Vegetation/Line Clearance Superintendent

WHO WE ARE

Dakota Electric is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that provides safe, reliable, & affordable electricity to its 118,000 members. Founded in 1937, Dakota Electric Association is the second largest electric cooperative in Minnesota.

VEGETATION/LINE CLEARANCE SUPERINTENDENT

At Dakota Electric Association, we take pride in delivering safe, reliable electric service to the communities we serve—and our vegetation management program is a key part of that commitment. As our Vegetation Management Superintendent, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a critical program that keeps our system running safely and efficiently. In this role, you’ll blend strategy, field leadership, and community engagement while working with a team that values collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

• Lead and oversee Dakota Electric’s Vegetation Management Program, ensuring safe, reliable line clearance operations across the service territory
• Develop and execute long-term vegetation management strategies to reduce outages and improve system reliability
• Manage vegetation contractors, including contract performance, billing review, and compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards
• Supervise and support the Vegetation Management Crew Chief while providing leadership to contractors and field teams
• Oversee vegetation management systems and tools to plan, schedule, track, and report program activities
• Establish and monitor performance metrics (e.g., cycle completion, outage reduction, safety, and productivity) to drive continuous improvement
• Conduct field audits and inspections to ensure adherence to OSHA, NESC, ANSI, DOT, and environmental regulations
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, GIS, IS, and Work Management teams to integrate vegetation data into system planning and reliability efforts
• Lead risk tree assessment and line patrol initiatives to proactively identify and mitigate vegetation-related hazards
• Develop and manage the annual vegetation management budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources
• Support contractor procurement processes, including RFP development, bid evaluation, and contract administration
• Serve as the escalation point for complex member concerns, delivering thoughtful and professional resolutions
• Lead community outreach and education efforts related to tree planting best practices and vegetation management programs
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all vegetation management activities

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Target Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000 annually

We offer a competitive compensation package along with a comprehensive benefits program designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with 6% employer contribution plus up to 4% match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• HSA and FSA options
• Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and wellness reimbursement
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, personal day, and volunteer time

POSITION REQUIRERMENTS

• Five years of experience in line clearance, vegetation management, tree work, or arboriculture is required
• A valid Driver’s License is required
• An associate degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or related field, or ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification, or Utility Arborist certification is required
• A pesticide applicator license is required. If the candidate does not have the license at the time of hire, they must obtain it within one year of hire
• Strong knowledge of tree biology, pruning standards, and vegetation control practices
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, vegetation management software, GIS, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Previous leadership experience is preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to lift and move equipment and tools (up to 50 lbs). Frequent standing, walking, and bending in outdoor environments, which can include uneven or rugged terrain.

All duties should be considered essential functions per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.