Lead Climber/ Foreman, Olympia WA

southsoundtree

southsoundtree

Been here much more than a while
Location
Olympia, WA
Just a preliminary post...

I am looking at two municipal job opportunities for which I feel I have a good shot, and may be needing to hire an experience big tree climber to take my place on my small crew (1-2 ground crew) in my small company.

Ideally a CA.

Spurless proficiency and proper pruning skills a must.

Work areas tend to be over houses and landscaping a lot, so a proficient rigger and accurate bomber. I do some brush work, but tend to rig/ cut/ lower myself, freeing the one groundman to keep up on brush frequently.

Strive for high quality, low impact.

We have local crane companies available.

Conifers typically up to 100'.
Hardwoods: big maples, alders, fruit trees and other ornamentals.

I'll post again if I'm getting an interview and need to think more seriously about this.

I have a good groundman with some spike climbing skills. He's going to be trained in spurless climbing soon. Other groundman/ climber returned to school this semester, so may be back FT in the summer for the busy season.

Hoping to get a mini this year. Use a log loader as necessary, so I can't think of the last time of hauling out a lot of firewood manually.
 
Hey Sean, Hope everything's well. I'm available to do a few weeks if you get that gig. I'll need help getting there and I'd need a place to stay, preferably near a public pool. If you're looking for a permanent person I understand but I thought I'd offer since I'm available and would love to work for you. Let me know.
 
Okay Whiz. Our public pool is a little cold, the Puget Sound. Don't know about lodging. Really would be looking for a permanent replacement.
 
I've been thinking about this more, and have gotten a bit of positive feedback about one of the positions. This job might be quick to start, as they need to fill the position quickly.

The other position is still on hold for maybe two weeks before the announcement is made about which applicants will be interviewed.



I'm imagining that February through April might be 25-40 hours per week. Summer could likely be 40+/ week. I usually work with the crew on a a (4) ten hour days, M-Th, 730-530 basis.




My crew work schedule is in transition...

Currently, my FT experienced groundman works M-Th. He has worked with an OH company for 6 years, and will likely handle some of the management and bidding. He might be inclined to work over the weekends. Will be getting spurless and SRT trained.

My other experienced groundman has gone back to school this semester, and is wrapping up some of his own projects and getting into the swing of the school world, and will be ready in a few weeks to work F-M.

Both have some climbing experience for pruning and removals, and are solid groundmen.

I will likely be around and able to work some Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, particulary through a transition period.



I'm trying to creatively figure out what a change like this can evolve into.


If anyone has some interest and sees a possible match for some or all of the hours, PM me. Thanks.

As well, I'll take helpful advice from people who have had some experience or insight into the process of moving from crew lead to manager. Thanks.


P.S. Olympia is centered around I-5 exit 104, which without traffic is an hour from Seattle, and 2 hours from Portland. State worker traffic does create a bit of a bottleneck in the morning and afternoons.
Shop is located on the west side of Thurston County.
 
It sounds like your first mentioned groundie is in a great possition to start leading. As you know it's kind of unique but not uncommon for a ground guy to lead even experienced climbers. I get excited about this stuff because I like to see people grow when empowered with decision making and creative leadership techniques. Both men sound like great guys to have in camp. If you've been working with and training them they may really welcome a chance to learn the same things...from a different source so bringing in an experienced climber with sharing skills could be just the thing.
As far as your shift goes? I know two business owners going through something similar. One has transitioned slowly and real deliberately. He's appointed his exsisting people more responsibility and accountability. He makes it a point to visit the crews weekly to keep it fresh. He's taken a longer route and it's slow going, warts and all but I know they'll all land on their feet. Change can be scary and we don't all know how to express that. Some people get excited and others get paralysis. The other guy threw his guys to the wolves and now has a train wreck full of back stabbing resentful mutineers.
You'll know exactly what to do and your guys and whoever's lucky enough to work for you are going to step up and make it happen. You'll empower them and free yourself to do other things like swim in the Sound.
 
Thanks for the response.


The best that I can come up with on housing searches from a remote location is
http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/sub/
for anyone considering.

Whiz mentioned needing housing.


I interviewed for one job, but in the sometimes typical way, its seems that the job was already decided upon, but had to go through the process, as on interview day, they said that they'd be checking references and maybe have a decision within a few hours. The job went to a friend of mine, and he's well qualified.

I have an application in with another gov't agency, where they have, as of yesterday, only had one other "qualified" applicant. They are wanting to hire as soon as possible. I believe I am very qualified for the position, and stand a very good chance, especially since only one other is a competitive applicant. Its government, so I don't know what the timeline looks like, and it could be a drawn out process.

I emailed with another experienced climber nearby who has a ebb-and-flow and seasonal slow down right now, and am thinking that somebody part-time might be a good transition hire.

I'll keep the post updated as I know my needs.

Thanks.
 
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