Field Operations Director - Mid-Atlantic

Job Description

The Regional Field Ops Director will lead the expansion and optimization of Dandelion's geothermal field operations in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Reporting to the VP of Drilling, this role is primarily an operational management and logistics leadership position - combining entrepreneurial ambition, strategic planning, team development, and day-to-day field execution. The Director will manage crews, equipment, schedules, and vendor relationships across the full installation lifecycle to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while establishing Dandelion's presence in the East geothermal market.

Responsibilities

• Bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the market, making key decisions around team building, equipment planning, and operational strategies.
• Build and grow a world-class geothermal field operations team in the region, including drilling crews and ground loop installation crews.
• Lead and manage multiple field teams and support personnel to ensure safe, efficient execution of operations.
• Oversee field operations across the full ground loop installation scope, ensuring crews are coordinated, equipped, and executing efficiently from mobilization through job close-out.
• Manage equipment selection, fleet utilization, logistics, and vendor coordination to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
• Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and project specifications.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce downtime, and improve profitability across all field operations.
• Develop and manage budgets, schedules, and performance metrics; provide regular reporting to senior management.
• Mentor and coach team members; foster a culture of safety, innovation, and professional development.
• Stay up to date on industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory developments, integrating relevant innovations into operations.
• Represent Dandelion in the region as a regional leader and ambassador.

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have

• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to navigate new markets and build teams from the ground up.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Passion for sustainability and mission-driven work.
• Curiosity, ownership, and a team-first mentality.

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in field operations, construction, logistics, utilities, or heavy equipment operations; drilling background a plus but not required.
• Strong operational knowledge of field crew management, logistics, site coordination, and project management in a multi-crew environment.
• Understanding of safety regulations, environmental compliance, and risk management practices in energy projects.
• Proficiency with project management systems, operational software, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to travel to project sites across the Mid-atlantic region (40%).

Bonus Points For

• Experience in geothermal, water well, oil & gas, or other specialty drilling or underground installation environments.
• Technical familiarity with geothermal or subsurface installation processes; deep expertise in operations management, scheduling, and performance tracking.
• Experience building and leading teams in a new market or region.
• Familiarity with startup or high-growth environments.
• Familiarity with Maryland water well drilling regulations and permitting requirements.