Utility Pole Foreman | Eastern U.S.

Multiple locations: Huntsville, AL; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Knoxville, TN; Detroit, MI; Montgomery, AL; Birmingham, AL; Chattanooga, TN. Extensive travel (75–100%) throughout the Midwest; travel and lodging provided.

About the role

The Pole Inspection and Treatment Foreman leads a field crew as a working foreman, ensuring projects meet safety, quality, production, and compliance metrics. This position serves as a subject-matter expert, allocates resources, performs daily physical tasks, and supports the inspection, restoration, and enhancement of utility infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a working foreman, actively participating in daily field tasks alongside crew members.
• Lead by example in completing utility pole inspections, restoration work, and field operations.
• Ensure team performance meets safety, quality, production, and compliance standards.
• Supervise and support daily utility pole inspection and restoration tasks.
• Oversee team scheduling and attendance.
• Communicate daily progress and major issues to the Project Manager.
• Provide on-the-job training, mentorship, and performance feedback to team members.
• Lead safety initiatives and collaborate with the Safety Team on investigations and documentation.
• Conduct daily safety and quality control inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and client standards.
• Assist in hiring and ongoing training of new employees.
• Operate company vehicles and ensure proper care and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Utilize technology (e.g., GPS, iPads, GIS software) for field documentation and data collection.
• Perform field tasks including utility pole inspections, excavation, backfilling, preservative application, and steel truss installation.
• Use handheld and pneumatic tools as needed for restoration work.
• Interact professionally with landowners and represent the company in public settings.
• Maintain job site cleanliness and ensure safe, efficient work practices.
• Remain current with new technology and apply it to field operations.
• React appropriately in emergencies and adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to prioritize tasks and work with limited direct supervision.
• Lead, motivate, influence, and direct team members; demonstrates a growth mindset focused on continuous improvement and learning.
• Analyze problems effectively, identify alternative solutions, anticipate outcomes, and implement resources appropriately.
• Demonstrated knowledge of utility infrastructure, including electric hazard identification, electric equipment, and communication equipment.
• Proficiency in pole inspection and restoration, with the ability to train and mentor others.
• Experience following best practices for working with utility poles and related infrastructure.
• Ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions in inspection and restoration processes.
• Proven ability to work independently and effectively in a field setting.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean Motor Vehicle Report; must pass the Davey Driver’s Safety Course.
• Ability to obtain a pesticide license where state regulations require it.
• Comfortable using technology in the field, including iPads, cameras, GIS software, and navigation tools.
• Effective communicator in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions accurately and operate safely.
• Proficient in English.
• Experience using Google Workspace tools.

Pay

• Industry Experience: $25–28/hr
• Non-Industry Leadership Experience: $22–25/hr
• Overtime: Time and a half after 40 hrs (average work week 45–55 hrs)
• $35/day meal per diem for both Foreman and crew members
• $55/month cell phone stipend

Company vehicle, gas card, and lodging provided. Performance-based reviews and bonuses.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness
  • Group health plans
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid parental leave
• Financial Security
  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan – buy stock at a 15% discount
  • Payroll savings plan
  • Charitable matching gift program
  • Employee referral bonus program
• Time Off
  • Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
• Education & Development
  • Employee Educational Scholarship
  • Davey Family Scholarship
  • Industry-leading training and development opportunities
• Perks & Discounts
  • 20% discount on all Davey services
  • Cell phone discounts
  • Vehicle purchase discount program

After six months of full-time employment, eligible employees can become shareholders through the Employee Stock Ownership Program.