Aerial Construction Manager

Location: In-Field: Merced, CA.

Location Status:   Work will be primarily performed at a designated field worksite location based out of a central Race Communications worksite. Occasional travel to and work from other Race offices or other off-site locations will be required.

100% Company-Paid Medical and Dental Benefits

Free Fiber Internet Service

Comp: $30 to $35 USD per hour

Who We Are:

We're more than a fiber internet provider, we're your neighbors, committed to connecting California communities since 20041994. At Race, relationships matter as much as speed. We combine cutting-edge technology with a genuine, people-first approach that makes every interaction feel personal. Our team operates like family: collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to making a real difference. When you join Race, you're not just accepting a job, you're becoming part of a team that values integrity, celebrates wins together and believes that meaningful work happens when great people connect with great purpose.

Position Impact:

Who We Are:

We're more than a fiber internet provider, we're your neighbors, committed to connecting California communities since 20041994. At Race, relationships matter as much as speed. We combine cutting-edge technology with a genuine, people-first approach that makes every interaction feel personal. Our team operates like family: collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to making a real difference. When you join Race, you're not just accepting a job, you're becoming part of a team that values integrity, celebrates wins together and believes that meaningful work happens when great people connect with great purpose.

Position Impact:

The Aerial Construction Manager oversees and coordinates aerial construction activities, working closely with the Director of Construction and Project Manager to help manage contractors and internal crews across assigned projects, ensuring that all project milestones are met in a timely and efficient manner. Providing leadership by directing and motivating teams, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement. This role ensures quality control throughout the project lifecycle while maintaining compliance with safety and industry standards.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Eligibility for US Employment without sponsorship
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• High School Graduate, GED, or equivalent is required
• Three or more years of experience as an Aerial Construction Foreman, or in an equivalent position is required
• Proven experience supervising aerial construction crews, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, project timelines, and quality standards
• Proficiency in Google Earth and AutoCAD required
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications
• Work experience in the telecommunications industry with a solid understanding of challenges and standards of aerial construction in this field required
• Class A or B commercial driver’s license preferred but not required
• Proficiency in GO95 Aerial Construction required
• Ability to travel to multiple work sites, work overtime, weekends, holidays, or off hours as needed
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English as the primary language used in the workplace
• Spanish bilingual skills are desirable 

Skills:

• Proficient use of MS Office applications including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; teleconferencing applications
• Ability to distinguish colors and audible tones

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Project Management and Planning:

• Manages multiple large fiber optic aerial construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget
• Supports project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation strategies that come from Director of Construction and Project Manager
• Coordinates with engineering, permitting, and procurement teams to ensure smooth project execution
• Reads and interprets construction drawings, blueprints, and specifications to guide project implementation
• Collect and manage daily paperwork related to aerial construction activities, including project logs, safety reports, inspection forms, timesheets, and any other required documentation

Supervision and Leadership:

• Directs daily operations of line crews, OSP support teams, and contractors, ensuring efficiency and adherence to plans
• Supervises aerial construction vendors to expedite the construction, maintenance, and repair of OSP facilities
• Provides training, guidance, and performance feedback to field personnel
• Conducts regular site visits to ensure work quality, adherence to safety protocols, and compliance with industry standards
• Identifies and manages equipment requirements such as bucket trucks, winders, safety gear, and crew trucks needed for projects

Communication and Coordination:

• Assists in directing and leading the work of OSP support teams and contractors
• Coordinates and facilitates recurring meetings to align teams on goals and project progress
• Prepares progress and status reports, detailing work performed and schedule adherence
• Works with utility companies, municipalities, and permitting agencies to secure necessary approvals
• Communicates project status, updates, and potential delays to project managers and clients
• Addresses customer inquiries, concerns, and requests in a professional and timely manner

Quality Control and Technical Oversight:

• Performs aerial inspections/punch walks, creates punch lists, and prepares close-out packages
• Reviews make-readies for aerial construction to ensure proper infrastructure building and permit compliance
• Ensures proper installation of aerial fiber, poles, strand, and related infrastructure
• Troubleshoots construction issues and provides technical guidance for resolution

Budget Support and Cost Managment:

• Assists with developing purchase orders, auditing invoices, and maintaining current as-builds
• Monitors project expenses and controls costs while maintaining efficiency and quality
• Identify process improvements to optimize resources and reduce operational costs

