Director of Field Programs

Job Title: Director of Field Programs

Reports to: CEO

Position Summary:
The Director of Field Programs is a senior leadership role reporting to the CEO. This position provides director-level strategic oversight and direction for all vegetation management programs across clients, regions, and workstreams. The Director is accountable for the full lifecycle of program strategy, multi-year planning, portfolio-level budgeting and forecasting, performance management, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence, ensuring alignment with client objectives, OMS business goals, and industry standards. The role directly leads Program and Deputy Program Managers, drives innovation through technology and process improvements, serves as the primary senior liaison with senior client stakeholders, and oversees risk management, safety performance, and continuous improvement across all programs.

Essential Functions:
• Provide strategic leadership and executive oversight for all vegetation management programs, including development and execution of comprehensive program strategies, long-range planning, and alignment with client reliability, safety, regulatory, and financial objectives.
• Oversee the performance of Program and Deputy Program Managers, providing leadership, coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development to ensure high-performing, cohesive program delivery teams.
• Direct portfolio-level budgeting, financial forecasting, contract management, invoicing, and cost control across all programs; monitor variances and drive corrective actions to achieve profitability and client value targets.
• Establish and monitor enterprise-wide performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting frameworks to track program progress, risks, compliance, safety, and key results; prepare executive-level reports for OMS senior leadership and clients.
• Serve as the primary senior liaison with senior client stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and internal cross-functional teams (finance, safety, and HR) to ensure seamless program execution, issue resolution, and relationship growth.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, including adoption of emerging technologies (GIS, LiDAR, AI-driven tools, etc.), process enhancements, and program expansion opportunities for existing and new clients.
• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations (NERC, OSHA, ANSI A300, environmental laws, etc.) across programs through oversight of audits, corrective actions, and policy implementation.
• Lead workforce planning, resource allocation, and capacity management at the portfolio level to balance program demands, regulatory timelines, and operational efficiency.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and accountability; support OMS Health & Safety programs and respond to emergent operational needs, including storm or emergency response readiness.
• Identify and pursue strategic growth opportunities, including program expansion, new client initiatives, and development of integrated vegetation management solutions.
• Acknowledge and participate in OMS H&S programs and complete H&S trainings.
• Other duties as assigned by OMS.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Arboriculture, Business, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in vegetation management, utility operations, environmental services, or consulting, with at least 3–5 years in senior program or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience directly managing Program Managers or equivalent mid-level leaders overseeing complex, multi-workstream programs.
• Deep knowledge of utility vegetation management standards and regulatory frameworks (ANSI A300, NERC, OSHA, environmental regulations).
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, large-scale budgeting, financial forecasting, performance management, and risk oversight.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools (Smartsheet, MS Project), GIS platforms, and data analytics/dashboards.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to travel to client sites and field locations as needed.
• Required to maintain a Class C driver’s license, including participating in Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN), with DMV.
• Must have a clean driving record.
• Conduct a background check, clear drug screening, and preemployment physical exam.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Arboriculture, Business, Project Management, or related field strongly.
• ISA Certified Arborist
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
• Master Arborist Certification
• Utility Specialist Certification
• Registered Professional Forester (RPF) Certification

Working Conditions:
Environmental Factors: Indoor and outdoor conditions; exposure to heat, cold, potentially hazardous chemicals, toxic materials; work on/walk on slippery or uneven and potentially mountainous terrain. Noise level is usually moderate. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, stand, walk for extended periods of time, walk long distances, sit during extended periods of time, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to perform tasks during a typical 8+ hour workday.