Communications Field Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Communications Field Manager

The Communications Field Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and holding accountable all field personnel while ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable execution of field services. This position oversees staffing, project performance, client relationships, inspections, proposal development, and operational excellence. The Communications Field Manager serves as the primary leader for communications field activities and is responsible for maintaining McCall-Thomas Engineering’s reputation for quality, safety, responsiveness, and client satisfaction.

About McCall-Thomas

McCall-Thomas Engineering Co., Inc. is an employee-owned engineering, construction, maintenance, and professional services firm that has served utility and infrastructure clients since 1945. Our core focus is to develop trusted relationships so our clients and employees can thrive by providing the highest quality engineering, construction, and maintenance services.

Our Core Values:
Faith Based | Pursuit of Excellence | Accountable | Passionate | Professionalism

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership, Management & Accountability (LMA)

• Provide leadership and direction to all field employees.
• Establish clear expectations, responsibilities, and performance standards.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews.
• Ensure accountability for safety, productivity, quality, and professionalism.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, ownership, continuous improvement, and client service.
• Address performance issues promptly and consistently.
• Approve timesheets and leave requests.
• Perform annual reviews.

Safety & Career Development

Safety

• Work closely with the Safety Coordinator to ensure all personnel follow company safety procedures and industry regulations.
• Conduct regular safety reviews, field observations, and corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, client, and company safety requirements.
• Promote a proactive safety culture throughout all field operations.

Career Development

• Ensure departmental job duties and expectations are documented for all field positions.
• Develop and maintain clear career progression pathways.
• Identify training opportunities and support employee professional development.
• Facilitate cross-training programs to improve workforce flexibility and capability.

Project Profitability

• Monitor project performance to ensure financial objectives are achieved.
• Evaluate labor utilization, productivity, and project expenses.
• Work proactively with project teams to identify and mitigate risks affecting profitability.
• Review project budgets, labor forecasts, and resource requirements.
• Support the successful delivery of projects within scope, schedule, and budget.

Provide Inspector Support & Decision Making

• Serve as the primary escalation point for field inspectors.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support.
• Make timely decisions regarding field conditions, project challenges, and client concerns.
• Ensure inspectors have the tools, resources, and information needed to perform effectively.
• Support resolution of field conflicts and project issues.

Establish & Maintain Client Relationships

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with field service clients.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and key point of contact.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Respond promptly to client concerns and ensure successful issue resolution.
• Support business development efforts through exceptional client service and relationship management.

Inspection Support for Design-Build Projects

• Coordinate inspection activities associated with design-build projects.
• Ensure inspection services align with project requirements and schedules.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and client teams.
• Verify field work meets quality standards, project specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Support successful project completion through effective field oversight.

Proposal Finalization

• Estimate labor hours, expenses, and resource requirements for proposed projects.
• Review and edit technical write-ups as necessary.

Staffing & Cross-Training

• Develop staffing plans to meet current and future workload demands.
• Coordinate hiring activities with Human Resources and Leadership.
• Optimize personnel assignments across projects and clients.
• Implement cross-training initiatives to improve resource flexibility.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained while maximizing billable utilization.
• Support succession planning and workforce development initiatives.

Billable Utilization

• Maintain a minimum billable utilization target of 50%.
• Balance client-facing project work with leadership and management responsibilities.
• Monitor personal utilization and departmental performance metrics.
• Support revenue generation through project participation and business development activities.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of telecommunications, fiber-optic, or utility construction experience.
• Experience with FTTH, FTTx, OSP construction, fiber testing principles, and network infrastructure.
• Knowledge of telecommunications construction methods, materials, and standards.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, maps, and technical drawings.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project documentation systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Telecommunications, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with rural broadband or telecommunications cooperative projects.
• Knowledge of RUS-funded telecommunications projects and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping, GPS data collection, and permitting processes.
• Experience managing contractors and construction inspection programs.
• OSHA safety training or related certifications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Frequent walking on uneven terrain and construction sites.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to drive long distances and travel throughout service territories.
• Ability to climb, bend, stoop, and perform field inspections.