Manager, Occupational Safety & Technical Training

Lewis Services is seeking an experienced Occupational Safety & Technical Training Manager to lead safety and training initiatives within our tree care, vegetation management, and utility operations. This role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive safety programs that align with OSHA, ANSI Z133, and DOT regulations, ensuring a culture of safety excellence across all field operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in arboriculture, utility vegetation management, and high-risk field operations, with expertise in technical skills training, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. They will work closely with safety teams, field crews, and leadership to create and refine training programs that enhance worker competencies, reduce incidents, and drive continuous improvement.

Will perform other duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

Occupational Safety & Compliance in Tree Care & Utilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee safety training programs specific to tree care, utility line clearance, and vegetation management.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA 1910.269, ANSI Z133, DOT, and utility safety regulations.
• Conduct job site safety audits, field observations, and coaching sessions to reinforce and enhance best practices.
• Participate in incident investigations and root cause analysis, developing targeted training to address deficiencies.
• Maintain and enhance technical certification programs for aerial lift operations, tree climbing, rigging, chainsaw use, chipper safety, and electrical hazard awareness.

Technical Training & Workforce Development

• Design and lead hands-on training programs for tree care and utility field operations, ensuring workers are trained in aerial rescue, climbing, rigging, and electrical hazard mitigation.
• Implement a tiered skills certification program, ensuring consistency and competency across crews.
• Utilize interactive training techniques, including classroom instruction, hands-on workshops, and on-the-job coaching.
• Provide mentorship and leadership development for trainers, foremen, and field supervisors.
• Develop and deliver tailored training for vegetation management teams working near energized lines and hazardous environments.

Process Optimization & Risk Reduction

• Use data analysis, incident tracking, and close-call reporting to identify training gaps and safety trends.
• Apply fault tree analysis, root cause investigations, and process mapping to optimize safety protocols.
• Collaborate with operations leadership to streamline training processes and improve workforce efficiency.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance technical training and risk management in vegetation management and line-clearance operations.

Team Leadership & Industry Engagement

• Mentor a team of safety trainers and technical experts, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
• Collaborate with utility partners, industry experts, and regulatory agencies to stay ahead of evolving safety standards.
• Represent the company at industry events, safety conferences, and training workshops to integrate best practices into programs.
• Support safety committees and initiatives that promote a proactive approach to risk management.
• Manage and provide leadership oversight to the Senior Technical Training Specialist.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Arboriculture, Industrial & Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in occupational safety, technical training, or vegetation management safety leadership.
• Minimum of two years in lead project management role.
• Expert knowledge of OSHA 1910.269, ANSI Z133, DOT, and utility safety standards.
• Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) preferred; Certified Safety Professional (CSP) required or the ability to achieve within 1 year of hire, certification ANSI Z10 Safety Systems.
• Hands-on experience in tree care, utility line clearance, aerial rescue, and rigging safety training.
• Strong ability to analyze safety data, identify trends, and implement process improvements.
• Proven track record of leading teams, coaching employees, and driving a safety-first culture in vegetation management.

We need people who:

• Demonstrate responsibility, trustworthiness, honesty, and integrity while embracing creativity and a willingness to learn.
• Thrive in a team environment, actively contributing to collective success.
• Build positive relationships, earning trust and respect for the company.
• Continuously seeking improvement and innovation.
• Excel in building and leading high-performing teams to complete projects efficiently.
• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
• Possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effectively prioritize tasks and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and create efficient spreadsheets.
• Proven ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver presentations.

Why Join Us?

This role is an opportunity to lead safety initiatives in a high-impact industry, ensuring the safety and technical excellence of tree care and utility vegetation management teams. You will play a vital role in enhancing field safety, improving workforce competency, and driving a proactive safety culture in line-clearance and vegetation management operations. If you are passionate about workplace safety, technical training, and continuous improvement in tree care and utilities, we encourage you to apply.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, an employee must regularly stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time, reach and perform repetitive keystrokes.

While performing the duties of this job, an employee must occasionally bend, kneel crouch, crawl, climb stairs and lift or move up to 25 pounds.

The position requires travel including overnights by ground and/or air transportation.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but in operations the noise levels increase.

COMPENSATION: $95,000 - $120,000

Lewis Services regularly evaluates our compensation and benefit packages to ensure we remain competitive. Starting pay will be based on a candidate's experience, skills and education.