Operations Leadership Trainee

Job Description

Operations Leadership Trainee | Lewis Services | 100% Employee-Owned

The Tone:
This is a full-time, field-based leadership development program at Lewis Services, requiring travel. At Lewis, the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and 100% employee-owned, the focus is on building a future and investing in every team member. This role is crucial for cultivating a pipeline of future Operations leaders, offering individuals with strong leadership potential a structured pathway to master the utility vegetation management business. The program is specifically designed to develop essential operational and leadership capabilities, growing high-potential talent into increased operational responsibility as business needs evolve.

The TL;DR
• Role: Trainee Development Program
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Field-based, travel required

• Team: Works within Operations, collaborating with various field and corporate teams.
• Mission: To develop high-potential talent into future operational leadership roles within the utility vegetation management business.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Field Operations Management: Gain comprehensive understanding of utility vegetation management fundamentals, including how crews plan, execute work safely, and adhere to Lewis and customer requirements through direct field exposure.
• Progressive Leadership Development: Advance through distinct phases—Crew Leader, General Foreperson, and Supervisor—to build front-line leadership skills in coaching, onboarding, performance feedback, team development, and employee relations.
• Operational Performance & Safety: Learn to manage production, including work quality, productivity, crew utilization, and cost awareness, while developing safety leadership through jobsite risk recognition and work planning.
• Customer & Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate strong partnerships with utility representatives, property owners, contractors, and community partners to ensure effective communication and operational alignment.
• Business Administration & Strategy: Understand business operations such as documentation, reporting, timekeeping, billing support, contract requirements, and coordinate with corporate functions, including exposure to business development and territory leadership.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-Level. High school diploma or GED required, coupled with a genuine interest in developing a career in field Operations.
• Experience: Leadership experience from military service, academic settings, previous work, athletics, or community involvement is highly valued.
• Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for building relationships, self-motivation, adaptability, a safety-minded approach with sound judgment, organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, and comfort working outdoors in active field environments. A valid driver’s license is also required.
• Bonus: College education, military leadership, or specific forestry/arboriculture education/experience is a plus, along with a willingness to obtain relevant industry certifications as development progresses.