorks, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENTArborWorks, LLC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources.