Field Project Manager - Aerial… at Utilities One · Fort Wayne

At Utilities One, we are driven by innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to building the future of critical infrastructure. As a trusted turnkey solutions provider across telecom, power, water, renewable energy, and data center sectors, we deliver high-quality services that connect and empower communities. In addition to our core operations, we offer specialized consulting services that help our clients design, optimize, and execute complex infrastructure projects with confidence and precision. We believe our greatest strength is our people — a team of dedicated professionals who bring expertise, collaboration, and integrity to everything they do. Join us and become part of a growing organization where your contributions make a meaningful impact.

We are looking for a qualified, local Field Project Manager - Aerial Construction Specialist.

The Field Project Manager - Aerial Construction Specialist is responsible for daily field execution, vendor oversight, and operational coordination of assigned construction projects. This role oversees both in-house and contractor aerial crews, with a primary focus on in-house crews, ensuring they are properly prepared, compliant, productive, and aligned with client, municipal, and company standards.

Serving as the on-site operational leader, this position is responsible for inspecting field work, assisting crews, providing training and guidance, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule. The Field Project Manager - Aerial Construction Specialist bridges field teams, vendors, management, and external stakeholders to drive timely project completion, improve profitability, and maintain safe, productive job sites in accordance with approved plans and established requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Review & Pre-Construction Readiness

• Conduct job site inspections to verify work quality, progress, safety, and compliance with project requirements.
• Inspect crew equipment to ensure it is properly maintained, operational, and compliant with safety standards.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to crews to improve performance, productivity, and adherence to company procedures.
• Assist field crews with technical and operational challenges to minimize delays and ensure timely project completion.
• Review assigned projects for scope, constructability, and sequencing.
• Conduct pre-construction walkouts with vendors and internal teams.
• Verify locate ticket status and ensure valid locates are in place prior to excavation
• Issue required 48-hour notices.
• Coordinate specialty services as needed (GPR, core drilling, line adjustments, FDOT scheduling, etc.).
• Confirm permits, traffic control requirements (MOT), and jurisdictional approvals are secured before work begins.

Daily Field Coordination & Vendor Oversight

• Meet with foremen/vendors daily to review work plans, expectations, and job sequencing.
• Monitor GPM check-ins and ensure production is accurately entered and updated.
• Ensure vendors and crews:
  • Have required documentation and certifications
  • Are properly equipped for assigned work
  • Follow approved construction methods and specifications
• Verify proper crew assignment based on work type (aerial, underground, boring).
• Enforce approved work-hour restrictions per jurisdiction.
• Confirm crews are working in logical order aligned with locates and permits.
• Coordinate daily MOT needs and communicate requirements to management.

Field Execution, Quality & Compliance

• Conduct ongoing site inspections to verify quality and adherence to plans.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Required drilling practices (potholing, drain sock use, proper depths, DAP procedures, etc.)
  • Underground depth requirements
  • Aerial attachment standards and HOA requirements
  • Safety regulations and PPE compliance
• Perform QA/QC checks on assigned projects
• Ensure restoration requirements are completed properly
• Confirm timely completion of assigned production units (“gigs”).

Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution

• Serve as the first-line problem solver for field challenges.
• Assist crews in resolving technical issues and unexpected conditions.
• Coordinate map discrepancies and field changes with engineering.
• Investigate and report damages; assist with resolution and documentation.
• Maintain proactive communication when plans require adjustment.
• Escalate critical concerns to OPM or Director when necessary.

Reporting & Documentation

• Submit required daily and project reporting including:
  • End-of-shift reports (EOS)
  • Damage reports
  • MOT updates
  • QA/QC documentation
• Keep GPM updated with production, rejections, corrections, and completions.
• Ensure project documentation is accurate and submitted in a timely manner.

Stakeholder Communication & Representation

• Communicate daily with management, clients, cities, and jurisdictions as required.
• Attend coordination meetings when assigned.
• Relay updates, expectations, and changes to field crews promptly.
• Address homeowner or public concerns professionally and coordinate resolution.
• Represent the company as the on-site operational leader.

Resource & Operational Support

• Monitor material availability and notify OPM when inventory is insufficient.
• Ensure traffic control requests are submitted and executed properly.
• Support yard organization and equipment readiness.
• Assist in developing field crews through training and reinforcement of standards.

Authority & Accountability

The Field Project Management / Field Project Manager is accountable for:

• Daily field execution and productivity
• Vendor and crew compliance with construction standards
• Safety and permit adherence
• Accurate reporting and documentation
• Timely completion of assigned production goals

Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A valid, unrestricted Driver’s License;
• Strong knowledge of aerial fiber construction, with a primary focus on new aerial plant construction and overlash;
• Strong understanding of applicable laws, regulations, construction standards, and permit requirements, with the ability to read, interpret, and ensure compliance with approved permits;
• Strong knowledge of aerial and underground design and construction requirements as they relate to customer specifications and governmental guidelines;
• Ability to train, guide, and support crews to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and overall production;
• Ability to lift around 50 pounds, safely climb ladders, and work in extreme weather conditions;
• Ability to read and understand maps, drawings, and diagrams related to fiber construction;
• Willingness to travel as required, with travel frequency and extent determined by the employee’s home location and assigned crew locations.

Benefits

• Health Insurance plans (health, dental, vision);
• Whole Life Insurance;
• 401k Plan;
• PTO/Paid Holidays;
• Great Work Environment;
• Career Advancement Opportunities;
• All necessary tools, equipment, supplies provided;
• Company Vehicle and Fuel Card provided.