Program Manager – Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating

Tom Trese Networking LLC; Riverside (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Tom Trese Networking LLC is seeking a Program Manager for Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating in Southern California. This senior, hands-on role combines operations management, project management, business development, estimating, financial performance, fleet management, and strategic growth.

The successful candidate will oversee hydrovac trucks, locating crews, field supervisors, and underground support operations, building relationships with utility owners, municipalities, and engineering

Qualifications

• Experience leading hydro excavation and utility locating operations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple crews and equipment.
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting and cost control.
• Ability to develop and grow new business opportunities.
• Safety-focused leadership in field operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating Division.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, and project schedules across active jobs.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and operating plans.
• Oversee client relationships with utility owners and contractors.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements.
• Support estimating, pricing, and contract negotiations.
• Recruit, train, and mentor field and operations personnel.
• Establish safety, productivity, and quality standards.

Job description

Program Manager – Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager – Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating to lead, build, and grow a specialized underground utility services division throughout Southern California.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership position combining operations management, project management, business development, estimating, financial performance, fleet management, and strategic growth.

The Program Manager will oversee multiple hydrovac trucks, utility locating crews, field supervisors, and underground support operations while developing relationships with utility owners, municipalities, heavy civil contractors, and engineering firms.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in hydro excavation, utility locating, underground utilities, or heavy civil construction and understands how to build a safe, productive, and profitable field operation.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating Division.
• Manage multiple hydrovac trucks, utility locating crews, operators, field supervisors, and support personnel.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, trucks, and project schedules across multiple active jobs.
• Develop daily and weekly schedules that maximize crew productivity and fleet utilization.
• Monitor project execution to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.
• Coordinate hydro excavation and locating activities with active heavy civil and underground utility construction operations.
• Develop and implement operating procedures that support consistent execution and continued growth.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements to increase efficiency and profitability.
• Support emergency and priority utility response operations when required.

Project & Financial Management

• Oversee multiple projects and service contracts simultaneously.
• Develop annual budgets, revenue forecasts, and operating plans for the division.
• Monitor job costs, labor productivity, equipment utilization, revenue, margins, and profitability.
• Review project financial performance and identify corrective actions when costs or production deviate from expectations.
• Establish and track operational KPIs for crews, equipment, and projects.
• Support estimating, pricing, proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Review labor, equipment, disposal, travel, and operational costs when developing project pricing.
• Maintain accurate forecasting for staffing, fleet requirements, and future workload.

Business Development & Growth

• Take an active role in expanding the division's customer base and revenue.
• Develop relationships with:
  • Utility Companies
  • Municipalities
  • Public Agencies
  • Heavy Civil Contractors
  • Underground Utility Contractors
  • General Engineering Contractors
  • Engineering & Consulting Firms
• Identify new hydro excavation, utility locating, and underground support opportunities.
• Develop proposals and pricing for new and existing clients.
• Expand service capabilities and identify complementary revenue opportunities.
• Participate in client meetings, networking, and business development activities.
• Partner with executive leadership on market expansion, fleet growth, capital investments, and strategic planning.

Client Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for key customers and contracts.
• Develop long-term relationships with utility owners, contractors, municipalities, and engineering firms.
• Coordinate project schedules and customer requirements.
• Resolve field and operational issues quickly and professionally.
• Manage customer expectations regarding schedule, production, safety, and project execution.
• Identify opportunities for additional services and repeat business.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain field and operations personnel.
• Provide leadership to Project Managers, Supervisors, Hydrovac Operators, Utility Locators, and field crews.
• Establish clear expectations for safety, productivity, customer service, and accountability.
• Develop future supervisors and operational leaders as the division grows.
• Build staffing plans based on current workload and projected growth.

Core Service Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas are highly preferred:

• Hydro Excavation
• Hydrovac Operations
• Utility Locating
• Potholing / Daylighting
• Vacuum Excavation