Aerial Foreman

Position Description The Aerial Foreman provides field leadership and direction for aerial telecommunications construction crews. This position is responsible for overseeing day-to-day aerial operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Universal's quality standards and customer specifications. The Aerial Foreman leads Linemen and Laborers in the installation and maintenance of aerial strand, coax, and fiber optic systems, while maintaining productivity, safety compliance, and crew morale.

Core Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead a crew of Aerial Linemen and Laborers in the construction and maintenance of overhead telecommunications systems.
• Plan daily work activities, assign crew tasks, and ensure all safety and quality standards are met.
• Read and interpret blueprints, maps, job packets, and customer specifications.
• Perform advanced aerial construction including strand, coax, and fiber installation, tensioning, and transfers.
• Operate bucket trucks, climb poles, and utilize fall protection and rigging equipment safely.
• Conduct daily tailgate and safety meetings to ensure crew awareness of hazards and expectations.
• Oversee site setup, signage, cones, barricades, and traffic control in accordance with regulations.
• Inspect completed work for quality, accuracy, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Perform and document daily truck inspections and maintain equipment and tools in safe working order.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate crew members, providing coaching and feedback for growth and improvement.
• Communicate daily progress, issues, and resource needs to Project Managers and Construction Supervisors.
• Coordinate with Warehouse and Fleet departments to ensure material and equipment availability.
• Support emergency restoration efforts, storm recovery, or high-priority projects as required.
• Complete job documentation, including redlines, photos, and as-builts, as required by the project.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in aerial or telecommunications construction.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience leading or supervising an aerial construction crew.
• Valid driver's license and DOT medical card required.
• Class A CDL with tanker endorsement preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of aerial construction standards, NESC codes, and OSHA safety practices.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting construction drawings, prints, and permits. · Skilled in pole climbing, bucket truck operation, and rigging procedures.
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to mentor and train employees while maintaining production efficiency.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating multiple tasks and priorities

Preferred Experience

• Electrical Line Worker diploma, certification, or equivalent field training.
• Experience in both aerial and underground construction operations.
• Familiarity with fiber splicing, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience using project tracking tools or mobile field management software.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to climb poles and ladders up to 50 feet safely and repeatedly.
• Lift and carry 50–60 lbs. consistently throughout the workday.
• Work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions and terrains.
• Perform physically demanding tasks requiring balance, coordination, and strength.
• Operate heavy machinery and aerial lifts in active job environments.

Work Environment

• Outdoor field setting with exposure to weather, heights, and live traffic environments.
• Fast-paced and physically demanding; requires strong teamwork and situational awareness.
• Must be flexible for early morning, evening, weekend, or emergency response work as required.
• Frequent travel between job sites within the service area.

Schedule

• Full-time, non-exempt position.
• Monday–Friday schedule, with flexibility for overtime, nights, weekends, and emergency response.
• Overtime and travel opportunities based on operational demand.

Training & Development Competencies New Hire / Transition Development

• Complete Universal onboarding and leadership orientation.
• Participate in advanced aerial safety, fall protection, and hazard identification training.
• Review and apply company standards for redlines, as-builts, and job documentation.
• Demonstrate leadership in conducting daily tailgate and safety meetings.
• Learn internal reporting, scheduling, and communication systems for project coordination.
• Build proficiency in job quality verification and customer specifications.

Ongoing Development

• Independently lead aerial crews and coordinate multiple job sites.
• Mentor Linemen and Laborers, providing performance feedback and training opportunities.
• Collaborate with Construction Managers on scheduling, productivity, and resource planning.
• Participate in Universal's leadership development and coaching programs.
• Demonstrate accountability for safety metrics, crew morale, and job completion quality.
• Continue developing technical and management skills to prepare for advancement into

Construction Supervisor or Field Operations leadership roles.