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First Ascent Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift ... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Ability to lead others, communicate effectively ...

Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift ... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Ability to lead others, communicate effectively ...

Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift ... CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Ability to lead others, communicate effectively ...

CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Acquire and keep the required training and ... Progress skill in tree ascent and descent * Work and maneuver at considerable heights during ...

CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Acquire and keep the required training and ... Progress skill in tree ascent and descent * Work and maneuver at considerable heights during ...

New

CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Acquire and keep the required training and ... Progress skill in tree ascent and descent * Work and maneuver at considerable heights during ...

CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis). * Acquire and keep the required training and ... Progress skill in tree ascent and descent * Work and maneuver at considerable heights during ...

New

First Ascent information

What is the difference between First Ascent vs Rock Climber?

AspectFirst AscentRock Climber
Required CredentialsTraining in climbing techniques, safety, and sometimes certificationsSimilar training; certifications vary by level and location
Work EnvironmentClimbing gyms, outdoor cliffs, adventure parksOutdoor cliffs, mountains, indoor climbing gyms
Industry UsageClimbing competitions, outdoor expeditions, adventure tourismRecreational climbing, competitions, outdoor expeditions

First Ascent refers to the act of being the first person to successfully climb a route or mountain, often requiring specialized skills and sometimes certifications. Rock Climber is a broader term for anyone engaging in climbing activities, whether recreationally or competitively. While both roles involve climbing skills and similar environments, First Ascent emphasizes pioneering new routes, whereas Rock Climber focuses on general climbing activities.

What are some common challenges faced by First Ascent Guides when leading beginner climbers, and how can they be addressed?

First Ascent Guides often work with climbers who are new to the sport and may feel anxious about heights or unfamiliar equipment. A key challenge is balancing safety with encouragement, ensuring that participants learn proper techniques while building confidence. Guides must communicate instructions clearly, monitor group dynamics, and adapt their teaching style to varying skill levels. Building rapport and fostering a supportive environment helps new climbers overcome fears and enjoy a positive experience.

What are First Ascent guides?

First Ascent guides are professional outdoor experts who lead and assist climbers, hikers, or adventurers during their initial attempt to reach the summit of a mountain or complete a challenging climbing route. These guides provide safety instruction, technical support, and local knowledge to ensure a successful and safe ascent. Their expertise is especially valuable for those attempting new or difficult climbs, often referred to as 'first ascents,' where there is little to no prior information about the route. They also help with logistics, equipment selection, and risk management throughout the journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Ascent Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Ascent Guide, you need advanced climbing skills, risk assessment abilities, and certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and professional climbing guide credentials. Familiarity with technical gear like ropes, anchors, navigation devices, and route-mapping software is essential. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help manage group dynamics and respond to unexpected challenges. These skills ensure safety, successful expedition outcomes, and a positive experience for all participants in demanding and unpredictable environments.
What are popular job titles related to First Ascent jobs in Wisconsin? For First Ascent jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Ascent jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for First Ascent jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various First Ascent job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 4% Internship, 68% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Crew Leader (Crew Foreperson)

Crew Leader (Crew Foreperson)

Lewis Services

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

OverviewJoin a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees - we're building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job - you're investing in your future.

Why You'll Love It Here
  • Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
  • Elevate your career with us - we prioritize training and internal promotions!
  • Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
Responsibilities

What You'll Do as a Crew Leader 

As a Crew Leader at Lewis Services, you will oversee and manage a crew performing utility vegetation management, ensuring safe and efficient tree trimming and line clearing operations for the utility and other customers. 

  • Supervise daily tree crew operations and ensure safe, efficient work practices, including training, onboarding, coaching, discipline, and ensure high-quality and efficient job performance. 
  • Plan and assign tasks based on crew members' skills and job requirements. 
  • Monitor and evaluate crew performance, including new hires, for training, promotion, and disciplinary actions. 
  • Maintain up-to-date contact information for all crew members and report any availability or fitness-for-duty concerns to the General Foreman. 
  • Conduct field training, retraining, and job briefings to ensure crew readiness. 
  • Enforce safety standards and company policies, report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately. 
  • Identify jobsite hazards and implement safeguards such as barriers and warning signs. 
  • Make decisions regarding work slowdown due to weather or safety concerns. 
  • Perform and direct tree trimming, removal, and clearance near energized lines using climbing or aerial lift techniques. 
  • Operate and oversee use of equipment, including trucks, chippers, aerial lifts, and power saws. 
  • Interpret work orders, utility drawings, and symbols related to line voltage and equipment. 
  • Maintain clean and organized work vehicles and job sites. 
  • Communicate with property owners to explain work, obtain access, and secure written permissions. 
  • Promote positive relationships with customers, the public, utility representatives, and other contractors. 
  • Cooperate with emergency services when blocking streets or driveways. 
  • Maintain accurate records and reports on crew performance, incidents, equipment issues, and completed work. 
  • Investigate incident reports and damage claims as assigned. 
  • Monitor and control crew costs through efficient use of resources and equipment. 
  • Stay informed on company policies, union agreements, and equipment standards. 
  • Emergency Response 
  • Respond to emergency situations to eliminate hazards and assist in service restoration. 
  • Exercise sound judgment in urgent scenarios to protect life and property. 
  • Request major tool or equipment repairs as needed.
  • Travel frequently, including overnight stays, as required.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
QualificationsWhat You Bring
  • At least 3 years of experience in a tree crew or in utility vegetation management.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements and A300 Pruning Standards for arboricultural operations.
  • Proficient in the identification of poisonous plants.
  • Proficiency in electrical circuit basics and interpreting circuit maps.
  • Advanced in tree ascent/descent using ropes and a safety saddle, and skilled in aerial lift operations.
  • Crew Leader Technical Knowledge and Skills Certification (or ability to complete).
  • Valid driver's license, CDL (as needed), and required medical certification.
  • Acquire and keep the required training and licenses for the safe and proper use of herbicides.
  • CPR and First Aid certified (provided by Lewis).
  • Strong leadership, effective communication, and decision-making skills.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations. 
Physical Demands

Ability to:

  • Lift 50 lbs. to shoulder height or higher
  • Push or pull up to 50 lbs.
  • Walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain
  • Endure extreme climate variances (e.g., severe cold to high heat and humidity)
  • Hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively
  • Operate two-handed tools and equipment
  • Maintain skill in tree ascent and descent
  • Work and maneuver at considerable heights during adverse weather conditions

Continuously - Standing, Walking, Handling/Grasping, Repetitive Movements.

Frequently - Lifting/Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Stooping/Kneeling, Reaching, Tree Ascending/Descending.

Occasionally - Driving, Climbing Stairs/Ladders.

Rarely - Sitting/Operating

Comments: You should expect variability in size, proportions, conditions, and weights of supplies, equipment, and work conditions.

Environmental Conditions:

Continuously - Outdoor work

Occasionally - Noise Levels

Frequently - Extreme Temperatures

Rarely - Contact with hazardous materials or air quality issues

Never - Confined Spaces

Comments: You should expect variability based on regional weather patterns.  Personal protective equipment is required to be worn by OSHA and ANSI.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment may include:

  • Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs
  • Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chippers
  • Blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes
  • Climbing gear: harness, chaps, spikes, hanger puller, manual and hydraulic pole saw, spikes.
  • Sprayer applicators, pump sprayer, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs
  • Tablets and communication devices
What We Offer

Union Benefits:

  • Competitive pay
  • Paid training and certifications.
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Local 2150 Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
People Promise

Our People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business.  We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated.  We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued. 

Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Service's practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Spanish Posting

Unase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podamos arboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamano de gestion de servicios y vegetacion en Norteamerica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

Por que le encantara trabajar aqui

  • Experimente un maravilloso entorno al aire libre mientras trabaja en la naturaleza, no quede atrapado detras de un escritorio!
  • Eleve su carrera profesional con nosotros. Priorizamos la capacitacion y las promociones internas!
  • Unase a un equipo vibrante que es pionero en seguridad, valora su opinion y fomenta un fuerte sentido de la camaraderia!

