Vegetation Management Manager (MiEnergy - Rushford MN)

• Hiring Salary: $92,600 - $129,600
• Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level.

MiEnergy Cooperative is accepting applications for the position of Vegetation Management Manager in Rushford, MN and has selected Dairyland Power Cooperative to facilitate the search process.

MiEnergy Cooperative was formed in 2017 from the merger of Hawkeye REC and Tri-County Electric Cooperative. MiEnergy has about 19,397 members and 23,716 meters.

The Vegetation Management Manager is a shared position to help manage the vegetation program at MiEnergy Cooperative and Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative.

• Purpose
• At MiEnergy Cooperative, we take pride in delivering safe, reliable and sustainable services to the communities we serve—and our vegetation management program is a key part of that commitment. As our Vegetation Management Manager, 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.

Responsibilities:

Lead and oversee MiEnergy’s and Allamakee-Clayton’s Vegetation Management Programs, ensuring safe, reliable line clearance operations across all service territories

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 while providing leadership to contractors

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 departments 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 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

Strong verbal skills for communicating with the members

• Education and Experience:
• An associate degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or related field, or International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification, or Utility Arborist certification plus (5) five years of experience in line clearance, vegetation management, tree work, or arboriculture is required. Previous leadership experience is preferred.

Skills:

Proficiency in computer skills, vegetation management software, GIS, and Microsoft Office Suite

Strong knowledge of tree biology, pruning standards, and vegetation control practices

Licenses and Certifications :

A valid Driver’s License is also 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

• 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.

MiEnergy Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401K, retirement pension, paid time off and holidays and a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications.