Hinsdale, IL – Crew Leader – full-time

POSITION: Crew Leader
DATE: May 27, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Public Services
REPORTS TO: Forestry and Grounds Superintendent
PAY GRADE: Public Services Pay Plan
Pay Range $67,455.79 – $98,620.05, starting wage rate is DOQ
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Position Purpose:
Leads and performs skilled forestry and grounds maintenance for the Forestry and Grounds Division. Work includes tree pruning and removals, planting, inventory updates, inspections, equipment operation, emergency response, and related tasks on Village-owned property. Assignments may include parks maintenance and horticulture as directed.
The Crew Leader plans, directs, and executes daily operations while meeting schedules, adapting to changing priorities, and responding to emergencies. The role requires safe work practices; clear, professional communication with residents, contractors, and staff; and adherence to Village policies, procedures, and safety regulations. Strong teamwork, leadership, and customer service are essential.

Supervision Exercised:
Under the direction of the Superintendent of Forestry and Ground, helps lead Forestry and Grounds maintenance staff, including seasonal and temporary employees and other less senior staff as assigned.

Job Duties:
Essential Functions:
• Leads onsite crews; trains and directs staff in methods, procedures, and safety for forestry and grounds activities.
• Performs tree pruning, removals, planting, stump grinding, and related arboricultural operations on Village property.
• Maintains and updates the tree inventory using GIS and other software.
• Operates aerial lifts, dump trucks, loaders, skid steers, chippers, stump grinders, chainsaws, snowplows, and related equipment in compliance with safety standards.
• Assists the Superintendent with planning and implementing daily assignments and operations.
• Provides professional customer service and responds to resident inquiries while performing field work.
• Performs snow and ice control; responds to emergencies such as storm damage, flooding, and water main breaks.

• Supports setup and cleanup for Village special events and departmental activities.
• Maintains accurate records and reports on field operations, inspections, inventory, materials, and maintenance.
• Conducts routine inspections and minor repairs/adjustments to equipment and tools.
• Attends required safety training and applies best practices to ensure safe, professional worksites.
• Ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Village policies and regulatory requirements.
• Available for emergency call-outs and after-hours assignments, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Marginal Functions:
• Assists in training staff on forestry operations, equipment, and safety.
• Assists in monitoring contractual forestry work and vendor activities.
• Inspects, documents, and coordinates repairs for playground facilities in Village parks.
• Weeding and general landscape maintenance
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Factors:
Work is performed outdoors, in vehicles, with heavy equipment, and in shops/garages. Exposure to varying weather, loud noise, traffic, moving mechanical parts, heights, chemicals, fumes, wood debris, dust, and odors.

Physical Requirements:
Frequently stands, walks, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, and performs physically demanding labor. Occasionally sits; uses hands to handle or feel; reaches; talks and hears. Frequently lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls up to 50 pounds; occasionally more with assistance or equipment. Requires close and distance vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Occasional work at elevated heights using aerial equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of arboriculture, urban forestry, tree identification, pruning standards, and tree maintenance.
• Skill in safe operation and basic maintenance of:
o Aerial lifts
o Dump trucks
o Front-end loaders
o Skid steers
o Brush chippers
o Stump grinders
o Chainsaws
o Snowplows and salt spreaders
o Forklifts
o Backhoes
o Hand and power tools
o Rigging and other related rope work

• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and forestry tools in varied conditions.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and positive public relations.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and transition between duties while maintaining safety.
• Ability to understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures and regulations.
• Ability to learn and use GIS, forestry software, and asset management systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Position Requirements:
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical training in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources, or related field preferred.
• Three to five years of arboriculture/tree care experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating competency.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License required.
• Illinois CDL Class B or A required within six months of hire.
• ISA Certified Arborist required or obtainable within twelve months of hire.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) and Prescription Pruning Qualification preferred.
• Illinois Pesticide Applicator or Operator License preferred or obtainable within twelve months of hire.
• Flagger Certification preferred or obtainable within twelve months of hire.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) preferred or obtainable within twelve months of hire.
• Moderate computer proficiency is required.
• Must be available for emergency call-outs and after-hours emergency response.
• Supervisory experience is preferable.

Benefits:
This position participates in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), and includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits as well as paid time off package with vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time.

Process:
The selection process includes an application process, interview process, drug screening and background check. The position is open until filled. The position is expected to be filled as soon as the interview process and background checks are completed.
Village of Hinsdale, Village Manager’s Office, Attn: Human Resources, 19 E. Chicago Hinsdale, IL 60521, e-mail: hr@villageofhinsdale.org. Visit www.villageofhinsdale.org/jobs for a job application.

Equal Opportunity
The Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, contact:

Tracy McLaughlin
hr@villageofhinsdale.org
hr@villageofhinsdale.org