Vegetation Management Specialist I, II or Sr (Ruidoso, Deming, Silver City, and Alamogordo NM)

POSTING DEADLINE

This position is posted until filled.

PREFERENCES

- Experience with utility vegetation management (especially in transmission and distribution corridors)

- Knowledge of regional flora and invasive species common to New Mexico

- Familiarity with GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, GPS mapping) Understanding of environmental regulations (NEPA, Endangered Species Act, etc.)

- Experience with herbicide application and integrated vegetation management (IVM)

- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills (e.g., working with landowners, agencies, contractors)

- Project management experience (especially for Sr. level)

- Bilingual (English/Spanish) helpful for field work and community engagement

Relevant Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist (International Society of Arboriculture)

- Pesticide Applicator License (New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

- CPR/First Aid Certification (for field safety)

- OSHA 10 or 30 Certification (for safety awareness)

For Senior Specialist:

- ISA Utility Specialist Certification

- Registered Professional Forester (RPF) if applicable from another state

- Project Management Professional (PMP) if managing large-scale vegetation programs

- Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) if restoration is part of the role

JOB DESCRIPTION

Vegetation Management Specialist I

Salary Grade: G09

Minimum Midpoint Maximum $53,540 - $70,940 - $88,340

SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision, provides support in vegetation management within the company's rights-of-way, with the goal of supporting the best balance of system reliability and safety within the established budget.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Applies entry-level forestry skills in line clearance operations by monitoring daily contractor performance through frequent field visits within an assigned area and by performing periodic field audits

Investigates and handles less complex customer issues including: access refusals, complaints about the work performed, and other vegetation management activities

Maintains the records for each substation feeders tree species, population, and workload

Reviews weekly contractor crew production/time sheets for accuracy

Develops contractor tree crew costs awareness by ensuring cost-effective spending

Participates in communications/activities with appropriate agencies and departments and with various community organizations

Uses Company and industry standards to ensure safety

COMPETENCIES:

Basic knowledge of tree physiology and biology

Fundamental knowledge of herbicides and related regulations

General knowledge of electric utility construction practices for transmission and distribution systems

Ability to prioritize, schedule, organize, focus on, and complete work

Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor

Ability to effectively respond to customer requests for service and/or assistance with a sense of urgency

Excellent listening and observation skills

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Forestry or Arboriculture with one to three years experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess current, legally valid driver's license and meet the Company's driving record requirements.

Must apply for and take the ISA Certified Arborist Exam within one year.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations

Ability to effectively listen and get clarification to respond to a wide-range of questions

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Working knowledge of personal computers

Knowledge of spreadsheet and word processing software

ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

DECISION MAKING:

Ability to analyze and evaluate some of the basic influencing factors on vegetation growth such as weather, growing season, availability of water, etc. in order to forecast the general impact on system reliability, public safety and environmental consequences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit up to 2/3 of the time and to stand, walk, and stoop up to 1/3 of the time. Good vision and ability to adjust focus is required. Manual dexterity is required. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Works outdoors 75% of the time in different types of weather including extreme heat and cold. Requires driving and walking through customers' properties and sometimes rough terrain. May work with herbicides and related equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Outdoor environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Vegetation Management Specialist Sr

Salary Grade: G07

Minimum Midpoint Maximum $69,581 - $92,194 - $114,808

SUMMARY:

Under limited supervision, provides expert management of vegetation within the Company's rights-of-way, supporting the best possible system reliability and safety within the established cost parameter, while maintaining customer relations and sound environmental practices. Contributes directly to planning, developing, initiating and modifying a system-wide vegetation management program that includes the pruning and removal of trees, brush control and herbicide applications on various transmission and distribution rights-of-way.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides the forestry expertise necessary for managing line clearance operations through directing and monitoring contractor performance within an assigned area, including designating daily activities, performing weekly review and monitoring monthly production reports, and other measurements as well as frequent field visits for direct observation; performs regular and detailed audits of contractor logs, time sheets, invoices and other records

Conducts periodic safety, environmental. and other training; assists in preparing and participating in quarterly contractor evaluations; approves time/log sheets on database by verifying accuracy with contractors

Investigates and handles the majority of complex customer issues including: access refusals, complaints about the work performed, and other vegetation management activities

