Due to the number of responses I'm getting about this post...
In response to both PMs and any future inquiries on this position, I will just direct those interested to biltmore.com
The job posting isn't up yet, but should be by the weeks' end.
However, I can share some pertinent information here for all to peruse.
I am leaving because I have a business of my own, and my young family needs more time together. 6-7 days a week juggling two jobs is too much. I'm a workaholic, and two jobs doesn't help my condition.
The crew leader position is a job for arborists with the HIGHEST standards. We don't disturb turf, we don't disturb understory. We wear chainsaw chaps in the tree, and we don't one-hand chainsaws. NO exceptions. Chainsaw-protective boots are mandatory, but are supplied by the company.
Most of our time is spent removing trees, but that is not all we do. We do some structural pruning, and we have time for preservation initiatives from time to time, but not all that often.
We work 4 ten-hour days (Tuesday-Friday), and we work all ten of those hours each day.
Your potential boss, and his boss, and his boss, and so forth, all have the highest standards as well. Do not apply if you think that you are going to come in and cowboy this place up. No cowboys allowed. You will be expected to jump through a lot of hoops, and to be quite honest, you will have some big shoes to fill.
Effective communication skills are of the utmost importance. I spend a good deal of my time here calling and emailing people just to let them know we will be working in their area. Much like calling a customer, other crew leaders here feel "ownership" for their areas of the Estate. It's important to respect that feeling and not plow in there just because "we have trees to cut."
Though the pay isn't top rate, the gear mostly is. We have a 2006 Altec 75' bucket truck, a 2004 Bandit 1590 chipper, and a Caterpillar 299C tracked skid steer. We also have a Prentice 120C log loader, a chip truck with man cab, and a small department. More equipment than there is personnel, we have it pretty good, in a good atmosphere. Several delicious restaurants on the Estate, and a great work environment.
I could go on for pages, but I think I'll stop there. If there are any more specific questions, ask away, I'll try to give as much information as possible.
Thanks.
