Vegetation Management Manager (MiEnergy - Rushford MN)

Job description

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 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. Hawkeye REC was founded in 1936 and since then the membership has covered a range of home, farm, business and commercial consumers in Chickasaw, Howard and Winneshiek counties in Iowa. Before the merger with Tri-County Electric Cooperative, HREC had about 6,700 electrical services. Tri-County Electric Cooperative was founded in 1936 when power was not available to rural residents. Local citizens banded together to build lines going out to their homes and farms. For 80 years, TEC served three counties in Minnesota including Winona, Houston and Fillmore and parts of Olmsted and Mower counties and also served portions of Howard, Winneshiek and Allamakee counties in Iowa. Before the merger with Hawkeye REC, TEC had about 15,000 electrical services. Minnowa Group was formed between MiEnergy Cooperative, Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative, and Heartland Cooperative to utilize efficiency of scale and share resources for cost savings. The Director of Vegetation Management position is contracted to manage the vegetation programs at Allamakee Clayton and Heartland Cooperatives on an hourly basis. They are strategic partners in our efforts to provide safe, reliable, affordable power. Position Summary: At MiEnergy Cooperative, 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 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. Responsiblities: • Lead and oversee MiEnergy’s, Allamakee-Clayton’s and Heartlands 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 the Vegetation Management Crew 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 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 Minimum Qualifications: An Associate Degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or related field, or ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) 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 basic 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 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.