Tower and Civil Construction Lead

AEP; New Albany (OH); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP in New Albany, Ohio seeks a Tower and Civil Construction Lead Principal to supervise tower construction activities and ensure safety and regulatory compliance across projects. The role involves coordinating with engineering and project teams, reviewing plans and RF considerations, and leading field crews while managing schedule and resources.

Travel to project sites is approximately 50% and candidates should have extensive experience in telecom tower construction, safety standards, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Safety, or a related field and 8 years of experience overseeing or directing telecommunication tower construction, antenna system installations, or related wireless infrastructure projects, or an ABET‑accredited equivalent.
• Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Construction Management, Safety, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field and 10 years of experience overseeing or directing telecommunication tower construction, antenna system installations, or wireless site development work.
• OR High school diploma or equivalent with 12 years of direct experience working in telecommunication tower construction, antenna system installation, wireless field operations, or as a construction representative for a carrier or contractor.

Responsibilities

• Support ZERO Harm working with all AEP departments and contractors both in the office and in the field.
• Evaluate contractor submissions for work plans, lift plans, and rigging plans to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Analyze material testing reports for concrete, soil density, moisture content, resistivity, and other pertinent aspects.
• Review contractor system test results including SWEEP tests.
• Review and distribute RF considerations and educate onsite personnel about RF safety.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Project Management to review and revise construction drawings and project specification documents.
• Coordinate pre‑construction bid walks and provide feedback to project management for contractor bid awards.

Job description

Job Summary

The power of AEP comes from our valued team of unique employees….the best in the business! We’re proud to be one of the largest electric energy companies in the U.S., powering over 5 million homes and businesses, spanning across 11 states. We’re passionate about making an innovative difference in the communities we serve. We’re powering the future – today!

Are you a skilled and motivated Tower and Civil Construction Lead Principal in New Albany Ohio, seeking a new opportunity? Join our team today!

This position will be fully onsite effective June 1, 2025.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Tower Construction Execution:

• Support and promote ZERO Harm working with all AEP departments and contractors both in the office and in the field.
• Evaluate contractor submissions for work plans, lift plans, and rigging plans to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Analyze material testing reports for concrete, soil density, moisture content, resistivity, and other pertinent aspects.
• Review contractor system test results including SWEEP tests.
• Review and distribute Radio Frequency (RF) considerations and educate onsite personnel about RF safety.
• Collaborate with Wireless Engineering, Transport Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Project Management to review and revise construction drawings and project specification documents.
• Coordinate and attend pre‑construction bid walks. Provide feedback to project management team for contractor bid awards.
• Support Outage Planning and Constructability with Project Management and local Telecom TFS Field Services.
• Work closely with Project Management to help facilitate project labor coverage, FCR coverage, and Safety Representation for all projects.
• Provide coordination of daily/weekly Region work plans and keep of project high level to meet construction schedules.
• Attend regularly scheduled Region construction project status and scheduling meetings.
• Attend/call in to the monthly Engineering meetings to address issues, improvements, etc.
• Collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure successful project completions.
• Supervise Company and contract FCR's, assign FCR's to projects, coordinate/implement FCR training, coordinate FCR requests for paid overtime.
• Assist FCR's in, but not limited to, change order process, project lifecycle process, attestation adherence, FMP process, etc.
• Educate and develop FCRs
• Manage compliance in accordance with AEP Regulations.
• Support Regional Storm Restoration efforts that require CM and contractor labor support.
• Support extra duties and committees as assigned by Manager.

What we are looking for:

Construction Lead Principal SG9

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Safety, or a related field and 8 years of experience overseeing or directing telecommunication tower construction, antenna system installations, or related wireless infrastructure projects, or an ABET‑accredited equivalent.
• Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Construction Management, Safety, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field and 10 years of experience overseeing or directing telecommunication tower construction, antenna system installations, or wireless site development work.
• OR High school diploma or equivalent with 12 years of direct experience working in telecommunication tower construction, antenna system installation, wireless field operations, or as a construction representative for a carrier or contractor.

