Position Summary

The Vegetation Management Inspector (VMI) Series positions patrol for hazardous trees and perform identification, inspection, and evaluation of trees and brush along utility lines.

The VMI submits inspection results to clients with recommendations; may plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of assigned tree clearance crews; discusses and negotiates line-clearance crew access issues; and may serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers.

Union Representation

The VMI Series positions are covered under International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245. All employees in this position are required to join the union.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Perform circuit patrols in accordance with the annual VM plan, VM patrol standards and processes
• Identify required tree work along the existing PG&E rights-of-way; prescribe tree work to be performed; document inspections completed
• Notify property owners and agencies when tree work will occur and obtain any necessary authorizations from the property owners/agencies to perform the tree work
• May serve as contact for new business and re-construction work
• Perform work verification inspections verifying applicable inspection and tree work completion and quality
• Perform investigation and documentation of tree-related outages and attend outage meetings as requested
• May be assigned a variety of VM Tags; perform tracking, field checking, prescribing of work, and notification of customers associated with non-routine locations
• Assist in closing out CC&B cases in the field after fielding the case
• Support emergency response, including dispatching tree crews, field checking sites, and first responder stand-by agreements
• Work independently to complete tasks assigned by the supervisor
• Support oversight of vegetation projects, including field operations such as tree assessment, tree trimming, and other work as required
• Participate in contractor safety and tailboard meetings
• Act as customer relations representative on behalf of PG&E
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
• Complete electronic and paper-based documentation and reporting

Additional Responsibilities - Senior VMI
• Audit work performed by other, less experienced VMIs
• Assist with training of new VMIs
• Act as liaison to contractors to resolve obstacles and assist with work being performed in a safe and productive manner

Desired Skills and Abilities
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to read and follow maps
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rate
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Ability to prioritize and organize, paying attention to detail for accuracy
• Accountable: accepting personal responsibility
• Ability to work additional hours and days

Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED
• Required to maintain a Class C driver's license
• Must be able to meet company driver acceptability requirements
• Ability to drive a 4x4 truck or SUV

Requirements

Experience and Education Requirements

VMI Start
• One (1) year of related arboricultural experience, OR
• ISA Certified Arborist, OR
• Two-year or four-year college degree in a related field

VMI-1
• One (1) year as a Vegetation Management Inspector Start, AND
• One (1) year of related arboricultural experience, OR
• ISA Certified Arborist, OR
• Two-year or four-year college degree in a related field

Senior VMI (SVMI)
• Five (5) years of experience as a tree crew climber or tree crew foreman with at least two (2) years of line clearance certification, OR
• Five (5) years of experience as a Vegetation Management Inspector AND ISA Certified Arborist, OR
• Five (5) years of experience as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF), OR
• Five (5) years of experience as a Utility Inspector or higher classification with at least one (1) year of vegetation management experience, OR
• Four (4) years of military service with honorable discharge AND at least one (1) additional year of Vegetation Management Inspection experience

Required Training - Senior VMI

Must successfully complete all of the following:
• OSHA 30-hour construction safety overview - must be completed within six (6) months of start date
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP), or ISA Certified Arborist (CA) with Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) certificate - must be completed within six (6) months of test eligibility
• 911 Standby Training - must be completed within one (1) month of start date
• Working knowledge of QA/QC - must be completed within one (1) month of start date

Working Conditions and Essential Functions

This position is physically and emotionally demanding and is performed in a heavily regulated industry subject to extensive federal oversight. The role regularly involves high-stakes decisions, difficult interpersonal situations, exposure to distressing circumstances, and sustained time pressure. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position under these conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods of standing outdoors
• Prolonged periods of walking and hiking outdoors in a variety of terrain, including steep and uneven terrain
• Prolonged periods of sitting and driving a 4x4 truck and/or SUV
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at times
• Must be able to bend, lift, stretch, climb and crawl to check equipment and buildings
• Must be able to perform work in a variety of weather conditions

Benefits

Union benefits package, fully paid by Sierra Forestry Consulting:
• Blue Cross / Blue Shield medical
• Dental Network of America
• VSP vision
• AD&D and term life insurance
• Company vehicle for business use
• Company cell phone

Conditions of Employment

Employment with Sierra Forestry Consulting LLC is contingent upon satisfactorily passing applicable drug screening and background check.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be modified at the discretion of the Employer. This document does not create a contract of employment; employment with Sierra Forestry Consulting LLC is at will.

Salary Description

$42.78 - $52.87 /hour