Supervisor, Field Operations - Wood

At Exo, integrity isn't just a value it's the foundation of the work we do to keep our nation's infrastructure reliable and safe. From field assessments to innovative restoration solutions, we combine precision, integrity, and purpose in everything we do. Our team helps ensure power stays on, schools stay open, businesses thrive, and communities stay safe. You'll work with a respected team of experts solving meaningful challenges that protect communities and ensure the integrity of infrastructure.

Position Overview: The Field Operations Supervisor provides direct leadership, oversight, and accountability for daily field operations and assigned crews. This role is responsible for executing project plans safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company quality standards and customer expectations.

The Supervisor serves as the primary operational link between field personnel, project management, and customers-ensuring work is completed on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. This position requires strong leadership, operational discipline, technical knowledge of wood pole inspection and treatment processes, and the ability to develop high-performing teams in a dynamic field environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Execution

o Plan, coordinate, and manage daily field activities to ensure projects are completed on time and within established production schedules.

o Assign work to crews based on skill level, certification, and project requirements.

o Monitor production metrics and proactively address delays, inefficiencies, or obstacles.

o Ensure proper crew configurations are utilized to maximize productivity and safety.

o Conduct regular field visits to verify adherence to scope, standards, and company expectations.

o Review and validate field data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

• Safety & Compliance

o Enforce company safety policies and ensure strict adherence to OSHA and regulatory standards.

o Conduct routine safety audits, task hazard analyses (THAs), and safety observations.

o Lead safety meetings, toolbox talks, and corrective action discussions.

o Investigate incidents, near misses, and safety violations; implement corrective measures.

o Ensure all required certifications and licenses (including pesticide application) remain current and compliant with state regulations.

• Team Leadership & Development

o Train, mentor, and develop laborers, inspectors, and foremen to enhance skill levels and promote career progression.

o Provide ongoing performance coaching, formal evaluations, and constructive feedback.

o Address performance concerns through corrective action and disciplinary processes when necessary.

o Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork.

o Manage staffing needs, approve time-off requests, and ensure adequate workforce coverage.

• Financial & Administrative Oversight

o Manage and approve payroll hours, ensuring accuracy and minimizing non-productive time.

o Monitor labor efficiency and support cost-control initiatives.

o Oversee expense management related to supplies, equipment, lodging, travel, and project materials.

o Maintain and distribute project inventories; ensure accurate tracking and documentation.

o Coordinate equipment allocation, maintenance scheduling, and repairs to prevent downtime.

• Customer & Stakeholder Communication

o Serve as the primary field contact for customers and stakeholders.

o Provide timely and accurate progress reports, production updates, and material forecasts.

o Address customer concerns professionally and escalate issues when necessary.

o Maintain effective communication between field crews, operations management, and clients.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical training preferred.

• Minimum 3-5 years of field operations or supervisory experience in utility, wood pole inspection, construction, or related industry.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing field crews.

• Strong understanding of:

o Wood pole materials, construction, and decay mechanisms

o Inspection and treatment methodologies

o Utility safety standards and OSHA regulations

• OSHA 10 certification required (OSHA 30 preferred).

• Valid Pesticide Applicator License in applicable states (or ability to obtain).

• Proficiency with field reporting tools, mobile data collection systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong organizational, planning, and multi-tasking abilities.

• Ability to analyze operational data and make informed decisions.

• Exceptional attention to detail and observational skills.

• Effective conflict resolution and personnel management skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to travel a minimum of 75%, including overnight stays.

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Accountability

• Operational Planning & Execution

• Safety Leadership

• Cost Management & Resource Allocation

• Team Development & Coaching

• Customer Service Orientation

• Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Time Management & Prioritization

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods (8-12 hours) on uneven or rugged terrain.

• Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, and entering/exiting vehicles.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and more with assistance.

• Ability to operate vehicles, tools, equipment, and mobile data devices safely and effectively.

• Ability to work in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind) and environments with exposure to dust, treated wood materials, chemicals, and utility right-of-way conditions.

• Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and respirator when required.

• Adequate vision, depth perception, and hearing to safely inspect poles, identify hazards, and maintain situational awareness.

Mental & Cognitive Requirements

• Ability to lead crews, make sound decisions, and prioritize work in fast-paced field environments.

• Strong attention to detail to ensure safety compliance, data accuracy, and quality standards.

• Ability to manage multiple crews or projects while meeting production and budget goals.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills for customer interaction, coaching, and reporting.

• Ability to resolve conflict, address performance issues, and maintain professionalism under pressure.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage scheduling, payroll approvals, expenses, and inventory oversight.

• Ability to adapt to changing conditions, travel extensively (75%+), and work extended hours as needed.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Range: $70-85,000 annually

Reports to: Field Operations Manager

Benefits:

Exo offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Critical Illness
• 401k with company match
• PTO
• • • 10 paid holidays

    Note: The above job description is a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements typically associated with the role of a Field Operations Supervisor. The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on organizational requirements and industry standards.

    Exo is committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

    Qualifications & Requirements
    
    • High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical training preferred.
    
    • Minimum 3-5 years of field operations or supervisory experience in utility, wood pole inspection, construction, or related industry.
    
    • Demonstrated leadership experience managing field crews.
    
    • Strong understanding of:
    
    o Wood pole materials, construction, and decay mechanisms
    
    o Inspection and treatment methodologies
    
    o Utility safety standards and OSHA regulations
    
    • OSHA 10 certification required (OSHA 30 preferred).
    
    • Valid Pesticide Applicator License in applicable states (or ability to obtain).
    
    • Proficiency with field reporting tools, mobile data collection systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
    
    • Strong organizational, planning, and multi-tasking abilities.
    
    • Ability to analyze operational data and make informed decisions.
    
    • Exceptional attention to detail and observational skills.
    
    • Effective conflict resolution and personnel management skills.
    
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
    
    • Ability to travel a minimum of 75%, including overnight stays.
    
    • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
    
    Core Competencies
    
    • Leadership & Accountability
    
    • Operational Planning & Execution
    
    • Safety Leadership
    
    • Cost Management & Resource Allocation
    
    • Team Development & Coaching
    
    • Customer Service Orientation
    
    • Problem Solving & Decision Making
    
    • Time Management & Prioritization
    
    Physical Requirements
    
    • Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods (8-12 hours) on uneven or rugged terrain.
    
    • Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, and entering/exiting vehicles.
    
    • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and more with assistance.
    
    • Ability to operate vehicles, tools, equipment, and mobile data devices safely and effectively.
    
    • Ability to work in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind) and environments with exposure to dust, treated wood materials, chemicals, and utility right-of-way conditions.
    
    • Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and respirator when required.
    
    • Adequate vision, depth perception, and hearing to safely inspect poles, identify hazards, and maintain situational awareness.
    
    Mental & Cognitive Requirements

    • Ability to lead crews, make sound decisions, and prioritize work in fast-paced field environments.
    
    • Strong attention to detail to ensure safety compliance, data accuracy, and quality standards.
    
    • Ability to manage multiple crews or projects while meeting production and budget goals.
    
    • Effective verbal and written communication skills for customer interaction, coaching, and reporting.
    
    • Ability to resolve conflict, address performance issues, and maintain professionalism under pressure.
    
    • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage scheduling, payroll approvals, expenses, and inventory oversight.
    
    • Ability to adapt to changing conditions, travel extensively (75%+), and work extended hours as needed.