DescriptionThis position will remain open through September 2, 2026.Purpose of the Position: Oversees and directs the activities of the vegetation management program. Supervises the work activities of the UAS Program Director.
Core Competencies:- Safety: Adhere to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, rules, and practices. Use of Personal Protective Equipment as required. Take individual responsibility in managing safety risks and reporting unsafe conditions or unsafe work practices. Respond positively to safety-oriented feedback. Contribute to a culture of safety.
- Quality of Work: Produce thorough, high-quality work with minimal errors. Seek feedback, make corrections as needed. Identify problems and solve them. Strive to improve processes. Work collaboratively with team members to implement systemic changes.
- Productivity: Complete assigned work in a timely fashion. Utilize slow periods productively. Produce amount and volume expected, at accepted speed.
- Technical Skills/Job Knowledge: Demonstrate appropriate level of understanding of technical skills in area of expertise, technology, products, and/or processes involved. Perform assigned duties. Keep current on changes. Competent with all technology and industry best practices necessary to perform job. Maintain necessary certification(s).
- Communication: Oral and written communication clearly convey information. Keep others informed of activities and problems in timely manner. Listen well. Respond appropriately and respectfully.
- Teamwork/Ability to Work with Others: Demonstrate ability to work in positive manner with co-workers and/or customers with differing backgrounds, opinions, capabilities, etc. Willingly share skills, competencies, and knowledge with others. Establish and maintain strong, effective working relationships. Contribute effectively to group efforts. Promote harmony. Agree to disagree without damaging relationships.
- Accountability: Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality. Arrive on-time and be prepared to work. Accept responsibility for work and actions. Be reliable.
- Integrity: Demonstrate honesty, high ethical standards, and respect for all team members, co-workers, and KEC members.
- Professionalism: Always address internal and external customers with courtesy and respect. Dress in work attire appropriate to the position. Communicate business information in timely fashion, using means of communication appropriate to the situation.
- Support of Cooperative Goals, Policies, and Procedures: Support Cooperative goals. Adhere to all Cooperative policies and procedures. Understand that internal customer and external member focus is always top priority. Contribute effectively in support of that priority.
- Problem-Solving: Use sound logic and methodology to solve problems. Explore multiple sources for answers, as required. Able to identify hidden problems. Propose solutions.
Supervisor/Manager Core Competencies:- Communication & Accessibility: Demonstrates open, clear, and timely communication while remaining accessible to employees. Creates an environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and seeking guidance. Ensures information flows effectively in all directions and responds promptly to team needs.
- Trust, Respect, & Inclusion: Fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace where employees are treated fairly and valued for their contributions. Actively seeks diverse perspectives and considers employee input in decision-making. Builds trust through consistent, unbiased actions and genuine care for employee well-being.
- Accountability & Execution: Sets clear expectations and performance standards, ensures understanding, and holds employees accountable for results. Consistently follows through on commitments and monitors progress. Addresses gaps in performance in a timely and constructive manner to achieve desired outcomes.
- Support & Problem Solving: Provides guidance, tools, and support needed for employees to succeed. Actively seeks and is receptive to feedback to improve leadership effectiveness. Addresses employee concerns and workplace issues promptly, using sound judgement and a solutions-oriented approach.
- Empowerment & Advocacy: Empowers employees by trusting them with responsibility and encouraging independent decision-making. Actively recognizes contributions and achievements. Serves as a strong advocate for both team members and organizational goals, aligning team efforts with broader strategic objectives.
Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions:- Leads the development, implementation, evaluation, and annual update of KEC's Vegetation Management Plan (VMP), and Vegetation Management Implementation Plan (VMIP).
- Directs and oversees all aspects of KEC's vegetation management program, including annual planning, budgeting, contractor management, vegetation planning, right-of-way management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Establishes annual work plans and long-range vegetation management strategies to support system reliability, wildfire risk reduction, regulatory compliance, and member service.
- Manages, supervises, and leads the UAS Program Director. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, directing, and monitoring work activities; establishing performance expectations and goals; conducting performance evaluations; coaching and employee development; and allocating resources to meet department objectives.
- Determines resource requirements to effectively and efficiently carry out assigned responsibilities, including but not necessarily limited to staffing, training, materials, equipment, contractor resources, and budget administration. Operates within the established budget and assists with long-term financial forecasting.
- Organizes, directs, and evaluates the activities of contractor resources performing vegetation management and right-of-way clearing work. Monitors contractor productivity, quality, safety, and compliance with KEC specifications and contract requirements.
- Provides leadership and oversight of vegetation planning activities, including circuit planning, hazard tree prioritization, member communications, landowner coordination, right-of-way planning, work package development, and implementation scheduling.
- Provides technical guidance and support regarding vegetation management decisions, easement interpretation, right-of-way issues, and complex member or landowner concerns.
- Leads implementation of vegetation-related wildfire mitigation activities and ensures alignment with KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Utilizes risk assessments and vegetation intelligence data to prioritize work and improve program effectiveness.
- Directs and manages vegetation management technology platforms and programs, including vegetation analytics, GIS-based tools, drone inspection operations, work management systems, and reporting processes.
- Reviews program performance metrics, vegetation analysis data, and operational results to identify trends, measure effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Oversees vegetation management audits, quality assurance activities, and contractor compliance with clearance standards and KEC specifications.
- Coordinates vegetation management activities with Engineering, Operations, Field Engineering, contractors, government agencies, consultants, and other stakeholders.
- Represents KEC in vegetation management matters and maintains productive relationships with members, property owners, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community partners.
- Ensures compliance with Cooperative policies and procedures, OSHA requirements, environmental regulations, ANSI A300 standards, ISA Best Management Practices, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Assists in the development and implementation of new concepts, technologies, processes, and best practices that enhance the effectiveness of the vegetation management program.
- Answers questions pertaining to existing easements and land use rights.
- May assist in the completion and submission of grant applications with federal and state agencies.
- Performs other duties as directed or required.
Job Requirements:- Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Utility Operations, Business Administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5 years of experience in utility vegetation management, right-of-way management, forestry, utility operations, or related field preferred.
- 3 years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
- Experience with electric transmission and distribution systems preferred.
- Knowledge and Skills
- Valid driver's license.
- Thorough knowledge of utility vegetation management principles, right-of-way practices, utility operations, wildfire mitigation strategies, and vegetation management best practices.
- Knowledge of budget administration, contractor management, project planning, easement interpretation, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Knowledge of OSHA requirements, ANSI 300 standards, ISA Best Management Practices, environmental regulations, and applicable Ability to work effectively unsupervised and possess strong supervisory skills.
- Ability to lead and manage large operational programs, personnel, contractors, and multiple competing priorities.
- Ability to analyze data, evaluate program performance, and develop strategic work plans and long-range program initiatives.
- Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate verbally and in writing with members, contractors, landowners, regulatory agencies, management, and other employees.
- Knowledgeable of safe working environments and compliance with governmental regulations and standards.
- Ability to read and write English and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products and computer applications used by KEC. Experience with GIS applications, vegetation management software, drone inspection technology, and operational reporting systems preferred.
- Ability to interpret maps, aerial imagery, vegetation reports, operational metrics, and related analytical data.
- Ability to compare, copy, analyze, coordinate and synthesize.
- Ability to analyze information, interpret policies, exercise sound judgement, and manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
- Physical Demands:
Up to 1 Hr Per Day
Up to 2 Hrs Per Day
Up to 3 Hrs Per Day
Up to 4 Hrs Per Day
Up to 5 Hrs Per Day
Up to 6 Hrs Per Day
Up to 7 Hrs Per Day
Up to 8 to 10 Hrs Per Day
Standing
X
Walking
X
Sitting
X
Keyboarding
X
Seeing, Viewing
X
Talking & Listening
X
- Job May Require Lifting and/or Carrying:
Never
Occasionally
Frequently
Continuously
Up to 10 lbs.
X
Up to 20 lbs.
X
Up to 30 lbs.
X
Up to 50 lbs.
X
Up to 100 lbs.
X
Never
Occasionally
Frequently
Continuously
Bending
X
Squatting
X
Crawling
X
Climbing
X
Reaching above shoulder level
X
Never
Occasionally
Frequently
Continuously
Unprotected heights
X
Around noisy machinery
X
Exposure to marked temperature changes
X
Driving automotive equipment
X
Exposure to dust/fumes/gases
X
Note: "Occasionally" means 1% to 33%, "Frequently" means 34% to 66% and "Continuously" means 67% to 100%.
- Working Conditions/Hazards
- General office working conditions.
- Extensive travel from KEC's office through the service territory.
- Work is performed in all types of weather conditions.
- May be required to perform unscheduled work.
- Travel may be required for training or other purposes.
