Manager, Vegetation

Southern Company•Atlanta, GA

12h

About The Position

The Vegetation Manager role is responsible for leading and managing a team of T&D Utility Arborists to monitor and perform vegetation management services while integrating safety, efficiency, customer service, external effectiveness/public relations, environmental and regulatory compliance. The Vegetation Manager will manage an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program that complies with state and federal requirements and maximizes operational goals. The Vegetation Manager leads a statewide team of company employees charged with managing an annual budget split between O&M and Capital.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry, Horticulture, or related field preferred.
Subject matter expert with 5+ years of experience in utility vegetation management.
Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License.
ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Utility Specialist Certification.
Georgia Registered Forester license.
Familiarity with ANSI Z-133, A-300 standards.
Knowledge of OSHA requirements and regulations relating to work associated with utility vegetation management.
Knowledge of herbicides and equipment used in the company's vegetation management program.
Knowledge of NERC Standard for vegetation management, FAC 003-4.

Nice To Haves

Cross-functional and/or system experience preferred.
Budget management experience.
Knowledge of Transmission, Substation, Distribution operating philosophy.
Knowledge of budget reporting and company accounting guidelines.
Knowledge of OSHA requirements related to the utility vegetation industry.

Responsibilities

Promote safety in all vegetation management activities.
Manage, monitor, and adjust the IVM program by balancing cost, environmental impact, reliability standards, customer satisfaction, and regulatory requirements to meet safety and operational goals.
Oversee statewide projects related to vegetation clearing for all VM capital projects.
Provide leadership over the assigned team during company and off-system storm restoration efforts.
Builds relationships and works closely with multiple T&D leaders to deliver results statewide.
Oversee the effective use of contract workforce required to complete the funded work plan.
Research, evaluate, and benchmark various IVM practices and incorporate new technologies to strive for program excellence.
Participate in industry-specific organizations to ensure the company's interests are represented at the state and federal levels.
Establish and maintain relationships with various federal, state, municipal, and local government agencies and departments related to vegetation management.
Represent the company to various organizations such as local tree boards, neighborhood associations, professional organizations, company or industry committees, etc.
Communicate vegetation maintenance objectives and practices to both internal and external customers.
Provide support for daily internal and external customer relations, as well as managing escalated concerns.
Ensure all compliance and regulatory obligations are met, including compliance with FAC-003-4.
Work outside normal business hours in support of emergency restoration efforts as needed.