Vegetation Supervisor

Pike Electric - Charleston, WV

Full-time - Mid Level

Charleston, WV

Specialty Trade Contractors

About the position

The Vegetation Supervisor at Pike Corporation is responsible for implementing and managing a comprehensive Right-of-Way (ROW) Vegetation Management Program. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices while maintaining efficient and reliable electrical service. The supervisor oversees tree trimming crews, manages relationships with property owners and contractors, and ensures that vegetation management goals are met.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing a comprehensive Right-of-Way (ROW) Vegetation Management Program.
• Implement, maintain, and manage the Program, assuring compliance with vegetation management regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Ensure that the vegetation management program achieves the annual 'miles of line cleared' or unit goals.
• Supervise tree trimming crews involved in right-of-way clearing and maintenance.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with members, property owners, contractors, and governmental agencies.
• Notify and communicate with property owners about tree trimming and removal work.
• Disseminate and explain regulations regarding new plantings in rights of way.
• Work with members regarding specific tree trimming or removal of trees on their properties.
• Inspect distribution and/or transmission circuit ROW to assess vegetation conditions and determine required maintenance activities.
• Research easement and land rights for widths, rights, and restrictions.
• Prescribe work to be performed and determine future ROW maintenance requirements.
• Identify and record local tree species and growth rates within and near transmission and distribution rights-of-way (ROW).
• Use computers and associated software to perform duties.
• Map circuits and enter tree trimming and removal prescriptions into hand-held computers in a timely manner.
• Work with the mapping department to keep up-to-date records in the Mapping system.
• Obtain Tree Replacement Contracts from property owners and permits from public agencies as needed.
• Record tree replacement contracts with the proper authorities at the appropriate courthouses.
• Function as a liaison between vegetation management and Site management.
• Schedule ROW maintenance needs and oversee the contract to assure their work meets program specifications.
• Manage work requests and electronically track work progress.
• Audit tree trimming and tree removal work completed in the field and complete post-audit reports.
• Assist the Communications Department in developing a ROW Vegetation Management Communication Plan.
• Participate in public presentations and meetings as needed.
• Assist in storm and emergency situations and other miscellaneous line clearance projects.
• Submit and control budget needs for all areas of responsibility.
• Train subordinates and review their performance; recommend wage and salary adjustments.
• Plan and implement necessary employee training within the Operations Department.
• Join storm restoration efforts in times of need.

Requirements

• Knowledge and understanding of principles and practices of hazard tree assessment and management.
• Knowledge of common vegetation management techniques, tree biology, and pruning.
• Understanding of electrical distribution and transmission system operation and hardware.
• Working knowledge of company, ANSI A300, ANSI Z133, and OHSA 1910.269(r).
• Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office products and specific vendor product programs.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in diverse settings.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Negotiation skills to resolve conflicts and problems.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to assess operational and program needs and interpret government regulations.
• Ability to work long and irregular hours under pressure conditions.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual (Spanish / English) is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities