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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tower Supervisor

💰 $70,000 - $105,000 Annually

TelecommunicationsConstructionField OperationsSupervisionManagement

🎯 Role Definition

The Tower Supervisor is the cornerstone of our field operations, serving as the on-site authority and primary leader for a telecommunications tower crew. This role is fundamentally responsible for translating project plans into reality, overseeing the hands-on installation, maintenance, and modification of cellular and broadcast structures. More than just a technical expert, the Supervisor is a mentor, safety champion, and quality control officer, ensuring that every project is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the exacting standards of our clients and the industry. This individual is the critical link between the project management team and the field-level technicians, driving daily productivity and resolving immediate on-site challenges.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Tower Technician / Top Hand
  • Tower Technician III
  • Field Engineer (with extensive hands-on experience)

Advancement To:

  • Construction Manager
  • Project Manager (Telecommunications)
  • Regional Safety Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance / Quality Control Manager
  • Field Operations Trainer
  • Estimator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Directly supervise and orchestrate the daily on-site activities of a tower crew, typically consisting of 2-5 technicians, ensuring efficient task allocation and workflow management from mobilization to demobilization.
  • Rigorously enforce and champion all company, client (e.g., T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T), and industry safety protocols, including OSHA, NATE, and ANSI standards, to cultivate and maintain a zero-incident safety culture.
  • Lead and document daily pre-task planning meetings, including Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and tailgate talks, to identify potential site-specific hazards and communicate clear mitigation strategies to the entire crew.
  • Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for project managers, client representatives, building owners, and other contractors, facilitating clear communication and providing regular, professional progress updates.
  • Expertly read, interpret, and implement project requirements from construction drawings, site plans, and Radio Frequency Data Sheets (RFDS) to ensure all installations are performed with precision.
  • Oversee and actively participate in the installation, replacement, and maintenance of a wide range of telecommunications equipment, including antennas, remote radio units (RRUs), amplifiers, coaxial and fiber optic lines, and all associated hardware.
  • Manage and direct the safe and proper rigging of all equipment and materials, ensuring that correct techniques, load calculations, and signaling are used for every lift.
  • Conduct comprehensive quality control inspections throughout the project lifecycle, verifying that all work performed meets or exceeds stringent carrier and company quality standards.
  • Perform and supervise advanced testing and troubleshooting procedures using specialized equipment, such as Anritsu Site Master for sweep testing, PIM (Passive Intermodulation) gear, and fiber optic testers (OTDR).
  • Meticulously complete, review, and submit all required project documentation, including daily field reports, crew timesheets, material usage logs, safety forms, and detailed closeout packages with as-built photos.
  • Actively train, mentor, and develop the skills of tower technicians, providing constructive feedback, hands-on instruction, and guidance to foster their professional growth and readiness for advancement.
  • Manage all on-site assets, including the crew's truck, trailer, tools, and all assigned equipment, ensuring they are properly maintained, secured, and inventoried.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical, logistical, and personnel issues as they arise in the field, making decisive and effective decisions to keep the project on track.
  • Ensure the crew maintains all necessary certifications, including Competent Climber & Rescuer, OSHA 10/30, RF Awareness, and First Aid/CPR, and track renewal dates.
  • Lead by example by maintaining personal climbing proficiency and readiness to perform any tower-top task, from basic installations to complex troubleshooting, alongside the crew.
  • Coordinate on-site logistics, including material deliveries, crane scheduling, and access with property owners, to prevent project delays.
  • Perform site audits and participate in pre-construction site walks to identify potential constructability issues and provide valuable input for project planning and bidding.
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism on site at all times, ensuring the crew and work area are presentable and that all interactions reflect positively on the company.
  • Effectively manage on-site material inventory, verifying all required components are available and reporting any shortages or discrepancies to the project manager.
  • Implement and direct the site's emergency action plan, demonstrating calm and clear leadership in the event of an incident or rescue situation.
  • Verify all installations are properly grounded and weather-proofed according to industry best practices and carrier specifications to ensure long-term network integrity.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the project management team by providing detailed field-level feedback for change order requests and scope-of-work clarifications.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of field procedures by identifying and recommending more efficient or safer methods of operation.
  • Collaborate with the fleet manager to ensure the crew’s vehicle and equipment undergo regular maintenance and inspections.
  • Participate in periodic safety and skills-based training sessions, both as an attendee and occasionally as a facilitator for junior team members.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Rigging: Expertise in planning and executing critical lifts, including knowledge of crane signals, load charts, and advanced rigging techniques.
  • Test Equipment Proficiency: Hands-on mastery of PIM, Anritsu Site Master (sweep), and fiber optic (OTDR) testing equipment for troubleshooting and commissioning.
  • Blueprint & Schematic Interpretation: The ability to read, understand, and execute tasks based on complex construction drawings, RFDS, and wiring diagrams.
  • Carrier-Specific Installation Standards: Deep knowledge of installation and quality requirements for major wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, DISH).
  • Antenna & Line Installation: Extensive experience installing and aligning various types of antennas, and running, securing, and terminating coaxial and fiber optic cables.
  • System Troubleshooting: Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex on-site issues related to RF, fiber, and DC power systems.
  • Climbing & Rescue: Current certification and demonstrated proficiency as a Competent Climber and Rescuer.
  • Safety Regulation Expertise: In-depth knowledge of OSHA, NATE, and ANSI/TIA standards applicable to telecommunications construction.
  • Closeout Package Compilation: Proficiency in gathering and organizing all necessary photos, test results, and documentation for client acceptance.
  • Computer & Software Skills: Competency with mobile applications and software for daily reporting, time tracking, and communication (e.g., SiteTracker, Microsoft Office).
  • DC Power Systems: Familiarity with the installation and wiring of basic DC power plants and battery backup units.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Mentorship: A natural ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team in a high-pressure environment.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting to management and professional interaction with clients.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to resolve unexpected field challenges quickly and effectively.
  • Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to safety that influences every decision and action.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on quality control and the accuracy of all work and documentation.
  • Adaptability: The flexibility to manage changing priorities, weather conditions, and project scopes without sacrificing quality or safety.
  • Time Management: Superior organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and ensure the crew stays on schedule.
  • Professionalism & Integrity: A commitment to representing the company with the highest ethical standards.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Certification from a recognized telecommunications training program (e.g., NATE STAR Initiative, technical college).
  • Associate's Degree in a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Telecommunications Technology
  • Construction Management
  • Electronics Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • A minimum of 4-6 years of progressive experience in the telecommunications tower industry, with at least 1-2 years in a lead technician or "top hand" capacity.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience leading crews on new site builds, technology upgrades (e.g., 5G), and troubleshooting projects for multiple major US wireless carriers is highly desirable.
  • A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is required. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a plus.
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