Utility Vegetation Management Supervisor

Role Overview

The Utility Vegetation Management Supervisor leads and manages all manual felling field crews performing vegetation work on utility and adjacent projects. This role is responsible for technical leadership, project execution, safety, cost management, and client satisfaction. The Utility Vegetation Management Supervisor ensures all vegetation work is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with client and regulatory standards.

Reports To: Senior Project Manager

Department: Construction

• Lead and deploy manual felling, climbing, and bucket-truck crews across utility and integrated project scopes
• Ensure crews follow best practices in felling, climbing, rigging, and equipment operation
• Provide technical guidance for complex or hazardous tree work, including rigging, directional felling, and access challenges
• Mentor and develop climbers, sawyers, and bucket‑truck operators, supporting advancement and technical growth

• Own and manage vegetation budgets for assigned projects or scope packages
• Monitor labor, equipment, subcontractor, and material costs daily; identify and address cost overruns promptly
• Drive crew efficiency to meet or exceed margin and productivity expectations
• Understand and enforce client contracts, utility specifications, ROW requirements, and scope definitions
• Identify scope gaps, growth opportunities, and additional billable work; collaborate with Project Managers on change orders and documentation

• Develop and maintain vegetation work plans that align with overall project schedules
• Forecast crew and equipment needs, adjusting deployment based on project demands
• Communicate regularly with Project Managers, Superintendents, and client representatives regarding progress and changes

• Provide accurate daily and weekly production reports
• Support project billing with precise quantities, photos, and field documentation
• Track equipment utilization and maintenance needs that impact production

• Enforce utility safety standards, company safety policies, and all applicable ANSI and OSHA requirements
• Ensure that daily JSA/JHA meetings are being held, monitor field safety audits, and risk assessments
• Immediately correct unsafe actions or conditions and participate in incident investigations and corrective action planning

• Serve as the primary field contact for utility inspectors, client representatives, and ROW managers
• Resolve field issues promptly and professionally
• Represent the company as a subject‑matter expert in vegetation management during site walks, pre‑construction meetings, and scope reviews

• Five or more years of experience in utility vegetation management, forestry, or manual felling
• Strong technical skills in climbing, rigging, hazard‑tree evaluation, and felling techniques
• Proven leadership experience managing multiple vegetation crew
• Working knowledge of project financials, including budgets, cost tracking, profitability, and production rates
• Ability to interpret contracts, scopes, utility standards, and ROW requirements
• Excellent communication, documentation, and decision‑making skills
• Willingness to travel to multiple active project locations

• ISA Certified Arborist or Utility Specialist
• Experience managing vegetation budgets or project P&Ls
• OSHA, ANSI, or utility safety certifications
• Experience with mechanical felling equipment or storm‑response operations

• Primarily field‑based role with frequent travel to project sites
• Exposure to outdoor conditions, utility corridors, uneven terrain, and equipment operation
• Extended hours may be required during high‑production periods or storm‑response work