Mgr, Vegetation Management (MiEnergy - Rushford MN)

Hiring salary: $92,600 - $129,600. Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including education, work experience, and certifications.

About the Cooperative

MiEnergy Cooperative was formed in 2017 from the merger of Hawkeye REC and Tri-County Electric Cooperative. Hawkeye REC, founded in 1936, served home, farm, business, and commercial consumers in Chickasaw, Howard, and Winneshiek counties in Iowa, with approximately 6,700 electrical services before the merger. Tri-County Electric Cooperative, also founded in 1936, provided power to rural residents across Winona, Houston, Fillmore, and parts of Olmsted and Mower counties in Minnesota, as well as portions of Howard, Winneshiek, and Allamakee counties in Iowa, with about 15,000 electrical services before the merger. MiEnergy is part of the Minnowa Group, a collaboration with Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative and Heartland Cooperative, aimed at improving efficiency and sharing resources for cost savings.

This position is contracted to manage the vegetation programs at Allamakee Clayton and Heartland Cooperatives on an hourly basis, supporting safe, reliable, and affordable power delivery.

About the Role

At MiEnergy Cooperative, we take pride in delivering safe, reliable electric service to the communities we serve—and our vegetation management program is a key part of that commitment. As our Vegetation Management Manager, you’ll lead a critical program that keeps our system running safely and efficiently. In this role, you’ll blend strategy, field leadership, and community engagement while working with a team that values collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee MiEnergy’s, Allamakee-Clayton’s, and Heartland’s Vegetation Management Programs, ensuring safe, reliable line clearance operations across all service territories.
• Develop and execute long-term vegetation management strategies to reduce outages and improve system reliability.
• Manage vegetation contractors, including contract performance, billing review, and compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Supervise and support the Vegetation Management Crew while providing leadership to contractors and field teams.
• Oversee vegetation management systems and tools to plan, schedule, track, and report program activities.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics (e.g., cycle completion, outage reduction, safety, and productivity) to drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct field audits and inspections to ensure adherence to OSHA, NESC, ANSI, DOT, and environmental regulations.
• Partner with Engineering & Operations departments to integrate vegetation data into system planning and reliability efforts.
• Lead risk tree assessment and line patrol initiatives to proactively identify and mitigate vegetation-related hazards.
• Develop and manage the annual vegetation management budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
• Support contractor procurement processes, including development, bid evaluation, and contract administration.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex member concerns, delivering thoughtful and professional resolutions.
• Lead community outreach and education efforts related to tree planting best practices and vegetation management programs.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all vegetation management activities.

Requirements

• An Associate Degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or related field, or ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification, or Utility Arborist certification plus five years of experience in line clearance, vegetation management, tree work, or arboriculture.
• Previous leadership experience is preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License is required.
• Pesticide applicator license is required. If the candidate does not have the license at the time of hire, they must obtain it within one year of hire.

Skills

• Proficiency in basic computer skills, vegetation management software, GIS, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong knowledge of tree biology, pruning standards, and vegetation control practices.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and move equipment and tools (up to 50 lbs).
• Frequent standing, walking, and bending in outdoor environments, which can include uneven or rugged terrain.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401K and retirement pension.
• Paid time off and holidays.