Assoc Vegetation Management Program Manager/Vegetation Management Program Manager (Various Locations)

Duke Energy Corporation•North Wilkesboro, NC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits. Depending upon the qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher level within the job hierarchy. The Assoc Vegetation Management Program Manager or Vegetation Management Program Manager positions will be located throughout Duke Energy's Carolinas West region. The exact location will be determined based on business needs at the time of offer. Locations are subject to change. Relocation will be entirely at your own expense. We are hiring for three positions. The selected candidate will be assigned to one of the locations listed below. The exact location will be determined at the time of offer based on business needs. This is the entry level of the Vegetation Management (VM) classification hierarchy. Employees at this entry level have responsibility for contractor management and oversight with close supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop skills, and the ability to work with greater independence. They have knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures. Manages IVM programs including multi circuit planned maintenance, system level herbicide applications, reactive customer requested work and hazard tree programs to drive overall program strategy of improved customer reliability and regulatory compliance as applicable.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Engineering, Forestry or other related Technical Discipline with 1-3 years of Electrical or VM Experience
In lieu of Associates Degree High School diploma with 1-3 years of experience with an electric distribution and/or transmission utility OR 4-5 years of Electrical or VM Experience.
Bachelors with 0-1 years of Electrical or VM Experience
ISA Certified Arborist (within 2 years)
Pesticide Applicator License (within 1 year)
Valid Driver's License
Bachelor’s with 1-3 years of Electrical or VM Experience
Associates with 3-7 years of Electrical or VM Experience
High School diploma with 3-10 years of VM or utility experience working in distribution and/or transmission
ISA Certified Arborist
Pesticide Applicator License
Valid Driver's License
Must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Possess working knowledge of how VM affects the safety and reliability of the electrical system.
Utility Experience – Working knowledge to proficiency
B.S. - Forestry, engineering, or other related field
ISA Arborist or Utility Arborist
Certification Pesticide License
Utility Experience
Construction Management Knowledge
Demonstrated ability to implement vegetation management methods, processes and procedures and train and develop other foresters in the implementation of the same.
Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated effective communication and customer relations skills both verbal and written.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate program effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Coordinates highly visible community sensitive VM projects with support and oversight from Management and other VM personnel
Assists internal engineering and VM personnel to strategically improve system reliability
Assists local operation and maintenance personnel to address local system needs being impacted by vegetation.
Supports as needed VM organization and regulatory teams to manage customer relations from a state regulatory basis.
Develop vegetation management work plan and associated budget for respective T or D Maintenance area/zone in collaboration with other VM Specialists, System Forester and Manager. Work with System Forester and Manager to assure that work plan is in compliance with Federal and Stated T&D vegetation management standards and regulatory requirements.
Monitor the performance of contract resources to assure safe work practices, vegetation management procedures/standards adherence, and productivity consistent with Duke Energy Expectations. Lead role for area VM crews during emergency storm operations. Works independently on complex issues. Applying advanced knowledge and problem solving skills to wide-ranging issues. Integrates industry knowledge related to data into everyday business practices and decision making.
This positions responds to customer and community concerns associated with our VM and Herbicide Programs. Responsible for the development of communication plans with key stakeholders associated with VM projects.
Works with government agencies, including DOT and Environmental to ensure compliance with appropriate state and federal regulations and pro-active communications of area vegetation management plans and procedures to community stakeholders.
Monitor Respective Transmission or Distribution Maintenance Area vegetation management work plan and budget by inspecting/reporting work plan completion progress, reviewing/approving invoices for contractor work, monitoring unit costs, and adjusting work plans and expenditures as necessary.
Perform regular patrols of Transmission or Distribution rights-of-way to identify issues that would potentially impact the safe and reliable operation of the line.
Manage expenditures within area of responsibility to ensure that budget target and forecast changes are met. Implement adjustments within area of responsibility to complete necessary work while meeting budget forecasts, including forecast changes.
As assigned, coordinates construction clearing activities for construction projects in area of responsibility.