Experience:

• Related experience is defined as overseeing or directing telecommunication tower construction, antenna and line system installations, structural modifications, civil site development, or other wireless infrastructure construction activities.
• A thorough working knowledge of telecommunication tower structures, antenna and line systems, civil site construction practices, grounding systems, and overall wireless site development is required. Experience in telecom engineering, construction management, or wireless infrastructure deployment is strongly preferred.

In addition:

• ***This position requires approximately 50% travel to project sites and regional field locations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, and support field construction representatives and collaborate effectively with project stakeholders.
• Must be a team‑oriented, inquisitive, and analytical individual capable of maintaining strong working relationships with engineering, safety, contractors, and cross‑functional project teams.
• Ability to read and interpret tower structural drawings, rigging plans, civil site plans, grounding diagrams, RF equipment installation specifications, and carrier‑specific construction standards.
• Familiarity with industry standards and installation practices, including ANSI/TIA‑222, ANSI/TIA‑322, ANSI 10.48, ASME B30, grounding/bonding requirements, and other applicable telecom construction guidelines.
• Experience with rigging operations, including gin pole setup, operation, load calculations, lift planning, and safe hoisting procedures for tower erection, modification, and antenna system installation.
• Understanding of concrete testing procedures (such as slump tests, cylinder breaks, and field verification) and the ability to review and interpret geotechnical reports to ensure proper foundation design, soil suitability, and site preparation.
• Aptitude to understand and interpret conceptual scopes of work, visualize the safest and most efficient construction methods, and identify potential risks or hazards to be mitigated.
• Ability to develop, communicate, and support complex construction sequencing, including tower stacking, antenna swaps, civil site preparation, equipment integration, and commissioning support.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to quickly learn and apply new construction management tools, field data‑collection platforms, and emerging technologies.
• Strong analytical skills to visualize a project from concept to completion, anticipate construction challenges, and plan for risks associated with tower work, civil construction, or equipment installation.
• Ability to conduct tower site visits, civil site inspections, and field assessments, including traveling long distances as needed.
• Ability to work effectively in environments with pressure and deadlines, while remaining efficient in self‑management and maintaining a high level of self‑motivation.

Where you’ll work:

This role will be located in New Albany, Ohio

What you’ll get:

Construction Lead Principal SG9($116,255-$139,506)

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well‑being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward‑thinking organization, this is the company for you!

American Electric Power (On-Site)

$116K- $139K / Year

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

#construction

Compensation

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

Physical Demands

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

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Details

“Knowing that I am part of team that is making the power grid safer and more reliable gives me a real sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for coming to work every day.”

This position will be based out of San Angelo during the training period and then be based out of Ft. Stockton. Successful candidate must reside in San Angelo during training and then Ft Stockton after. Supervise the Station Electrician and/or the Station Servicer crews in the construction and/or maintenance and operations work; respond to station trouble calls and perform/assist in service restoration work of station equipment and structures. Plan and schedule work assuring a safe and efficient flow of activities. Lead crews in a manner that is supportive of and consistent with the Transmission cultural pillars and the AEP Leadership framework. Assure all work will be performed in accordance with Company safety rules and practices. Perform Station Electrician and/or Station Servicer work as required. Activities associated with the performance of this work include planning procedures, directing or supervising assigned crew members, and exercising independent judgment in dealing with work and employee concerns.

The Equipment Specialist is responsible for specialized work involved in planning, testing, receiving, storing, assembling, adjustment and repair of Station equipment such as: power transformer's, reactor's, current transformer's, switche's, circuit breaker's, circuit switcher's, potential device's, regulator's, power cable's, oil, paint, and all associated accessories.

Under direct supervision and instruction, provide assistance to: ensure the efficient operation of the transmission system; coordinate operation of the transmission system with the appropriate Reliability Coordinator (AEP SCC), Distribution Dispatching Centers/Authorities, and Transmission Control Centers/Authorities (both internal and external to AEP); arrange, approve, and direct routine and emergency switching/tagging operations for equipment removal/restoration during maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction with limited instruction; receive, record, and maintain logs of operating conditions; monitor system voltages, transformer/line/equipment loadings, and in concert with the AEP SCC, apply corrective action when these parameters deviate from equipment ratings and/or operative limits; monitor the operation of metering and communication facilities and initiate corrective action upon malfunction.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer‑first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.