Sus funciones como Jefe de Cuadrilla

  • Como Jefe de Cuadrilla en Lewis Services, supervisara y administrara cuadrillas que gestionan la vegetacion de las empresas de servicios publicos, garantizara operaciones eficientes de poda de arboles y limpieza de cables para las empresas de servicios publicos y otros clientes.
  • Supervisar las operaciones diarias del equipo de arboles y garantizar practicas laborales seguras y eficientes, que incluyen la capacitacion, la incorporacion, el entrenamiento, la disciplina y garantizar un desempeno laboral eficiente y de alta calidad.
  • Planificar y asignar tareas segun las habilidades de los miembros de la cuadrilla y los requisitos del trabajo.
  • Supervisar y evaluar el desempeno de la cuadrilla, incluidas las nuevas contrataciones, para su capacitacion, promociones y medidas disciplinarias.
  • Mantener actualizada la informacion de contacto de todos los miembros de la cuadrilla e informar cualquier inquietud sobre disponibilidad o aptitud para el trabajo al capataz general.
  • Realizar capacitaciones de campo, nuevas capacitaciones y reuniones informativas de trabajo para garantizar la preparacion de la cuadrilla.
  • Aplicar las normas de seguridad y las politicas de la empresa, informar de inmediato sobre condiciones inseguras o incidentes.
  • Identificar los peligros en el lugar de trabajo e implementar medidas de proteccion como barreras y senales de advertencia.
  • Tomar decisiones sobre la reduccion del ritmo de trabajo debido al clima o los problemas de seguridad.
  • Realizar y dirigir la poda, remocion y limpieza de arboles cerca de lineas electricas mediante el uso de tecnicas de escalada o plataformas aereas.
  • Operar y supervisar el uso de equipos, incluidos camiones, astilladoras, plataformas aereas y sierras electricas.
  • Interpretar ordenes de trabajo, planos de servicios publicos y simbolos relacionados con el voltaje de linea y los equipos.
  • Mantener los vehiculos y los lugares de trabajo limpios y organizados.
  • Comunicarse con los propietarios para explicar el trabajo, obtener acceso y asegurar permisos escritos.
  • Promover relaciones positivas con los clientes, el publico, representantes de servicios publicos y otros contratistas.
  • Cooperar con los servicios de emergencia cuando se bloquean calles o entradas de vehiculos.
  • Mantener registros e informes precisos sobre el desempeno de la cuadrilla, incidentes, problemas de los equipos y trabajo completado.
  • Investigar informes de incidentes y reclamos por danos segun se asignen.
  • Supervisar y controlar los costos de la cuadrilla mediante el uso eficiente de recursos y equipos.
  • Mantenerse informado sobre las politicas de la empresa, los acuerdos sindicales y los estandares de los equipos.
  • Responder ante emergencias.
  • Responder a situaciones de emergencia para eliminar peligros y ayudar a restablecer el servicio.
  • Aplicar buen juicio en situaciones urgentes para proteger la vida y los bienes.
  • Solicitar reparaciones importantes de herramientas o equipos, segun sea necesario.
  • Viajar con frecuencia, incluidos pernoctes, segun sea necesario.
  • Realizar otras tareas relacionadas asignadas.

Lo que usted aporta

  • Al menos 3 anos de experiencia en cuadrilla de arboles o gestion de vegetacion de servicios publicos. 
  • Solido conocimiento y comprension de los requisitos de seguridad ANSI Z133 y los estandares de poda A300 para operaciones arboricolas. 
  • Dominio en la identificacion de plantas venenosas. 
  • Dominio de los conceptos basicos de los circuitos electricos e interpretacion de diagramas de circuitos. 
  • Habilidades avanzadas para el ascenso/descenso de arboles con cuerdas y una silla de seguridad, y experto en operaciones de plataformas aereas. 
  • Certificacion de conocimientos y habilidades tecnicas del jefe de cuadrilla (o capacidad para completar estos requisitos). 
  • Licencia de conducir valida, licencia de conducir comercial (CDL) (segun sea necesario) y certificacion medica requerida. 
  • Obtener y mantener la capacitacion y las licencias necesarias para el uso seguro y adecuado de herbicidas. 
  • Certificacion en RCP y primeros auxilios (proporcionado por Lewis). 
  • Fuerte liderazgo, comunicacion efectiva y habilidades de toma de decisiones. 
  • Garantizar el cumplimiento de todas las reglamentaciones locales, estatales y federales aplicables. 

Demandas fisicas 

 Capacidad para las siguientes actividades: 

  • Levantar 50 libras hasta la altura de los hombros o mas arriba. 
  • Empujar o tirar hasta 50 libras. 
  • Caminar hasta una milla por terrenos irregulares. 
  • Soportar variaciones climaticas extremas (por ejemplo, de frio intenso a calor y humedad elevados). 
  • Escuchar, hablar, ver y comunicarse de manera efectiva. 
  • Operar herramientas y equipos con las dos manos. 
  • Mantener la habilidad al subir y bajar de los arboles. 
  • Trabajar y maniobrar a alturas considerables durante condiciones climaticas adversas. 

De forma continua:estar de pie, caminar, manipular/sujetar, realizar movimientos repetitivos. 

Con frecuencia:levantar/transportar, empujar/tirar, agacharse/arrodillarse, alcanzar, subir/bajar de arboles. 

En ocasiones: conducir, subir escaleras fijas/plegables. 

Rara vez: estar sentado/operar. 

Comentarios: Debe esperar una variabilidad en el tamano, proporciones, condiciones y pesos de los suministros al igual que en los equipos y las condiciones de trabajo. 

Condiciones ambientales: 

De forma continua: trabajo al aire libre 

En ocasiones: niveles de ruido 

Con frecuencia: temperaturas extrema...