Lucas Tree Experts, a leader in the tree care industry, is looking for a highly motivated, experienced, safety focused individual to join our team as an Operations Manager in the Upper CT River Valley (VT/NH) . This leadership role is directly accountable for safety performance, profitability, staffing and customer relationship management.
The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years’ experience in Vegetation Management with at least 2+ years in a supervisory or management role. A strong commitment to workplace safety and the ability to foster a safety-first culture across all levels of the team. Effective leadership and communication skills with a focus on integrity, initiative, and customer service. The candidate must be a self-starter with a positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure operational success and proven experience in operational management leading teams of 75 people or more.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Safety: Promote and maintain a strong safety culture. Ensure all operations align with safety regulations and best practices.
- Staffing: Recruit, train, retain, and, when necessary, manage terminations to build a skilled, safe, and productive workforce.
- Training: Provide hands-on leadership and oversight of training and employee development programs.
- Logistics: Optimize equipment usage and allocation, manage inventories, minimize downtime, and recommend equipment procurement as needed.
- Profitability: Drive operational efficiency and profitability. Prepare accurate bids for future work and develop strong customer partnerships.
- Sales & Customer Relations: Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive communication and service delivery.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Develop and manage annual sales and operational budgets with detailed monthly breakdowns.
- Collaboration: Participate in regular team meetings and strategy sessions to align with broader company goals.
- Technology: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiar with industry tools (telematics, satellite imagery, GPS coordination, file sharing, scheduling software, etc.).
- Planning: Balance short-term daily and weekly goals with long-term strategic planning.
- Teamwork: Lead and motivate crews, while also working cross-functionally with other departments and divisions to support company-wide success.
Licensing requirements: clean & valid driver’s license, VT & NH pesticide licenses, ISA certification, ISA TRAQ certification and Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP) certification. Required: Willingness and ability to obtain these certifications if not already held.
Compensation & Benefits Package
- Bonus Potential
- PTO
- Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental, Disability and Life insurance
- 401k w/Company match
- Free & Confidential Employee Assistance Program
- Company vehicle with fuel card, computer, phone, and company credit card for expenses
- Company Management Training Program, and Education Assistance Program
Why Join Lucas Tree?
We are committed to excellence, safety, and providing opportunities for growth. You will join a company that values leadership, innovation, and making a real impact on the communities we serve.
Apply Today to be part of a high-performing team!
Skills Required
- At least 5 years of experience in vegetation management
- At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience
- Proven operational management experience leading teams of 75 or more people
- Strong commitment to workplace safety and ability to foster a safety-first culture
- Effective leadership, communication, integrity, initiative, and customer-service skills
- Ability to recruit, train, retain, and manage employees
- Experience managing equipment, inventory, logistics, budgets, forecasting, bids, and profitability
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Familiarity with telematics, satellite imagery, GPS coordination, file-sharing, and scheduling software
- Clean and valid driver’s license
- VT and NH pesticide licenses, or willingness and ability to obtain them
- ISA certification, ISA TRAQ certification, and CTSP certification, or willingness and ability to obtain them
What We Do
Lucas Tree Experts is an international vegetation management company providing specialized services to utilities, municipalities, and commercial customers. Founded in 1926 to support rural electrification in Maine, it has evolved into a leading provider of utility line clearance and vegetation management services across the United States and Canada, focusing on safety and operational excellence to maintain critical utility infrastructure and protect the environment.
