Utility Vegetation Management Forester

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.