Equipment Operations and Site Maintenance:

• Operates mechanized equipment such as a bucket truck, excavators, and trencher
• Climbs poles up to 40 feet and operates in bucket trucks with 32’ plus ladders
• Manages deployment and removal of traffic control devices to ensure safety in work areas on streets or roadways
• Adheres to and operates within the weight capacity limits specified by manufacturers for equipment and machinery:
• Bucket Truck: 350-pound manufacturers maximum load capacity 
• Ladders: 300-pound manufacturers maximum load capacity  

Vehicle Maintenance and Travel:

• Maintains vehicle/equipment pre-op/post-op to be prepared to perform required duties
• Maintains a clean driving record as defined by the current fleet insurance underwriter
• Spends a significant portion of the workday traveling in a vehicle visiting various locations and spending time both indoors and outdoors, including businesses and/or residents depending on the nature of the job 
• May be required to work overtime, after hours, on weekends, for emergencies, or be on-call as needed to ensure work is completed

Safety Awareness and Compliance:

• Observes hazards and reports any concerns or accidents to a supervisor or safety professional; participates in the investigation process as needed
• Understands, completes, and signs off all pre-job safety planning tools at the start and end of the shift; completes all required safety-related paperwork
• Understands and responds appropriately to all safety hazards and warning devices (e.g., back-up alarms, smell of smoke, fumes, odors, different colored warning tags, warning sirens)
• Upholds a secure work environment by adhering to regulations, procedures, and company policies, ensuring safety standards are consistently maintained

Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Policy Adherence and Team Guidelines: Ensures that the team adheres to established policies and procedures outlined in the Race Communications Employee Handbook, promoting a culture of compliance and accountability in line with organizational standards.
• Strategic Training and Development: Leads the training and mentoring of new team members, ensuring they gain the essential skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively and safely. Works proactively to develop a long-term training strategy for the team's growth and performance improvement.
• Cross-Functional Support and Compliance: Oversees employee support across various practices within the department, ensuring that issues are addressed in alignment with company policies, applicable laws, and organizational values. Manages conflicts and fosters collaboration across functions.
• Leadership in Goal Setting and Performance Management: Guides the team to achieve long-term goals by setting performance standards, motivating the team, and providing regular, actionable feedback to help team members achieve personal and organizational objectives.
• Payroll Compliance and Issue Resolution: Ensures that timecard submission is accurate, timely, and in compliance with payroll deadlines, while addressing any discrepancies or issues. Provides direction on resolving payroll matters and ensures the team is properly supported in this process.
• Training Needs Analysis and Professional Development: Identifies broader team training needs, working to implement programs that drive professional growth and elevate team skills, while ensuring development is in alignment with company objectives and future growth.
• Conflict Resolution and Team Dynamics: Manages interpersonal issues within the team by facilitating solutions-oriented approaches, resolving conflicts effectively, and maintaining a positive, high-performing work environment that supports collaboration and mutual respect.
• Resource Allocation and Goal Alignment: Ensures the team has the necessary tools, resources, and support to succeed. Manages resources effectively, tracking progress toward aligned objectives that support both individual team success and overarching company goals.
• Regulatory Compliance and Communication: Ensures the team complies with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Promotes open and transparent communication to maintain alignment and accountability across the team and department.
• Reporting and Strategic Adjustments: Reports team performance, project updates, and challenges to upper management, using data to recommend improvements or adjustments as necessary to meet organizational targets and improve overall team performance.
• Comprehensive Supervision and People Management: Takes a leadership role in the direct supervision of team members, including interviewing, hiring, and training employees. Plans, assigns, and directs work, ensuring performance evaluations, rewarding achievements, and disciplining where needed. Addresses complaints, resolves problems, and supports overall team dynamics.

Why Join Our Team:

• Join a tight-knit crew—no faceless corporation vibes here
• Growth potential: promotions and new challenges are part of our DNA
• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: 100% company-paid medical and dental insurance (starting the 1st of the month following your start date), PTO (vacation, sick), 11 paid holidays, paid birthdays, 401k matching (4%)
• Free fiber internet service for all employees living in our service area
• A culture built on integrity, mutual respect, and a shared purpose

Call to Action:

Let's chat. If you're ready to move forward, click "Apply" below, our team can't wait to meet you.