Section Manager, Vegetation Clearing

Job Summary:
This position is responsible for developing and implementing effective vegetation clearing on Distribution and Transmission rights-of-way. The position also provides leadership, supervision and direction to vegetation clearing staff involved in patrolling rights-of-way, preparing work plans, obtaining landowner consents, preparing forecasts from work volumes, inspecting work sites. The position is responsible and accountable for coaching and developing staff, allocating approved budgets, and monitoring and controlling Distribution and Transmission vegetation clearing costs. Responsible for managing relationships with contract resources executing Vegetation Clearing work on behalf of LUMA, including the development and execution of contract requirements associated with clearing Transmission and Distribution right of ways.

Job Description:

• Responsible for the execution of the capital clearing plan. Explains any variations in the budget and long-term investment plan.
• Provides a broad range of subject matter expertise regarding vegetation clearing processes and practices.
• Responsible for the Vegetation Clearing staff teams in their planning and delivery of vegetation clearing programs on T&D rights-of-ways.
• Communicate/translates the business plan into procedures, goals, objectives for the field teams. Oversees the development and implementation of annual work plans.
• Supports development of best practices and standards for effective vegetation management. Recommends initiatives to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Control costs and oversees annual vegetation clearing expenditures for vegetation clearing services.
• Problem solves and resolves issues or concerns with vegetation clearing crews.
• Follow legislation/regulations, recommends adjustments to programs, practices, and reporting as required.
• Supervises employees to achieve department targets including performance management recommendations and measures; health, safety and environmental program and direction; training and development requirements; and staffing and performance initiatives.
• Establishes the human resources direction for field teams based on section business plan.
• Ensures that performance development plans are prepared and implemented for all field staff.
• Monitors and takes corrective action on work methods, tools or equipment and contribution to safety.
• Maintain relationships within LUMA Energy Operations Teams to ensure support annual work plans and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Oversees collaboration and consultation with vegetation maintenance crews to ensure effective HSE performance and the execution of contracts and work plans.
• Networks with other utilities and industry associations to maintain best practices. Strong communication skills.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Perform major storm restoration work and associated drills as assigned.
• Follow all policies and procedures.

Additional Job Description:

Education and Experience:

• BSc. in forestry or related natural resource discipline.
• 8-10 years related industry and/or operational experience/ Contractor Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Directly relevant experience managing a contemporary vegetation management program. Clear/well established expert standing on matters related to utility vegetation management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant VM Standards and Best Clearing Practices.
• Experience dealing with change management situations.
• Bilingual, English and Spanish is preferred.

License/Certifications:

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Licenses/Certifications:

• ISA Certified Arborist/Utility

Travel Requirements:

• Travels: Yes
• Percent of time: 30%
• Overnight required: No

Physical Demands:

• Stationary Position -Seldom
• Pushing/Pulling/Reaching - Seldom
• Climb - Seldom
• Kneel - Seldom
• Grab - Seldom
• Bend - Seldom
• Lift/carry over - 5-10 LBS
• Vision - N/A
• Hearing - N/A

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and it is because of this that we offer equal employment opportunity to both our employees and candidates, while also striving for an environment that is free of any form of discrimination and harassment. We base our employment decision solely on the qualifications of the individual, their merits, and the present needs of the business.