Crew Career Ladder
Build skill. Produce value. Earn more.
Pay grows with safety, reliability, production, skill, and independence.
Core standards
What we value
Production
Paid time must move the job forward.
Good production means steady work, less idle time, fewer delays, and little rework.
We look for:
- Completed work
- Steady pace
- Useful next steps
- Clean results
- Low rework
- Less supervision
Pay ladder
Field levels
1
Crew Laborer
Basic support
$16–$18/hr
Can do
- Drag brush
- Move small wood
- Rake and blow
- Protect property
- Use PPE
Must show
- Good attendance
- Steady effort
- Follows directions
- Good attitude
Supervision
Frequent direction
Production
Useful pace on assigned work
2
Ground Technician I
Routine ground work
$18–$21/hr
Can do
- Use blowers and trimmers
- Fuel equipment
- Inspect tools
- Stage work areas
- Spot common hazards
Must show
- Works without reminders
- Moves to the next task
- Keeps tools ready
- Avoids damage
Supervision
Periodic check-ins
Production
Does not slow the crew
3
Ground Technician II
Basic saw work
$21–$24/hr
Can do
- Run a ground saw
- Change and tension chains
- Read basic bind
- Use lowering lines
- Organize wood and brush
Must show
- Anticipates next steps
- Keeps saws ready
- Makes clean cuts
- Communicates clearly
Supervision
Routine work alone
Production
Completes clear parts of the job
4
Skilled Ground Technician
Advanced ground work
$24–$27/hr
Can do
- Run saws well
- Sharpen chains
- Read bind and movement
- Handle rigging lines
- Guide new workers
Must show
- Good judgment
- Strong work pace
- Low rework
- Stops unsafe work
Supervision
Little direction
Production
Raises daily crew output
5
Lead Ground Technician
Leads ground production
$27–$31/hr
Can do
- Read the work order
- Set up the job
- Lead ground work
- Train crew members
- Speak with clients
Must show
- Works alone when needed
- Prevents delays
- Protects equipment
- Controls labor time
Supervision
Owner can step away
Production
Creates real company capacity
6
Crew Leader
Runs ordinary jobs
$31–$36/hr
Can do
- Lead the safety brief
- Assign crew roles
- Track job progress
- Handle client questions
- Close out the job
Must show
- Sound decisions
- Strong leadership
- Good labor control
- Good final results
Supervision
Limited owner help
Production
Finishes near labor targets
7
Climbing Arborist
Advanced tree production
$35–$45+/hr
Can do
- Climb safely
- Prune and remove trees
- Use rigging systems
- Read tree hazards
- Lead complex jobs
Must show
- Advanced judgment
- High-value output
- Strong crew control
- Professional client care
Supervision
Broad independence
Production
Produces major billable value
Always required
Basic crew rules
Attendance
Show up on time. Call out early.
Readiness
Report ready for safe work.
Production
Keep moving the job forward.
Equipment
Protect, clean, and maintain tools.
Quality
Avoid mistakes and rework.
Clients
Protect property. Be respectful.
No unsafe rushing
Fast and careless is not productive.
No automatic raises
Higher pay requires proven performance.
Moving up
How to earn the next level
- Learn the next skills
- Meet the next production level
- Show it on real jobs
- Do it consistently
- Ask for a review
Skills
Progress checklist
Pay reflects the whole job: safety, reliability, production, quality,
skill, and independence.