Deputy Planning Manager Jobs in Puerto Rico (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Area Manager - Vegetation Management

Location: Puerto Rico

Reports to: Deputy Operations Manager

Compensation Range: $95,000-$115,000

About Ceres Caribe

Ceres Caribe was founded in Puerto Rico in 1998 after Hurricane Georges. It has since grown to be one of the largest employers by providing careers on the island. Ceres Caribe is recognized for its rapid disaster recovery including debris removal, demolition, and blue roofs. We perform resiliency services, including vegetation management and utility line clearing for the Puerto Rican power grid. Ceres Caribe is also nationally recognized for creating natural parks and an aviary center on the island. The company is expanding its efforts to assist in securing the power grid for the Island.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At Ceres Caribe, we believe you're more than just an employee; you're part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you'll fit right in. We don't just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

What We Are Looking For

The Area Manager for Vegetation Management oversees vegetation operations across assigned regions in Puerto Rico. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient execution of vegetation clearing activities that support the resiliency of the island’s power grid. The Area Manager leads field supervisors and crews, coordinates daily operations, and ensures alignment with Ceres Caribe’s standards and client expectations.

This role manages people, equipment, and operational workflows across multiple geographic areas.

Success in the first 12 months includes:

• Establishing consistent operational performance across all assigned areas.
• Strengthening safety compliance and vegetation clearing quality.
• Improving crew productivity and resource allocation.
• Building strong relationships with field teams, clients, and internal leadership.

What You Will Do

• Lead and supervise vegetation foremen and their crews across assigned regions to ensure safe and efficient execution of all vegetation clearing work.
• Coordinate daily operations, including crew assignments, work plans, and productivity targets.
• Partner with field supervisors to deliver high-quality vegetation clearing aligned with client standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and utility vegetation management standards.
• Monitor equipment, fleet, and tool needs for assigned areas and coordinate with operations for replenishment.
• Conduct regular field inspections to verify work quality, safety adherence, and crew performance.
• Track and report daily and weekly operational metrics, including productivity, safety incidents, and progress toward vegetation goals.
• Support outage response coordination and ensure crews are prepared for emergency vegetation clearing when required.
• Build strong relationships with client representatives, local communities, and internal leadership.
• Identify operational gaps and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and safety.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in vegetation management, utility line clearing, forestry, or related field operations.
• Experience managing crews, supervisors, or field personnel.
• Strong knowledge of vegetation clearing standards, utility safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead teams, solve operational challenges, and deliver results under tight timelines.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel across assigned regions in Puerto Rico.
• Strong communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to read maps, work plans, and utility vegetation specifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in arboriculture, utility vegetation management, or forestry.
• Experience working with utility companies or vegetation contractors.
• Familiarity with operational reporting tools or field data systems.
• Experience managing multiple geographic areas or large field teams.

What to Expect

Area Managers work in a dynamic field-based environment overseeing vegetation operations across multiple regions in Puerto Rico. The role requires daily coordination with crews, supervisors, and operations leadership. Workdays include field inspections, operational planning, safety oversight, and client communication.

You can expect outdoor work conditions, travel between regions, and occasional urgent response needs during outages or emergency vegetation clearing. The culture is fast-paced, mission-driven, and focused on safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Physical Requirements and Environment

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and rain.
• Ability to walk uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, and navigate active work zones.
• Willingness to wear PPE such as hard hat, protective eyewear, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
• Ability to travel across multiple regions in Puerto Rico.
• Commitment to following all safety standards and protocols.

Why Join Ceres Caribe?

At Ceres Caribe, you won't just have a job, you'll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.

We offer:

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for communities.

Ceres Caribe is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.