Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Arborist Crew Leader

🎯 Role Definition

An Arborist Crew Leader supervises and coordinates a field crew performing tree pruning, removal, hazard mitigation, and plant health care. The leader ensures work is executed efficiently, safely and to industry standards (ISA/ANSI/OSHA), communicates with clients, prepares basic estimates and job documentation, maintains crew equipment, and mentors technicians. This role demands strong arboricultural skills, proven leadership in the field, and a relentless focus on safety and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Tree Climber / Arborist Technician
Groundskeeper / Landscape Technician
Utility Line Clearance Arborist

Advancement To:

Arborist Supervisor / Operations Supervisor
Municipal Forester / Urban Forestry Manager
Safety & Training Coordinator or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Utility Vegetation Management Specialist
Plant Health Care (PHC) Technician / ISA Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead daily field operations for a crew of arborists and tree technicians, assigning tasks, coordinating work zones, and ensuring adherence to schedules while maximizing productivity on pruning, removals, and maintenance contracts.
Execute and supervise complex tree removals using climbing, rigging and aerial lift techniques; set and manage rigging lines, lower large limbs and trunks safely, and coordinate chip and debris removal.
Perform and oversee advanced pruning operations (crown reduction, canopy thinning, structural pruning) following ISA/ANSI best practices to promote tree health and structural integrity.
Conduct thorough pre-job site assessments and tree risk assessments to identify hazards, overhead utilities, decay, structural defects, and recommended mitigation measures; record findings in work orders and reports.
Enforce and model strict safety protocols, including fall protection, chainsaw procedures, PPE enforcement, and job-specific safety briefings; maintain compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.
Train, mentor and evaluate crew members on safe climbing, rigging, aerial platform operation, chainsaw safety, proper pruning techniques and customer service expectations.
Operate, maintain and troubleshoot arborist equipment (chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, aerial lifts, winches); schedule preventative maintenance and arrange timely repairs to minimize downtime.
Manage traffic control, job site barricading and safe public protection measures for work near roads, sidewalks and utilities; coordinate with municipalities and client representatives as required.
Supervise and perform stump grinding, root collar excavation, and basic soil/plant health remediation to support restoration efforts after removals or root stress.
Read, interpret and execute work orders, site drawings and permits; verify location of underground utilities and secure necessary permits before starting work.
Communicate proactively with clients and property managers on scope, timeline, safety expectations and follow-up recommendations; document client approvals and change orders.
Prepare and submit daily crew reports, time sheets, equipment logs, incident reports and basic material inventories using mobile apps, tablets or paper systems as required.
Estimate labor and equipment needs for assigned jobs, provide input to foremen or sales staff for quotes, and flag job complexities that require additional resources or specialty crews.
Coordinate with subcontractors, utility companies and municipal inspectors for power disconnects, road closures, and permit inspections when jobs impact infrastructure.
Lead storm response crews and emergency tree work: triage hazards, perform rapid-risk removals, and coordinate debris cleanup while maintaining crew safety under high-pressure conditions.
Implement quality control inspections on completed work, ensuring pruning cuts, clean removals, and cleanup meet company standards and leave sites in a safe condition.
Apply basic plant health care practices: identify common pests and diseases, recommend treatments or referrals to PHC specialists, and document tree condition trends on recurring contracts.
Maintain inventory of consumables (chainsaw bars, fuel, oil, rigging hardware) and submit requisitions; track equipment depreciation and recommend replacement schedules.
Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks and company training programs; report near-misses and incidents and follow up on corrective actions.
Supervise waste management and recycling of green waste and wood products; direct chip spreading, hauling and wood-salvage operations for efficient site cleanup.

Secondary Functions

Support business development by providing accurate job site feedback, scope clarifications, and photos for estimates and proposals.
Assist office staff with post-job documentation, invoicing notes and follow-up scheduling for recurring tree maintenance contracts.
Contribute to crew recruitment and retention by participating in interviews and onboarding, onboarding checklists and hands-on training.
Help implement the company’s sustainability and urban forestry goals by advising on tree selection, planting locations, and long-term care recommendations.
Participate in cross-functional initiatives (safety program revisions, equipment purchasing decisions, training curriculum design) to improve operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient chainsaw operation and advanced cutting techniques (felling, limb removal, bore cutting).
Certified or experienced in tree climbing and aerial rescue techniques; comfortable with rope, saddle, and ascending/descending systems.
Rigging and crane-assisted removal experience: setting blocks, gear, lowering systems and directing crane operations.
Operation and maintenance of chippers, stump grinders, aerial lifts (bucket trucks) and skid-steer equipment.
Tree risk assessment and defect identification using ANSI/ISA standards; ability to write concise risk reports and mitigation plans.
Knowledge of proper pruning techniques for different species and objectives (health, clearance, utility, structural).
Familiarity with plant health issues, common pests/diseases and basic PHC recommendations; ability to document and escalate complex cases.
Experience with traffic control, flagging and work zone signage for roadside tree work.
Ability to read and interpret work orders, site maps, property lines and utility markings; basic GPS or GIS mobile app usage preferred.
Basic estimating skills: size-up labor hours, equipment needs and hazard allowances for job scoping.
Preventative maintenance skills for saws, hydraulic equipment and mechanical systems; schedule and track maintenance logs.
Proficiency with mobile reporting tools, digital timecards, and photo documentation workflows.
Licenses/certifications as applicable: CDL, ISA Certified Arborist (preferred), OSHA 10/30, aerial lift certification, pesticide/applicator license.

Soft Skills

Strong leadership with the ability to motivate crews, teach techniques, and hold team members accountable for safety and quality.
Clear, professional client-facing communication: explain risks, scope, timelines and post-work recommendations in plain language.
Problem-solving under pressure—triage storm damage and unexpected site hazards while keeping crew safety paramount.
Organizational skills: coordinate multiple jobs, manage equipment logistics and track consumables.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to high workmanship standards and excellent site cleanup.
Conflict resolution and coaching skills to address crew performance and maintain morale.
Time management and scheduling discipline to meet project deadlines and contractual SLAs.
Adaptability to changing weather, site conditions and client priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or certificate in arboriculture preferred.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or certificate in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, or related field.
ISA certifications or formal coursework in tree biology, pruning standards and rigging.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Arboriculture / Urban Forestry
Horticulture / Plant Science
Environmental Science / Ecology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–7 years of hands-on tree care experience, including at least 1–2 years in a lead/supervisory role.

Preferred: 5+ years of progressively responsible field experience with demonstrated leadership, ISA certification and experience managing multiple crews or large commercial/municipal accounts.