Manager, Vegetation Management Job Details | National Grid

National Grid • Clifton Park, NY

362d • $121,000 - $142,000

About The Position

National Grid is hiring a Vegetation Manager for our Maintenance and Construction department in Clifton Park, NY. The Vegetation Management program at National Grid employs a combination of internal management staff and external contractors to effectively deliver the annual program across New York. Key components of the program include annual cycle pruning, hazard tree mitigation, customer and new business work, system reliability projects, transmission side-line work, and the Integrated Vegetation Management program (IVM). The Transmission Vegetation Management Manager will play a crucial role in achieving departmental goals aimed at optimizing transmission system safety and reliability by developing and implementing vegetation management programs for right-of-way, substations, and gas maintenance. This position will also oversee the efficient delivery of Complex and Non-Complex Capital Program requirements and supervise the daily activities of Transmission Forestry Staff and contractor relationships statewide.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 to 10 years of experience in utility vegetation management, particularly in right-of-way vegetation management.
• Ability to work independently in remote locations and navigate varied terrain using 4WD, ATV, foot, and helicopter.
• In-depth knowledge of right-of-way vegetation management methods and procedures, including pruning techniques and herbicide-based programs.
• Experience and education in pesticides and pesticide application required to develop and execute the National Grid herbicide programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a high degree of self-motivation and initiative.
• Proficient in public speaking, decision-making, leadership, and fiscal management.
• Extensive experience with GIS Software and/or other Vegetation Management monitoring applications.
• Proven experience in managing a technical operations team.
• Comprehensive understanding of regulatory issues affecting the vegetation industry.
• Education and experience necessary to develop and negotiate EM&CP requirements and specifications for the development of transmission projects.
• Understanding of procurement strategies for a diverse portfolio of work and projects.
• Thorough knowledge of project management methods and techniques.
• Familiarity with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.269 Line Clearance tree trimming operations, American National Standard A-300 & Z-133, and National Electrical Safety Code 218 for tree trimming.

Responsibilities

• Execute a Vegetation Management sourcing model that leverages external resources to deliver the annual Transmission workplan in alignment with the Asset Management Strategy.
• Contribute to the Vegetation Strategy group regarding annual planning, budgeting, and auditing of the National Grid right-of-way vegetation management program.
• Assist the Vegetation Strategy group in obtaining necessary permits and delivering public notifications for herbicide applications.
• Assist the Vegetation Strategy group in the development and writing of operating specifications and the Long-Range Transmission Vegetation Management Plan.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate all transmission vegetation work performed by contractors.
• Monitor contractor productivity to ensure timely completion of all tasks.
• Approve contractor invoicing and certify work completion prior to authorizing payments.
• Manage, train, and mentor internal and external Transmission forestry staff and consultants.
• Conduct comprehensive field audits to ensure contractor compliance with vegetation management line clearances, specifications, and environmental requirements.
• Evaluate Forestry contractor performance against National Grid safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure the Forestry workplan is executed in accordance with annual budget and schedule requirements.
• Assist the Vegetation Management Director in coordinating departmental activities.
• Implement National Grid Storm/Emergency restoration policies and procedures.
• Promote public education through external relations and respond to customer inquiries and concerns.
• Provide off-hour coverage for routine emergencies and significant storm events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary range: $121,000 - $142,000
• Career path with advancement opportunities within and across bands.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Utilities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees