James Davidson
Grants Pass
Summary
ISA Certified Arborist | Union Representative | Crew Foreman & Journeyman
Experienced Arborist and Crew Leader with 15+ years in line clearance, facility vegetation maintenance, and union leadership. Proven ability to manage large teams, oversee operations, ensure safety compliance, and deliver high-quality service in the power industry. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of training and mentoring apprentices, collaborating with management, and driving operational success. Expert in troubleshooting, equipment operation, and ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Foreman/Journeyman Arborist
Wrights Tree Service
11.2024 - Current
- Leading line clearance operations and vegetation management projects in compliance with Pacific Power’s specifications and safety protocols.
- Managing a crew of arborists, ground personnel, and apprentices, ensuring efficient operation, adherence to safety procedures, and high-quality performance.
- Providing mentorship and training for new crew members, including apprentices and journeymen.
- Ensuring all equipment is operated safely and in compliance with DOT regulations, including conducting daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
Assistant Business Manager
IBEW Local 659
06.2021 - 10.2024
- Played a pivotal role in negotiating a historic Outside Line Contract with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), securing significant wage and benefit increases for union members.
- Led successful contract negotiations for Central Lincoln PUD, improving working conditions, wages, and benefits for union workers.
- Represented Oregon state veterans for IBEW’s 9th district, covering regions including Oregon, California, Washington, Alaska, Northern Idaho, Nevada, and Hawaii.
- Contributed to Joint Apprenticeship Committees to ensure the development of skilled line construction professionals.
- Spearheaded initiatives to implement direct entry into IBEW apprenticeship programs across Oregon, benefiting several IBEW locals.
Foreman/Journeyman Arborist
Wright Tree Services
02.2017 - 06.2021
- Leading line clearance operations and vegetation management projects in compliance with Pacific Power’s specifications and safety protocols.
- Managing a crew of arborists, ground personnel, and apprentices, ensuring efficient operation, adherence to safety procedures, and high-quality performance.
- Providing mentorship and training for new crew members, including apprentices and journeymen.
- Ensuring all equipment is operated safely and in compliance with DOT regulations, including conducting daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
General Foreman
Mowbray's Tree Service
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Supervised the completion of 14 large-scale projects across California and Oregon, overseeing 43 employees, including foremen, journeymen, apprentices, and flaggers.
- Ensured project timelines and budgets were adhered to while maintaining safety and quality standards.
- Coordinated with Pacific Power to ensure ongoing compliance with project specifications, leading to the successful completion of vegetation maintenance projects.
- Managed crew logistics, performance tracking, and reporting, ensuring effective communication between teams and project stakeholders.
Foreman/Journeyman
Trees, Inc.
02.2001 - 01.2017
- Responsible for leading crew to perform facility vegetation maintenance
- Managed daily work and supervised crew
- Kept General Foreman informed of job progress and material requirements
- Estimated work to be performed and reported on weekly basis
- Managed paperwork and documented hours worked
- Submitted paperwork to General Foreman weekly
- Responded to emergency callouts and provided onsite support
- Worked overtime, including evenings and weekends, to respond to storm related emergencies
- Developed highly empathetic client relationships and earned reputation for exceeding customer relations
- Consistently worked to code on all projects, utilizing specifications
- Worked extensively around wye and delta power distribution systems
- Assessed work for errors or compliance issues and made corrections when necessary
- Documented daily equipment inspections and submitted daily inspection forms to General Foreman
- Operated equipment safely and efficiently at all times
- Executed daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections and documentation in compliance with DOT guidelines and company policies
Education
Arboricultural -
ISA
Grants Pass, OR01.2013
Certification, Line Clearance - undefined
JATC
Springfield, OR01.2003
Engineering - undefined
Naval Apprenticeship Training
Great Lakes, IL01.1994
High School Diploma - General Education
Cottage Grove High School
Cottage Grove, OR01.1993
Skills
- ISA Certified
- OSHA regulatory compliance
- Troubleshooting Skills
- Clean DOT
- Computer literate
- Direct crew training
- Solid communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Flagging Certified
- CPR Certified
- Oregon Herbicide License
- Experienced Bucket Operator
- Experienced Climber
- Experienced Rigger
Accomplishments
- Responsible for providing vision and guidance to Apprentices and Journeymen.
- Training Apprentices and Journeymen on safety procedures and keeping within company guidelines.
- Received Outstanding Achievement for crew of the quarter on two occasions.
- Collaborated with management to keep with compliance of Pacific Powers specifications and changing trends.
- Performed Union duties as Shop Steward and guided Union employees with understanding union contract.
- Served on negotiating committees.
Timeline
Foreman/Journeyman Arborist
Wrights Tree Service
11.2024 - Current
Assistant Business Manager
IBEW Local 659
06.2021 - 10.2024
Foreman/Journeyman Arborist
Wright Tree Services
02.2017 - 06.2021
General Foreman
Mowbray's Tree Service
01.2017 - 02.2018
Foreman/Journeyman
Trees, Inc.
02.2001 - 01.2017
Certification, Line Clearance - undefined
JATC
Engineering - undefined
Naval Apprenticeship Training
High School Diploma - General Education
Cottage Grove High School
Arboricultural -
ISA
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