Tower Foreman (Telecommunications)

CMS Company Overview

CMS Wireless is one of the largest critical infrastructure construction companies in the Eastern United States. Our expertise extends to a diverse clientele encompassing commercial, government, industrial, and enterprise sectors, where we are a recognized leader within the telecommunications industry. Established in 1995, our journey has been marked by unparalleled growth, propelling us to establish multiple market locations and operational bases across various states. In a significant stride towards enhancing our capabilities and reach, CMS Wireless proudly united with the Ontivity family in 2020. Together, we continue to redefine industry standards and chart new horizons in the dynamic landscape of our industry.

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Summary

The Tower Foreman is responsible for leading efforts in the erection, construction, and maintenance of communication tower sites. This role provides support to the Construction Manager and Project Manager in the supervision of all tower crew personnel and ensures OSHA requirements and company safety procedures are followed.

This is a safety-sensitive position.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety First – Put safety first and production second. Always.
• On-site supervision of all tower site activities defined in the scope of work, both day and night.
• Supervise and lead team members, setting clear expectations and goals. Coach, mentor, and develop team members to enhance their skills and performance.
• Lead work on the tower top, looking after all aspects of work while on the tower, ensuring that a safe and quality installation has been carried out, including rigging, hoisting, landing, fastening, load-hopping, etc.
• Installation of up-top equipment including masts, clamping, bracing, supports, antennas, RRUs, cabling, bolting, shooting proper azimuth within tolerances, reading maps and a compass, torquing to spec, labeling, picture-taking, documentation, plumb and tilt readings with smart level, etc. Assisting with integrating all closeout requirements.
• Perform coax, fiber, line, and hybrid cable installations, connector installation, sweep and test assisting, weatherproofing, color-coding, labeling, etc. Connect coax feedlines and jumpers per piping diagrams and support and fasten adequately for a quality, lasting installation.
• Complete grounding, terminations, fastening, proper bolting and antioxidant use, support of leads, cadwelding as required, etc.
• Assist with overall tasks required to build and install a site per customer specs, complete daily Jobsite Hazard Assessment (JHA) forms, assist with overall crew work, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, etc.
• Ensure a high level of safety and quality control requirements are upheld and mentor less experienced crew members in safety awareness. Must be able to lead safety meetings when required.
• Ability to photograph work-related tasks as needed for close-out packages.
• Assist in the coordination, preparation, and cleaning of job sites.
• Help lead the efforts in the assembly of the monopole, self-support guyed towers and rooftops.
• Assist in the antenna installation of microwave parabolic 1 to 15ft, VHF, UHF, cellular and FM broadcast antennas is required.
• Lead the transmission line and installation.
• Must be willing to continue to work towards training and certifications for tower-related work.
• Responsible for tool inventory and daily upkeep of the job site.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• This job operates in a field environment. Must be in good physical condition with the ability to routinely bend, squat, climb, kneel, push, pull, lift 50lbs or more, lift in awkward positions, stand, and twist for extended periods.
• Must be able to climb and perform work at various heights, up to 500 feet, for long periods of time.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements set forth in ANSI Z359 for fall protection gear.
• Must be able to pull his/her own body weight plus equipment weight up a vertical tower repeatedly for long periods of time.
• Must be willing to travel out of market/state for up to several months at a time (90%).
• May be required to work long and unpredictable hours.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment screening that includes DOT physical, background check, and drug/alcohol testing and participate in the random testing program.
• Must be willing to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive company vehicles. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

Technical Skills:

• Must be able to work in a team environment and be a valued member of the crew and the company.
• Ability to operate aerial lifts, man lifts, and aerial platform equipment.
• Must be able to read and understand drawings, piping diagrams, job specifications, mounting specs, testing procedures, etc.
• Successful completion of Safety in Rigging/Competent Rigger coursework and industrial First Aid and Rescue Training.
• Must have/obtain OSHA 10hr Training Certification. OSHA 30hr preferred.
• RF Awareness Certification.
• Ability to troubleshoot and correct mechanical or LV electrical connections.
• Exceptional knowledge of Fall Protection practices and procedures and tower life-saving techniques.

Soft Skills:

• Must be able to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and by email with team members and clients. 
• Must be able to lead a crew and project a positive attitude toward others in all work-related settings.
• Must be self-motivated with the desire to learn new things and project a positive attitude toward others in all work-related settings.
• Must have leadership and coaching skills and be competent in conflict and crisis management.
• Must be able to read, comprehend, and carry out instructions.
• Must be able to work on a team and independently as required.

Supervisory Requirements

• This position will directly supervise up to 4 tower crew personnel.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position.
• Workdays and hours are typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some overtime requirements.

Travel 

• Weekly travel is required for this position.  Usually between 50-90% of the time.

Education and Experience 

Required:

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Three years' experience in climbing towers, stacking, rigging, etc.

Desired:

• Related trade school education. 

Our Benefits

CMS offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to enhance all aspects of our employees' well-being. In addition to competitive pay, our benefits package includes the following:

• Health, dental, and vision plans (for team members and their families).
• Financial planning through our 401(k) program.
• Additional benefits, including life and disability insurance.
• CMS also encourages a healthy lifestyle by providing paid time off to our valued team members.

EEO Statement

CMS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CMS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

CMS expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CMS's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.