Operations Manager (UVM) (Central Coast, CA)

Operations Manager (UVM)

The Operations Manager Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) is responsible for executing operational strategy and ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant vegetation management operations across assigned regions, contracts, or client portfolios. This role serves as a critical link between field execution and organizational objectives, translating company goals into measurable performance through strong leadership, disciplined operations, and client-focused service delivery.

The Operations Manager provides direct oversight of field leadership and crews while managing production, performance metrics, and financial outcomes. This role partners closely with Safety, Human Resources, and Business Development to deliver operational excellence, support growth initiatives, and maintain ArborWorks reputation as a trusted partner to utilities, municipalities, and public agencies.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop General Forepersons, Forepersons, and field crews to drive operational performance and maintain a strong safety culture.
• Provide day-to-day leadership support, reinforcing expectations, accountability, and alignment with company standards.
• Support leadership development through mentoring, performance management, and corrective action as needed.
• Partner with Human Resources to support recruiting, onboarding, retention, and workforce planning efforts.

Field Operations Management:

• Execute day-to-day vegetation management operations across assigned regions or client portfolios to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient work execution.
• Coordinate labor, equipment, and resources to meet production goals, schedules, and contractual requirements.
• Monitor and track operational performance metrics (e.g., production, cycle times, cost efficiency) and implement corrective actions to address gaps.
• Conduct job walks, field inspections, and audits to verify safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for field-level operational issues, ensuring timely and effective resolution.

Client & Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the primary operational contact for clients, supporting communication, scheduling, and performance execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utilities, municipalities, and community stakeholders.
• Address customer and property owner concerns professionally, ensuring positive outcomes and protecting company reputation.
• Ensure adherence to client specifications, service agreements, and contract requirements.

Business Development & Contract Support:

• Support Business Development and Estimating teams in identifying growth opportunities within existing and new accounts.
• Review RFPs, contracts, and specifications to understand scope, risks, and operational requirements.
• Participate in bid walks and assist with development of labor models, production rates, and cost inputs.
• Contribute operational insight to proposals, pricing strategies, and client presentations.

Financial & Performance Management:

• Manage and report on operational budgets and P&L performance for assigned regions, contracts, or portfolios.
• Analyze financial and production data to identify trends, improve cost control, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Forecast labor, equipment, and resource needs based on workload and seasonal demand.
• Ensure accurate production tracking, reporting, and alignment with billing requirements.

Safety & Compliance:

• Enforce ArborWorks safety programs, policies, and procedures in partnership with the Safety team.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ANSI, DOT, environmental regulations, and client-specific requirements.
• Participate in incident investigations, implement corrective actions, and reinforce preventative measures.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to safety, training, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Business, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in utility vegetation management or a related field.
• Experience managing field operations across multiple crews, projects, or regions preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with production oversight, client coordination, and operational performance management.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to direct and support field-based teams.
• Ability to analyze operational and financial data to drive performance improvements.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills for both field personnel and client interactions.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, work plans, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and operational reporting systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Licenses / Certifications:

• Valid Drivers License with a clean driving record.
• Commercial Drivers License (CDL) preferred.

Required Training:

• OSHA safety training (10-hour or 30-hour) or ability to obtain.
• Utility vegetation management safety and compliance training.
• Company-required safety, environmental, and operational training programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist or ability to obtain certification.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Experience with utility contracts, including IOUs, municipalities, or cooperatives.
• Knowledge of GIS systems, work management platforms, and production tracking tools.
• Experience in customer outreach, public relations, or community engagement initiatives.
• Professional certifications related to safety, project management, or operations (e.g., PMP, CSP).

Work Environment

• Work is performed in both field and office settings, with significant time spent outdoors supervising crews and visiting job sites.
• Frequent travel within assigned regions, with occasional overnight travel depending on project and client needs.
• Regular exposure to outdoor elements, including heat, cold, uneven terrain, and vegetation conditions.
• Physical requirements include walking, standing, and occasional lifting of up to 2550 pounds.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with workload fluctuations based on seasonal demands, weather, and client schedules.
• Schedule may include extended hours, early mornings, weekends, and emergency response during storms or outage events.

EEO Statement

ArborWorks, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

ArborWorks, LLC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources.