Associate's degree in forestry, biology, botany, or related field.
Minimum two years of experience in utility vegetation management.
Experience with utility transmission forestry preferred.
Requires Electrical Hazard Awareness Training.
ISA Arborist Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
Responsibilities
Assist leadership with overseeing vegetation management program and contractor activities.
Develop and implement processes for optimal program performance.
Survey vegetation conditions and assess management priorities.
Educate stakeholders on vegetation management practices and specifications.
Prepare project estimates and budget proposals alongside leadership.
Investigate vegetation-related issues and advise on necessary actions.
Provide feedback to stakeholders in pre- and post-construction meetings.
Benefits
Robust Total Rewards package including exceptional benefits and retirement.
Focus on continuous engagement and recognition.
Opportunities for personal and professional development.
Emphasis on work-life effectiveness.
Full Job Description
Utility Vegetation Management Forester
Application due date: July 20, 2025
Location: MN- Anywhere within Great River Energy's service area
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Creating a better energy future. Join Great River Energy in creating smarter ways to power people's lives - from small, everyday moments to the big, life-changing ones. As a consumer-owned electric utility, we are Minnesota's second largest based on generating capacity.
Summary:
Assist in the implementation of Great River Energy's Vegetation Management program. Provides coordination, direction and inspection of vegetation management contractor activities performed during maintenance or construction of transmission lines, substations, communication sites and other Great River Energy (GRE) facilities.
Total Rewards:
A typical starting range for this position is $92,000 - $126,000+ annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate's knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.
Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to
Assist leadership in overseeing the vegetation management program and contractors to ensure work is performed efficiently and accurately
Assist in developing and implementing processes which ensure optimal performance and reliability
Assist in surveying vegetation conditions to determine costs, priorities and best management practices for the vegetation management program
Educate contractors and landowners regarding vegetation management specifications, proper arboricultural practices and best management practices
Assist leadership with preparing project estimates and budget proposals
Investigate reported vegetation issues in a timely manner to determine if work is required and advise leadership accordingly
Provides expertise and feedback to stakeholders at pre-construction and post-construction meetings
Completes projects as scheduled and informs leadership and/or appropriate stakeholders of periodic progress during the project
Oversee the contractors to ensure activities are meeting GRE requirements including safety, codes, specifications, ISO 14001 processes and NERC/FERC standards
Ensures outages are secured for contractor work as needed
Ensures contractor follows permitting and easement requirements and completes the documents as required
Meet with landowners and resolves concerns about work to comply with vegetation management specifications and does periodic landowner visits to verify vendor compliance to work completed.
Qualifications: Knowledge typically acquired through an associate's degree in forestry, biology or botany or related field, and a minimum of two years' experience in utility vegetation management required. Experience with utility transmission forestry preferred. Requires Electrical Hazard Awareness Training, ISA Arborist Certification or ability to obtain certification within first 6 months, ISA Utility Specialist Certification or ability to obtain within first 12 months, Minnesota Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain within first 12 months and ability to obtain a 14 CFR Part 107 - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) License within first 12 months.
This position will require significant travel and presence in the field. Travel will include the ability to drive long distances to work sites and walk on uneven surfaces, and the ability to travel by airplane and helicopter on occasion to perform inspections and other field-based responsibilities. This position will require the ability to perform field duties in inclement weather, occasional nights and weekends and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies. The ability to be near extreme noise levels, fumes, herbicides, around insects and near power lines and electrical equipment. The ability to lift to 50 lbs., stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist and squat on an occasional basis and to push, pull, carry, grasp and finger objects. This position is designated as a safety sensitive position for drug, cannabis and alcohol testing purposes.
Apply: Qualified candidates please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com (under the Careers tab) by July 20, 2025. GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.
