Manager Vegetation

Job Specifications

This important role will direct and lead the Vegetation Management Department for all Black Hills Corporation electric utilities in order to maintain the reliability and safety of BHC's electric system related to vegetation while utilizing cost effective, sound arboricultural and environmentally responsible plans.

SALARY RANGE: $100,650 - $166,050 (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Manager, Asset Programs Senior

LOCATION: Our corporate Headquarters located in Rapid City, South Dakota.

• A comprehensive relocation package is offered for this position! Details about this package will be shared during the interview and offer process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the vegetation management department with a focus on risk mitigation, customer satisfaction, continuous cost/performance improvement and compliance with internal procedures and external regulatory requirements including NERC. 
• Lead workforce management and preparedness activities required to support program execution. This includes executing and documenting proper training relevant to responsibilities for approximately 100+ resources/contractors. 
• Manages the program work scope planning and scheduling collaboratively with the vegetation services providers to ensure budget, schedule and quality performance objectives are met.
• Partner with state electric operations leadership, including General Managers, to develop and manage vegetation plans and budgets for effective vegetation management.
• Lead the development and reporting of program metrics to evaluate productivity and quality of the vegetation management program which are directly linked and aligned with the corporate and program goals and objectives. This includes supporting the development of regular status updates to Senior Leadership (oral and written form). 
• Develop and manage overall vegetation management budgets and forecasts along with short- and long-term trim schedules.
• Lead the development and review of applicable policies and procedures governing completion of contract work and implement best practices to ensure compliance with BHC specifications and federal standards.  Identify and implement internal controls necessary to ensure success of vegetation management program.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with county, city, state and federal organizations as well as landowners impacted by vegetation management work.  
• Evaluate technology advancements and how they can enhance our program as well as continuing to evaluate the evolution to condition-based cycles vs the traditional time cycle management.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote a culture of ongoing operational excellence.
• Provide training and development opportunities for staff as well as develop and maintain strong, productive working relationships with employees throughout the company.
• Assist with special projects as needed; ie annual FAC-003 RSAW requirements, rate case support, evaluate technology advancements, software maintenance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, vegetation management or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Minimum of (5) five years of experience in utility vegetation management, forestry, and/or federal forestry service management required.
• Ability to obtain ISA (or equivalent) Certified Arborist within 12 months of employment required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of the Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) principals. 
• Working knowledge of National Electric Safety Code and other electrical system safety standards.
• Working knowledge of North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standard FAC-003-3.
• Ability to prioritize work, plan and manage several projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Exercise good judgment and make sound business decision, ability to effectively manage performance expectations with the ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision. 
• Significant experience supervising internal staff and numerous contractor vegetation work crews.  
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications and utility related software.  Ability to learn specialized workflow management software and maintain proficiency with new systems and software as technology evolves.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets as well as key performance metrics to demonstrate effective department leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead safe operations.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!  Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. 

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.  If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit  careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.