Lead Vegetation Management Work Planner

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed quality control assessments and audits of pre-inspection, tree-trimming, and vegetation management work performed by Work Planners.
• Perform comprehensive inspections of overhead power lines and rights-of-way to verify proper vegetation clearance.
• Identify non-compliant conditions and recommend proper mitigation or corrective actions.
• Accurately identify and assess dead, dying, hazardous, or high-risk trees affected by drought, disease, structural defects, or other environmental factors.
• Document findings, compile detailed reports, and maintain accurate records for the client’s vegetation management program.
• Audit Work Planner performance for adherence to specifications, work quality, safety practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors, landowners, stakeholders, and the public to communicate assessment results, address concerns, resolve conflicts, and promote positive public relations.
• Support emergency and storm response operations, including rapid assessments, hazard mitigation, and coordination.
• Assist in miscellaneous line clearance projects, program improvements, and quality assurance initiatives as assigned.
• Promote and uphold a strong safety culture while working independently or in teams in challenging outdoor environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of specialized professional experience in Quality Control/Quality Assurance, Utility Vegetation Management (UVM), forestry, utility arboriculture, electric utility vegetation projects, pre-inspections, tree risk assessment, or closely related fields; 3+ years of equivalent experience required in lieu of Associates degree.
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent demonstrated experience as noted above).
• Active ISA Certified Arborist certification required.
• Strongly preferred certifications/qualifications: ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), ISA Utility Specialist certification, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) - priority consideration given to holders of this advanced credential.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and professional representation of the client.
• Proven ability to multitask, solve complex problems independently, maintain meticulous attention to detail, and work productively in variable outdoor conditions (weather, terrain, remote/urban settings).
• Proficiency with technology, including smartphones, tablets, GPS/navigation, mapping software, data collection apps, and basic computer systems for reporting and documentation.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; capable of safely operating a 4x4 vehicle on rough, unpaved, or off-road terrain.
• Ability to work alone or collaboratively outdoors for extended periods, including walking/hiking on uneven/sloped terrain and exposure to all weather conditions.