Vegetation Management Coordinator

About the Role

This position plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, reliable electric system by planning and coordinating the Cooperative's right-of-way (ROW) vegetation management program. The Vegetation Management Coordinator works closely with contractors, members, local governments, regulatory agencies and CCEC employees to ensure vegetation management activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Cooperative standards and applicable regulations.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate CCEC's electric utility right-of-way cutting, trimming and spraying programs.
• Work directly with ROW contractors to develop and monitor mowing, trimming and spraying schedules.
• Inspect completed work, identify deficiencies and ensure corrective action is taken.
• Maintain accurate digital records of ROW maintenance activities and review contractor invoices for accuracy.
• Coordinate with municipalities, counties, government agencies and other utilities to obtain necessary permits and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Review and maintain ROW easements and Department of Transportation (DOT) encroachments.
• Assist with obtaining easements and coordinating property access.
• Plan, organize and coordinate ROW work orders in accordance with RUS specifications and CCEC standards.
• Develop and maintain ROW-related plans, including the Cooperative's Wildfire Mitigation Plan and USFS Operating Permit.
• Develop, monitor and report on the annual ROW budget.
• Track and address vegetation-related outages and identify opportunities for corrective action.
• Respond professionally and promptly to member concerns related to vegetation management and property access.
• Coordinate member notifications and ensure properties are left neat and clean following ROW work.
• Maintain current ROW policies and procedures.
• Develop and present vegetation management communications and educational materials for employees, Board members and the Cooperative's membership.
• Assist with liability claims related to ROW projects and ensure they are addressed in a timely manner.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to successfully complete CCEC's employment entrance examination and drug screening.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, arboriculture or a related field.
• At least one year of experience in electric utility vegetation management.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential.
• ISA Utility Specialist designation.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
• Public Pesticide Operator certification – Public Utility.
• FAA Drone Pilot License.
• Preferred certifications may be obtained within one year of employment.

Work Environment

This is primarily a field-based position, with some office responsibilities. The role requires working outdoors in varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions, as well as flexibility to work irregular hours and during emergency situations.

The position requires the ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull and lift, along with the ability to safely perform field inspections and operate equipment.

Why This Role Matters

Vegetation management is an essential part of providing safe and reliable electric service. The Vegetation Management Coordinator helps ensure trees and vegetation are properly managed around CCEC's electric system, reducing the risk of outages, protecting infrastructure and improving system reliability while maintaining positive relationships with the members and communities we serve.