Supervising Manager, Vegetation Management

Eligible for hybrid schedule. Frequent travel to work sites throughout the GRE service territory. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.

About the role

Direct the planning, implementation, and execution of all vegetation related activities of the transmission vegetation management program to ensure safe and reliable energy delivery. This position is accountable for providing leadership, direction, and oversight for vegetation operations and safety for both internal vegetation staff and external contract work force. Responsible for contract management of multiple vendors to safely execute all work programs and managing program budget.

Responsibilities

• Establish and administer processes and specifications for contractors performing the construction and maintenance of GRE facilities.
• Supervise, coach and provide work direction to the reporting staff to maximize productivity and teamwork.
• Obtain and evaluate bids from qualified contractors for vegetation clearing, site maintenance and air patrol.
• Survey vegetation conditions to determine costs, priorities and best management practices for the vegetation management (VM) program.
• Educate contractors and landowners regarding VM specifications, proper arboricultural practices and Best Management Practices (BMP’s).
• Oversee the contractors to ensure activities are meeting GRE requirements including safety, codes, specifications and NERC/FERC standards. Monitor the contractors for quality and efficient work.
• Ensure appropriate outages are secured in a timely fashion and coordinates as needed.
• Investigate reported vegetation issues in a timely manner to determine if work is required.
• Ensure that contractors are adhering to good safety practices and follow ISO 14001 processes and procedures.
• Audit invoices for correct tabulations and billing rates. Approve with correct account assignments.
• Develop and implement processes which ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Requirements

• Knowledge typically acquired through an associate’s degree in forestry, biology or botany is required. A four-year degree in forestry or related field is highly desired.
• 7+ years’ experience in construction and maintenance including at least 4+ years’ experience in Utility Vegetation Management.
• Several years’ experience in a leadership position providing work direction is preferred.
• Valid Arborist or Forestry related Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Minnesota Tree Inspector License or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Minnesota Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Pay

A typical starting range for this position is $120,000 - $171,000 annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience.

Benefits

Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.

About Great River Energy

Great River Energy is a not-for-profit electricity provider owned by our 26 distribution cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin for which we generate and transmit electricity. We provide wholesale electric service to our member owners who distribute electricity to approximately 660,000 member consumers - or about 1.7 million people.

A diverse mix of generation resources - Our power plants generate more than 2,800 megawatts of electricity and several solar arrays capable of producing 650 kilowatts. In addition, we purchase wind and hydroelectric energy. Your electricity is delivered through power lines to you. Every time you plug in your toaster, television or other electrical device, a system of power lines goes to work to bring you the power you need. Our job at Great River Energy is to keep the lights on by providing a safe & reliable supply of electricity.