Manager, Vegetation Management Operations (Bay Area / North Coast)

Requisition ID # 169742

Job Category: Project / Program Management

Job Level: Manager/Principal

Business Unit: Operations - Other

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Santa Rosa

Position Summary

This Vegetation Management Leadership role is responsible for directing both internal staff and external contractors to uphold public safety, maintain electric reliability, and ensure compliance with state and federal Utility Vegetation Management regulations. As subject-matter experts, these leaders provide guidance, influence outcomes, and serve as external representatives within the industry on regulatory matters and market strategies. They collaborate closely with customers and public entities to monitor and manage vegetation near PG&E assets, ensuring system reliability and the achievement of safety objectives. Adherence to all company and regulatory safety guidelines and requirements is promoted and maintained.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job. The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity. Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors. This job is also eligible to participate in PG&E’s discretionary incentive compensation programs.

A reasonable salary range is:

Bay Area Minimum: $136,000

Bay Area Mid-Point: $184,000

Bay Area Maximum: $232,000

&/OR

CA Minimum: $129,000

CA Mid-Point: $175,000

CA Maximum: $220,000

This position follows a hybrid work model, requiring employees to report to their assigned office location at least three days per week. The remaining days may be worked remotely, depending on business needs. The headquarters location is flexible within the Bay Area and North Coast regions of PG&E's service territory.

Job Responsibilities

- Directs vegetation management internal oversight teams (Vegetation Operations Inspectors) within assigned regional areas or for transmission across the service territory, overseeing multiple teams and collaborating with contractors to ensure public safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

- Works with the Director, peers, and individual contributors to establish strategic direction and operational objectives, and develops operational tactics to achieve these goals.

- Acts as the departmental champion for company goals related to safety, reliability, affordability, customer service, and workforce development.

- Partners with peer Vegetation Management Managers to set both short- and long-term objectives, establish performance measures, and implement reporting mechanisms aligned with overall Electric Operations goals.

- Handles complex and sensitive issues escalated from supervisors, senior management, and regulatory authorities, including interactions with contractors, customers and public entities. May represent PG&E’s position before elected officials and regulatory bodies, seeking solutions that balance customer and business needs.

- Oversees quality control inspections, audits, and contractor work reviews, ensuring corrective actions are taken to maintain compliance, safety, and reliability.

- Manages annual operating budgets of approximately $75 million or more; reviews and submits area work forecasts and budgets for approval, monitors expenses, and develops variance explanations and action plans.

- Focuses on performance improvement opportunities and designates team leads for specific improvement projects.

- Coaches Supervisors in regulatory or industry forums, public hearings, or legal proceedings, and may provide expert witness testimony in high-profile legal cases involving vegetation issues.

- Reviews and approves new or revised scopes of work for contractors, ensuring compliance standards and deliverables are met.

- Reviews and approves budget forecasts and business cases for new or special initiatives, such as public safety, reliability, reclamation, or timber harvest plans.

- Participates in the utility arborist association to influence industry standards, and may lead statewide efforts on behalf of PG&E to resolve issues and educate stakeholders.

- Manages staff through effective recruitment, selection, training, development, performance management, and rewards and recognition programs.

Qualifications

Minimum:

- Bachelor’s degree in a job-related discipline or equivalent experience

- California Driver’s License

- At least 10 years of job-related experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role

Desired:

- Comprehensive knowledge of forestry and/or utility vegetation management concepts, methods, and techniques

- Broad understanding of the utility and energy industry, including economic, social, and political issues, trends, and business drivers

- ISA Arborist/Utility Specialist certification

- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

- Demonstrated strong leadership abilities

- Strategic problem-solving and analytical skills

- Business and financial expertise for managing sizable budgets

- Adaptability to function within a highly regulated environment

- Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with diverse stakeholders

- Influence and negotiation abilities, along with tact, diplomacy, and political acumen for managing sensitive public and customer issues

- Proven organizational, time management, prioritization, and planning skills

- Thorough understanding of project and program management principles and practices

- Expertise in data analysis, process improvement, and creative thinking to develop compelling business cases in complex environments

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)