Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Forestry Crew Leader

🎯 Role Definition

The Forestry Crew Leader is a critical field leadership position responsible for the direct supervision, safety, and productivity of a forestry crew. You will be the on-the-ground expert, translating project goals into daily tasks, from invasive species management and timber stand improvement to hazardous fuel reduction. This role requires a blend of advanced technical forestry skills, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to operate effectively in challenging and remote outdoor environments. You are the key to ensuring our projects are completed safely, on time, and to the highest ecological standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Forestry Technician
Lead Arborist
Wildland Firefighter (Squad Boss)
Conservation Crew Member

Advancement To:

Forestry Supervisor
Restoration Project Manager
Natural Resources Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

Urban Forester
Silviculturist
GIS Technician (Forestry)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Directly lead, supervise, mentor, and train a field crew of 3-10 forestry technicians, ensuring tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to high-quality standards.
Plan and execute daily work assignments for the crew, including tasks like timber stand improvement, invasive species identification and removal, tree planting, and hazardous fuel reduction.
Conduct daily pre-work safety meetings (tailgate talks) to discuss job hazards, review safety protocols, and ensure all crew members are equipped with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Operate and perform advanced maintenance on a variety of forestry equipment, including chainsaws, brush saws, wood chippers, and herbicide application tools, ensuring they are in safe working condition.
Enforce strict adherence to all safety regulations and company policies, including OSHA standards, to foster a strong safety culture and prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
Manage project logistics in the field, including navigating to remote and rugged worksites using maps, compass, and GPS technology, and coordinating crew transportation.
Perform complex and technical tree felling operations, including assessing tree defects and hazards to ensure the safety of the crew and the public.
Accurately mix and apply herbicides for vegetation management and invasive species control, ensuring strict compliance with application labels, environmental laws, and safety procedures.
Maintain detailed and accurate daily records, including crew time sheets, work logs, project progress reports, and incident documentation, submitting them to the Project Manager in a timely manner.
Act as the primary on-site point of contact, communicating effectively with Project Managers, landowners, and government agency partners to provide project updates and address any concerns.
Manage the inventory of project tools, equipment, and supplies, reporting any needs, damages, or losses to ensure the crew is always properly outfitted.
Provide immediate first aid and emergency response in the field, maintaining current First Aid and CPR certifications and ensuring the crew's first aid kit is fully stocked.
Train crew members in proper equipment use, maintenance, and field techniques such as tree identification, ecological monitoring, and data collection.
Evaluate the performance of crew members, providing regular constructive feedback, coaching, and contributing to formal performance reviews to support their professional development.
Implement silvicultural prescriptions and restoration plans as specified, making adaptive management decisions in the field to achieve project objectives.
Ensure all work is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, minimizing impact on soil, water resources, and non-target species.
Actively participate in physically demanding manual labor alongside the crew, leading by example and contributing directly to project completion.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical, logistical, and interpersonal challenges that arise within the crew and on the worksite to maintain productivity and morale.
Conduct quality control checks throughout the project lifecycle to ensure work meets or exceeds the standards and specifications outlined in the project plan.
Assist in project planning and scoping, providing valuable field-level insights on feasibility, timelines, and resource requirements.
Serve as a positive role model and leader, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team environment grounded in respect and a shared work ethic.
Systematically collect and record field data related to forest inventory, treatment effectiveness, or ecological monitoring using digital devices or traditional methods.

Secondary Functions

Support Project Managers with project planning, budgeting, and logistical coordination.
Contribute to the development and refinement of field safety protocols and standard operating procedures.
Liaise with landowners, public stakeholders, and agency partners to represent the organization professionally.
Participate in ongoing professional development, training, and certification programs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance (S-212 equivalent or higher)
Tree and Plant Identification (Native and Invasive Species)
Herbicide/Pesticide Application (State Applicator's License preferred)
Wildland Fire Behavior and Suppression Knowledge (FFT2 Certification desirable)
Field Navigation (GPS, GIS Apps, Map & Compass)
First Aid/CPR Certification (Wilderness First Aid/Responder preferred)
Technical Tree Felling and Hazard Assessment
Small Engine and Field Equipment Repair

Soft Skills

Crew Leadership and Mentorship
Clear and Concise Communication
On-the-fly Problem Solving and Decision Making
Unwavering Commitment to Safety and Risk Management
High Physical Stamina and Endurance in Adverse Conditions
Collaborative Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
Effective Time Management and Project Coordination

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Forestry
Natural Resource Management
Environmental Science
Arboriculture
Ecology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of hands-on experience in forestry, arboriculture, or ecological restoration, with at least one year in a leadership or supervisory capacity.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience leading crews of 3+ individuals in rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. Possession of advanced certifications such as S-212, State Pesticide Applicator's License, or Wilderness First Responder is highly desirable.