Utility Operations Field Supervisor

Under the Regional Operations Manager will lead and oversee Sierra Forestry Consulting LLC (SFC) utility vegetation management team in the designated region. This includes line clearance vegetation management scopes and including transmission right-of-way. The position is also responsible for the coordination of vegetation activity in support of construction projects, maintenance activity and wildfire and storm response.

The UFOS will provide exemplary leadership within the Operations Department and will play a key role in promoting and contributing to our culture of safety. The UFOS will monitor field utility employee performance to ensure all core activities are performed on time, meet the company and client standards and within budget.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manage direct downline of Vegetation Management Inspectors

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Represent SFC onsite in a professional manner and abide by company policies and procedure
• Assist with oversight of day-to-day utility field operations and contract compliance
• Ensure team performance meets specific standards including all federal and state regulations, monitor standard operating procedures efficiency testing, performance data and report trends.
• Promote, work and act in a manner consistent with the mission of SFC
• Provide strategic direction to field utility supervisors, VMI team members and customer service coordinators on utility projects
• Manage multiple work crews, schedules, jobs, equipment, and timelines
• Manage vegetation line clearance scopes with a close working relationship with our utility clients
• Interpret specifications and determine schedules, timelines, and define deliverables
• Manage compliance with applicable vegetation policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
• Assist in identifying potential business opportunities for vegetation management in existing and emerging work locations
• Build relationships with customers, labor sources, the local community, and other key entities
• Provide weekly reports in the form of charts, graphs, spreadsheets to the leadership team of field efforts, productivity, and errors to include Key Performance Indicators and Power BI data
• Champion the company safety program; ensuring all work is completed with strict adherence to safety policies and procedures
• Work closely with the Human Resources department with utility personnel attendance, coaching, and development
• Mentor and train field utility operation leaders
• Review and evaluate field utility employee performance and prepare annual reviews
• Work closely with the Safety department regarding safety incidents
• Ensure company maintenance and loss prevention policies are followed
• Work closely with the Fleet department for fleet & equipment needs
• Maintain open lines of communication and a good working relationship with all members of the Operational Management Group
• Maintain/develop knowledge of the latest developments in utility vegetation management industry
• Manage travel time efficiently to support dispersed work crews, storm and/or fire response and other business needs related to utility related project assignments
• Organize regular meetings and contact with key personnel to keep program communication at a high level
• Ensure professional arborist and licensed application standards are met, and that proper professional credentials are in place for key utility field personnel
• Ensure field utility crews are inspected/audited on a regular basis
• Evaluate field utility crew performance for productivity, cost, quality of work, adherence to safety and work standards, equipment, tools, and professional image with the public
• Identify, develop, and deploy new tools and techniques which may advance safety, work quality, productivity, and reduce cost for utility field projects
• Ensure utility customers are treated with respect and provided appropriate communication
• Investigate and resolve all critical customer issues and complaints related to utility projects
• Develop strong knowledge base of data tools available to ensure objectives are met
• Direct field utility team through ongoing data review and at the direction of senior leadership team
• Maintain records and files
• Work on special projects as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of transmission and distribution line clearance practices and procedures
• Extensive knowledge of vegetation management and contract administration
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations applying to utility vegetation management

• Excellent knowledge and use of performance metric software such as Power BI
• Excellent analytical and evaluation skills to define critical tasks and establish optimum sequence of events and identify required resources
• Leadership and teamwork skills to provide input into policy decisions and to mobilize internal and subcontracted resources to produce desired business results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, budgets, objectives and to meet deadlines required
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED
• Required to maintain a Class C driver’s license
• Must be able to meet company driver acceptability requirements

Experience / Education Requirements:

• Five (5) years relevant experience with vegetation management, strategic development, and financial oversight
• Three (3) years of direct people management experience with the proven ability to manage and motivate employees
• ISA Certified Arborist preferred
• TRAQ Certified preferred
• ISA Utility Specialist preferred
• Associates or Bachelors year college degree in a related field preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or vehicle and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods standing and walking
• Extended periods of driving
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at times
• Must be able to bend, lift, stretch, climb and crawl
• Must be able to perform work in a variety of weather conditions
• Must be willing to travel routinely with an expectation of 40-60% on a weekly basis

Schedule:

• Monday thru Friday, some weekend work may be required
• Varying schedule as business needs demand
• Extended hours may be required at times
• Significant travel is required with overnight and long stays required

Location:

• Based out of our Redding, California Office