Job Description

Position Summary:

The Vegetation Program Manager is responsible for oversight of Vegetation Management operations, ensuring electric system safety, reliability and regulatory compliance with state and federal rules. The incumbent may also serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance and education or influence leaders in the industry (PG&E, other utilities or other decision makers) on regulatory issues and program strategies. Leads team within a specific geographic area of operations, including, direct oversight of 50+ inspection and tree contractor personnel. Works with customers and public entities to monitor and manage vegetation proximity to PG&E assets to contribute to system reliability and safety objectives.

Job Responsibilities:

Ensure adherence with California Forest Practice Rules.
Ensure operational environmental best management practices and avoidance minimization measurements for all applicable VM programs. This could include adherence with Clean Water Act, California Fish and Game Code, National Historic Preservation Act, Federal and State Endangered Species Act, and California Coastal Act.
Lead agency liaison for VM operations team. This may include packaging data and submitting to USFS, CalTrans, and BLM and other agencies. This may also include assisting regions VPMs in city/county encroachment permit approval.
Training and oversite of contractors to ensure understanding and compliance with California Forest Practice Rules, environmental best management practices and avoidance minimization measurements.
Supporting and leading reviews and oversite of Notice of Violations and escalated concerns with the general public and various agencies along.
Support and lead role during emergency operations.
Lead wood management operations for local region.
Works independently on complex issues. Applying advanced knowledge and problem solving skills to wide-ranging issues. Integrates industry knowledge related to data into everyday business practices and decision making.
Manages or directs project teams.
Provides direction on overall program plan and goals within a specific geographic area of operations. Oversees in-depth quality assurance final reviews and contract drafts.
Works with managers and directors across lines of business to influence decisions and meet goals.
Communicates complex ideas to diverse audiences (PG&E, other utilities, public entities, community organizations, etc.) using a variety of media. Provides guidance around complex industry regulatory and compliance environment and considerations.
Provides direction and guidance to lesser qualified PM's and various contractors.
Creates new and complex data models to facilitate business decisions.
Develops new or revises existing scopes of work for contractors such as foresters, land planners, etc. to ensure compliance standards and deliverables are established.
Influence leaders inside and outside the department, and among various local and state regulatory agencies (examples; CPUC Fire Safety OIR or Public Resource Code Major Wood Exemption).
Acts as a subject matter expert. May participate in public hearings, legal proceedings or similar in this capacity.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

Bachelor's degree (forestry/business or related field) or equivalent experience

7+ years of related experience or equivalent

Licensed Registered Professional Forester or equivalent certification or expertise

Desired:

Master's degree preferred

ISA Arborist/Utility Specialist certification

PMP Certification

Exceptional knowledge of forestry and/or utility vegetation management concepts, methods and techniques.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate findings and recommendations to various levels of management.

Exceptional organizational, time management, prioritization and planning skills.

Mastery of project and program management concepts, methods and techniques.

Adaptable to changing and evolving business processes. Broad expertise in business and data analysis.

Process improvement skills and creative thinking.

Expert knowledge of current utility and energy industry issues, trends and political, economic and social issues affecting the program.

Excellent negotiation and collaboration skill, diplomacy and tact.

Strong business acumen.

Expert with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)