Field Operations Specialist

Location: This role will involve significant travel (up to 75% of the time). The home base of an ideal candidate is in the US West coast, but this is flexible.

Gridware is a venture-backed climate tech startup on a mission to protect the electric grid from extreme weather events such as wildfires and storms. We’re a startup building hardware and software to provide grid operators with unprecedented on-the-ground intelligence to ensure safe and reliable power operations.

Founded in 2020, we’ve raised over $18M from leading VC funds including Lowercarbon Capital, Fifty Years, True Ventures, and Wireframe Ventures. Gridware’s technology was listed as one of 200 life-changing inventions by Time Magazine in 2022. Our co-founders have also been listed in Forbes’ “30 under 30” for social impact.

Responsibilities

This is what you’ll be doing:

• Plan and oversee the installation of devices on electric poles in remote areas, ensuring adherence to project timelines, specifications, safety standards, and local permits.
• Utilize equipment to perform field inventory surveys and assess asset health.
• Work closely with contractors (line workers) to provide clear instructions, guidance, troubleshooting, and supervision during the installation process.
• Act as a liaison between Gridware and utility companies, local authorities, and community members, obtaining necessary permits / clearances, facilitating communication and positive relationships
• Maintain accurate records of project activities, including progress reports, inventory management, and documentation of modifications or repairs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of installed devices, provide input on design and process improvements, and contribute to the development of standard operating procedures for efficient field operations.

Required Skills

These skills are essential for this job and only applicants who have all of these will move forward in the application process:

• Proven experience in field operations, preferably in a similar role involving equipment installations in remote and/or outdoor settings.
• Strong leadership skills: Ability to provide clear direction and effectively oversee contractors and line personnel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate professionally with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Strong proficiency in spoken English.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions that optimize between multiple competing priorities.
• Demonstrated adaptability to new procedures and evolving requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to meet customer expectations while managing installation timelines, resources, and budget.
• Physical fitness, willingness to work outdoors for extended periods, and possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Successful candidates must demonstrate:

• Willingness to travel 75% or more.
• Flexibility and Willingness to work a 2-week sprint schedule (Day 1-10 working, Day 11-14 off to travel home and return to job site) as needed. Travel to/from job sites, lodging, per diem or expenses paid by company.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions; including but not limited to snow, rain and varying temperatures.

Bonus Skills

Your application will have a higher chance of standing out, if you have one (or more) of the following skills or experiences. If you, however, have all of the required skills but none of the bonus skills we still encourage you to apply.

• Knowledge of electric pole infrastructure, installation techniques, and safety regulations
• Proficiency in using GPS/GIS mapping tools or other outdoor mapping platforms
• Experience working with or as utility contractors, particularly pole inspection companies
• Demonstrated ability to develop, maintain, and manage field project budgets
• Experience leading expense reduction projects

Application

Although we do not require candidates to submit a cover letter, candidates who wish to have their application stand out are invited to write a cover letter outlining one or all of the following things in a bullet-point format:

• Where you have acquired the required skills
• Which (if any) of the bonus skills you have and where you acquired them
• Why you are interested in this role

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits that help employees thrive and grow. These benefits include:

• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K
• Company-paid training to upgrade your skills
• An attractive salary

Gridware is an equal opportunity employer. We want applicants of diverse backgrounds and hire without regard to color, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Gridware is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California.

Key words: Line men, Line man, Electric pole installation, Outdoor mapping, Utility installations, Outdoor Job, Line personnel oversight, tower technician

Requirements

Willingness to travel 75% or more.

Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions; including but not limited to snow, rain and varying temperatures.