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Crew Lead

Who We Are

Alpine Tree Service is a high-growth, full-service tree care company serving residential and commercial clients across New Jersey. We operate with a focus on safety, professionalism, and execution — following ANSI standards and delivering a premium customer experience. We are building a team of professionals, not just workers.

The Role

The Crew Lead runs the job site. You are responsible for crew safety, job execution, client experience, and production from the moment you arrive on property to the moment the trucks leave clean.

This is a leadership role — you set the standard for the crew, make the calls in the field, and own the outcome of every job you run.

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An arborist from Alpine Tree preforming pruning on a mature tree in Chester, NJ.

What You'll Do

As Alpine's Crew Lead, you'll be responsible for:

  • Lead daily crew operations on residential and commercial job sites

  • Execute and oversee tree removals, pruning, and rigging in line with ANSI Z133 standards

  • Coordinate with climbers, operators, and ground crew to keep production moving

  • Communicate directly with clients on-site — set expectations, address questions, manage change orders

  • Conduct site safety assessments and lead pre-job briefings

  • Inspect equipment and ensure crew is prepared for each job

  • Document job completion, materials used, and any client communication via mobile systems

  • Communicate up to office and Sales Arborists on scope changes, site issues, or schedule shifts

  • Train and mentor newer crew members

  • Maintain job site organization and ensure clean, professional execution from start to finish

How We Operate

A Crew Lead at Alpine isn't a title — it's a standard. Here's what that looks like in practice:

  • Actively Seek Knowledge: You stay sharp on rigging techniques, equipment changes, and safety standards. You're the technical reference on your crew — if you stop learning, the crew stops growing.

  • Think Ahead to Solve Problems: You read the job before the chainsaws come out. You spot the hazards, anticipate the rigging, and plan the sequence. Crews led by people who think ahead finish on time.

  • Be Adaptable: Every property is different. Weather changes, scope changes, equipment breaks. You adjust the plan and keep the crew moving without compromising on safety or quality.

  • Loyalty to the Team: You have your crew's back — and you hold them accountable. You communicate clearly with the office, the sales team, and the client. You don't leave your people exposed, and you don't tolerate shortcuts that put anyone at risk.

  • Have the Motivation to Be the Best: You take ownership of every job. The work that leaves your site reflects on you. Crew Leads at Alpine are the ones who consistently raise the bar, not the ones who coast on tenure.

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Alpine-removal-climber

Qualifications

This role is for experienced tree care professionals ready to lead. We’re looking for someone with:

  • 5+ years tree care industry experience

  • Prior crew leadership or lead climber experience required

  • Valid and insurable driver's license

  • Strong communication skills — field, client-facing, and office

  • Ability to execute and document work orders via mobile systems

  • Demonstrated safety leadership (ANSI Z133 standards)

  • Physical ability to work in a demanding outdoor environment

  • English proficiency

  • Authorized to work in the United States

Preferred:

  • ISA Arborist Certification

  • Crane experience

  • Pesticide Applicator License (Core, 3a/3b)

Why Alpine

We're growing — and we're looking for people who want to grow with us. That means real training, real equipment, and a real career path in one of New Jersey's top tree care companies.

  • Real Training, High-Tech Equipment: ISA Certified Arborists on staff, ANSI Z133 standards on every job, and the best gear in the industry — including the Tree-MEK, one of the most capable cranes in the region.
  • Clear Advancement: Ground crew become climbers. Climbers become operators. Operators become crew leads. We promote from within whenever we can, and we pay for the certifications that get you there.
  • Team-First Culture: No passengers, no ego. We hire people who want to be part of something — not people clocking in.
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Compensation & Benefits

  • Pay

    • $45–$55/hour based on experience and performance

Every full-time Alpine employee gets:

  • Health & Wellness:

    • Health insurance
    • Dental insurance
    • Vision insurance

  • Time Off:

    • Paid time off
    • Paid holidays
    • Paid sick time (in line with NJ policy)

  • Financial:

    • Competitive pay based on performance, not just tenure
    • 401(k) with 3% company match

  • Growth & Development:

    • On-the-job training from day one
    • Ongoing professional development
    • Company-paid certifications — ISA Arborist and Pesticide Applicator licenses where applicable
    • Clear advancement path with internal promotion priority

  • Equipment & Tools:

    • Industry-leading equipment, including the Tree-MEK crane
    • Full safety equipment provided
    • Company phone

  • Relocation:

    Relocation assistance available for the right candidates

Who This Role Is For

This role is for someone who:

Takes ownership of crew safety and job execution

Can make calls in the field without waiting for permission

Holds their crew to a high standard without burning them out

Wants to grow toward operations management or department lead long-term

This may not be the right fit if you:

  • Prefer to focus on your own work rather than lead others
  • Don't enjoy the documentation and communication side of the job
  • Aren't ready to take responsibility for a crew's performance
pruning a large tree from a bucket truck

Apply

Submit your application below. We'll be in touch within 5 business days.

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) Alert

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is spreading rapidly in our area and poses a serious threat to our trees. If left untreated, BLD can be fatal.

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