Job Detail

Field Team Lead

Location: Portland, OR
Salary: $35-$40 DOE

Foster Trees, LLC is looking to hire a teammate for a field team lead role.  This role is a combination of climbing and field tasks in addition to operations tasks.  We are looking specifically for a teammate who has 5-6 years of experience climbing (or more) and can handle complicated or difficult tree maintenance tasks and direct a team to support operations.  In addition, this role will meet clients to develop estimates and support internal operations tasks like development and implementation of the company safety program.  The ideal candidate will visualize a job from start to finish and act proactively to ensure smooth operations.  We’re seeking someone who is a clear communicator, a good team player, and who can effectively express themselves when concerns arise or conflict develops.  The right candidate is independently motivated and an effective problem solver who can help a small team continue to grow.

Role and job responsibilities:

• This role will work part-time with the field crew in a leadership position (both climbing and supporting the crew) and part-time supporting operations by performing estimates, assisting with the development and implementation of a safety program, and assisting with training staff in tree care operations.
• This role is a skilled position responsible for performing complex tree maintenance, pruning and removals on residential and commercial properties. The right candidate can handle complex situations with sophisticated rigging and lead a team through supporting a complicated operation.
• Requires daily inspection of all personal and shared safety equipment including rigging ropes, equipment and personal protective equipment.
• This role will share ownership of the development and communication of the safety program in accordance with industry standards (ANSI A300 and Z133.1).
• Climbers are expected to own and maintain their own climbing equipment.  All PPE is provided by Foster Trees, but a gear stipend is provided to provide funding for climbing equipment.
• This role will ensure that new employee orientations are conducted in a meaningful way and that new employees are mentored to improve their skills and abilities over time.
• Requires operation and basic maintenance of chippers, chain saws, blowers, and various hand tools.
• Requires clear and consistent communication with clients and fellow crew members.
• Requires capability in driving large vehicles, a clean driving record, and experience in backing, dumping, and parking large vehicles. Ability to drive stick shift is a plus.
• May include operation of rented equipment such as boom lifts, skid steers, or stump grinders.
• The Foster Trees work week is Monday through Thursday (10 hour days).
• We’re a small outfit and committed to diversity and equity in our industry, and we expect that the teammate we hire will also be committed to these goals! That means that we make space for underrepresented folks and we have real conversations about our behaviors and ways of working together.

Benefits for this role include:

• Pay is dependent upon experience, but typically between $35 and $40/hour for this level of experience (5-6 years climbing).  We’re happy to discuss this depending on the candidate.
• Paid sick time as required by the State of Oregon (1 hour of accrued time for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year). 
• Two full weeks (80 hours) of paid vacation time.  This time will be made available to you at the start of each year.  Vacation time may be prorated for the year depending on start date.
• 50% of the monthly premium for medical and dental insurance will be covered by Foster Trees, LLC, should you elect coverage. 
• PPE is provided by Foster Trees, LLC.  Other personal equipment is the responsibility of staff to purchase, and a $125/month gear stipend is provided to all full-time employees to aid in purchasing boots and other necessary gear.
• Starting in Q2 2025, Foster Trees, LLC is beginning a retirement program for staff with a 3% safe harbor contribution.
• Foster Trees does not limit the amount of unpaid time off staff are able to take.  With coordination and communication, unpaid time off is granted for as much time as staff desire.
• Foster Trees, LLC supports our staff in their continued education in the industry and pays for available training and workshop opportunities.

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