Tree Care Operations Manager

Tree Care Operations Manager Full-time • Salaried • $100,000–$120,000 Winkler Tree & Lawn Care is hiring a Tree Care Operations Manager to lead our Arbor production crews and drive safety, training, and technical excellence across the branch. This is a non‑production leadership role focused on field training, job site audits, and elevating operational standards. You’ll serve on the Branch Leadership Team, ensuring safety, crew development, and field quality remain central to all operational decisions. What You’ll Lead Safety Oversee branch safety compliance (ANSI Z133, A300, OSHA) Conduct scheduled and surprise job site safety audits Manage incident documentation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions Lead the branch safety committee Training & Development Deliver hands‑on training: climbing, rigging, aerial lift, pruning, chipper/stump grinder, towing, equipment inspection Own onboarding for all field personnel Maintain training documentation, competency checklists, and skills progression Lead tailgate talks and seasonal safety training Provide in‑house CPR/First Aid training (company-sponsored instructor certification) Quality Assurance Perform job site QA inspections (PPE, drop zones, pruning quality, cleanup, equipment condition) Document findings and recommend training or process improvements Leadership & Collaboration Participate in weekly leadership meetings Advise on crew readiness, safety risk, and field best practices Collaborate across branches to share training and safety resources Industry Engagement Participate in ISA and Illinois Arborist Association events Represent Winkler professionally within the arborist community Required Certifications (Company-Sponsored) All required within 6 months unless noted: ISA Certified Arborist ISA TRAQ TCIA CTSP Red Cross First Aid/CPR Instructor (reasonable timeline) TCIA Qualified Trainer (reasonable timeline) Physical Requirements This is a leadership role, but you must be able to: Walk/stand on active job sites for extended periods Lift up to 50 lbs occasionally Wear required PPE Enter aerial lifts or climb when needed for training/evaluation Work outdoors in varying weather conditions What Success Looks Like Reduced safety incidents through training and audits Field staff meeting documented competency standards Strong onboarding that accelerates readiness Consistent, effective safety committee operations Verifiable ANSI/OSHA compliance QA findings driving training improvements Recognition as a safety and training leader within ISA/IAA Equal Opportunity Employer Winkler Tree & Lawn Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any protected characteristic. E‑Verify Winkler Tree & Lawn Care participates in E‑Verify . All new hires must complete Form I‑9 and be verified as a condition of employment. Join Our Team If you’re passionate about elevating safety, developing people, and shaping the future of professional tree care, we’d love to meet you. At Winkler Tree & Lawn Care, you’ll have the platform, support, and leadership influence to make a real impact every day. Step into a role where your expertise drives growth, strengthens crews, and builds a safer, stronger industry.