Director - Vegetation Management

Description

• Program Management: Provide strategic oversight and direction for all aspects of vegetation management across transmission, substation, and distribution systems, including routine cycle and enhanced trimming programs, hazard tree mitigation, and comprehensive transmission corridor clearance initiatives. Ensure contractor performance meets company standards and regulatory requirements. Monitor and report on program metrics, progress, and compliance with internal and external standards (e.g., NYISO, FERC, NERC where applicable).
• Strategic Leadership & Planning: Develop and execute a comprehensive vegetation management strategy aligned with corporate safety, reliability, and financial goals. Lead the development and administration of the Line Clearance and Vegetation Management budgets, including O&M and capital expenditures. Integrate vegetation management planning into broader engineering, design, and operational strategies.
• Regulatory Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement: Manage compliance with all applicable vegetation-related regulations and standards. Prepare documentation and testimony for regulatory filings and hearings. Build and maintain relationships with municipal, state, and federal agencies to align vegetation management practices with public expectations and legal requirements.
• Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and accountability. Utilize operational dashboards and data analytics to inform decision-making and optimize resource allocation. Coordinate closely with Distribution Operations, Planning & Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless execution of vegetation activities.
• Contractor & Vendor Management: Develop and manage performance-based contracts, including RFPs and work specifications. Foster collaborative relationships with contractors to ensure high-quality, cost-effective service delivery.
• Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of internal staff and external partners. Set clear performance expectations and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Promote a culture of safety, integrity, and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Master’s degree.
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale programs and budgets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in utility vegetation management, with at least 6 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology and data analytics for operational improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in regulatory compliance and testimony preparation.
• Deep understanding of electric utility operations, vegetation management best practices, and regulatory frameworks (NYISO/FERC).

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance