Locations: Watsonville & Paso Robles (California)
ABOUT ARBORWORKS, LLC
ArborWorks LLC is a nationwide leader in professional vegetation management, specializing in utility line clearance, fire remediation, and large-scale environmental projects. Established in 2003, we have built a reputation for quality and safety by leveraging advanced mechanized equipment and a skilled team of dedicated professionals. Guided by a commitment to innovation, safety, and superior customer service, ArborWorks prides itself on an exceptional safety culture, recognized through industry-leading third-party ratings.
Whether you’re looking to grow your career or contribute your expertise, ArborWorks offers a dynamic environment where team members are valued, and professional growth is a priority. We are passionate about creating safe communities and delivering excellence in every project.
JOB OVERVIEW: GENERAL FOREPERSON (VC) - POLE CLEARING
The General Foreperson Vegetation Control (GFVC) – Pole Clearing is a field‑based leadership position responsible for directing and overseeing vegetation control operations related to utility pole clearing and access maintenance. This role manages multiple vegetation control crews and ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable utility standards, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations.
The General Foreperson provides day‑to‑day field leadership, coordinates work schedules, monitors productivity, and performs quality assurance reviews of vegetation control activities. This position requires frequent field presence, the ability to manage simultaneous projects across assigned service areas, and regular communication with operations leadership and utility representatives.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operations & Field Leadership:
- Provide direct supervision and leadership to multiple Vegetation Control crews
- Manage crews of 20 or more full‑time employees, depending on operational needs
- Coordinate daily, weekly, and annual work schedules to support completion of the work plan
- Assign work, monitor progress, and address operational challenges in the field
- Support crews through active field presence and hands‑on leadership
- Travel between job sites and service areas, including overnight travel as required
- Operate under an established 4‑10 work schedule or applicable union agreement
- Utilize a company‑provided vehicle for field operations
Vegetation Control & Pole Clearing Oversight:
- Conduct field audits and inspections of completed and in‑progress vegetation control work
- Ensure work meets applicable regulatory requirements, utility standards, and contract specifications
- Identify quality or compliance deficiencies and coordinate corrective actions
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, audits, and work completion
Client, Utility & Internal Coordination:
- Coordinate daily field activities with utility representatives and internal operations leadership
- Participate in field walk‑downs, coordination meetings, and compliance discussions as required
- Communicate field conditions, progress, and issues to operations leadership in a timely manner
Reporting, Communication & Technology:
- Submit daily field updates to operations leadership
- Participate in weekly operations meetings as assigned
- Utilize mobile devices, tablets, and required field systems (i.e. oneVM, Lemur, Field Maps) for reporting and documentation
- Maintain accurate and timely data entry in accordance with company and client standards
Equipment & Field Support:
- Maintain working knowledge of vegetation control tools and equipment, including:
- Weed eaters
- Chainsaws
- Blowers
- Spray equipment
- Perform or coordinate minor repairs and troubleshooting of vegetation control equipment
- Safely mix, load, and oversee herbicide use for vegetation control activities
Safety & Compliance:
- Enforce all company safety programs, policies, and field procedures
- Lead or participate in daily safety meetings, tailboards, and required training
- Ensure consistent use of required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Promote a strong safety culture and address unsafe conditions or behaviors
REQUIREMENT & QUALIFICATIONS
Licenses & Certifications
- Valid Driver’s License (Class C or equivalent, as required by assignment)
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications related to herbicide application, as applicable by assignment and regulation
- Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification, if required
- Ability to obtain and maintain any additional licenses or credentials required by operational or regulatory standards
Experience & Skills
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in vegetation control, utility support, or related field operations
- Demonstrated experience supervising large field crews (20+ employees)
- Working knowledge of utility vegetation operations and compliance standards
- Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
- Ability to manage multiple work activities and priorities simultaneously
- Proficiency with tablets, computers, and mobile field technology
- Familiarity with field‑based data collection systems, mobile mapping tools, or vegetation management software platforms
- Prior experience working in safety‑sensitive, outdoor utility or infrastructure environments
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform work outdoors in varying environmental conditions
- Ability to walk, stand, bend, and traverse uneven or rugged terrain for extended periods
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and materials that may exceed 50 pounds
- Ability to perform field inspections and audits in active work environments
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with utility pole clearing, access maintenance, or compliance‑driven vegetation control programs
- Familiarity with utility vegetation standards, regulatory vegetation requirements, or client‑specific contract specifications
- Current or prior herbicide application certification (or equivalent), where applicable
- Experience conducting field audits, quality control inspections, or compliance reviews
- Knowledge of integrated vegetation management practices, including mechanical and chemical methods
- Experience working across multiple service areas or regions
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Primarily outdoor, field‑based work
- Work near active utility infrastructure
- Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind
- Work on uneven terrain, roadside areas, and remote locations
- Extended periods of standing, walking, and physical exertion
- Use of hand tools, motorized equipment, herbicide application equipment, including materials weighing more than 50 pounds
- Travel to field locations as required by operational needs
EEO STATEMENT
ArborWorks, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
ArborWorks, LLC complies with applicable laws regarding reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Due to the physically demanding, field‑based nature of this role, accommodations will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis and must not prevent the employee from safely performing the essential functions of the job.