Represents the Company on vegetation management issues and associated environmental issues and promotes the Company as a concerned corporate citizen

Maintains the record keeping and tracking system to identify tree species, population and workload using GIS database; maintains monthly report to identify maintenance and demand work performance by division

Assists in contract renewal and bid process; processes weekly contractor invoices

Responsible for business units portion of overall Vegetation Management budget; assists in planning, forecasting and justifying the annual vegetation management budget and maintaining monthly budget reviews and responsibility for contractor costs

Maintains professional organizations to keep abreast of current industry developments; maintains communications with all pertinent agencies and departments and have knowledge of regulations, ordinances and rulings that impact the company or program; obtains necessary permits from public agencies

Maintains communications and leads activities such as Arbor Day/Earth Day events with all pertinent agencies and departments and with various community organizations

Adheres to Company and industry standards to ensure safety

Prepares written documents regarding Vegetation Management activities to ensure department compliance with internal policies and NERC/PUCT/NMPRC regulatory requirements; Works regularly with Environmental Services Department submitting necessary documents required to meet Company's environmental policies and procedures when scheduling and performing vegetation management

Provides consultation or expert advice directly to Business Unit management

Leads large numbers of personnel and contractors in outage restoration situations up to and including large scale division outages caused by natural disasters, weather, etc.

COMPETENCIES:

Expert knowledge of tree physiology and biology

Strong knowledge of herbicides and related regulations

Strong knowledge of electric utility construction practices for transmission and distribution systems

Knowledge of Utility Vegetation Management safety rules and practices

Ability to apply knowledge of Company's environmental policies and procedures when scheduling and performing vegetation management

Ability to prioritize, schedule, organize, focus on, and complete work

Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor

Ability to effectively respond to customer requests for service and/or assistance with a sense of urgency

Excellent listening and observation skills

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Forestry or Arboriculture with five to ten years experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

ISA Arborist Certification is required.

ISA Utility Specialist designation is required.

State Pesticide Applicators license must be obtained within six months of hire date.

Must possess current, legally valid driver¿s license and meet the Company¿s driving record requirements.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to write routine reports and business correspondence

Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization

Ability to effectively present information and respond to a wide-range of questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Broad knowledge of GIS vegetation management database

Working knowledge of personal computers

Knowledge of spreadsheet and word processing software

ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

DECISION MAKING:

Ability to analyze and evaluate influencing factors on vegetation growth such as weather, growing season, availability of water, etc. in order to forecast the general impact on system reliability, public safety and environmental consequences.

SCOPE AND IMPACT:

Responsible for accounting of O&M and capital expenses incurred within assigned area.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit up to 2/3 of the time and to stand, walk, and stoop up to 1/3 of the time. Good vision and ability to adjust focus is required. Manual dexterity is required. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Works outdoors 75% of the time in different types of weather including extreme heat and cold. Requires driving and walking through customers' properties and sometimes rough terrain. May work with herbicides and related equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Outdoor environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Vegetation Management Specialist II

Salary Grade: G08

Minimum Midpoint Maximum $61,035 - $80,872 - $100,709

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, independently provides management of vegetation within the Company's rights-of-way through supporting the best balance of system reliability and safety within the established budget. Assists in planning, developing, initiating and modifying a system-wide vegetation management program that includes the pruning and removal of trees, brush control and herbicide applications on various transmission and distribution rights-of-way.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directs daily contractor performance within an assigned area, performing weekly reviews and monitoring of monthly production reports and other measurements as well as frequent field visits for direct observation; monitors contractor performance by performing regular audits of fieldwork and of contractor logs, time sheets, and other records

Assists in providing periodic safety, environmental and other training; assists in preparing and participating in quarterly contractor evaluations; approves time/log sheets on database by verifying accuracy with contractors

Investigates and handles moderately complex customer issues including: access refusals, complaints about the work performed, and other vegetation management activities

Represents the Company on vegetation management issues and associated environmental issues and promotes the Company as a concerned corporate citizen

Maintains the records for each substation feeders tree species, population, and workload using GIS database; maintains monthly report to identify maintenance and demand work performance by division

Provides internal customers with cost estimates for vegetation management activities associated with new construction

Assists with planning and justifying the annual vegetation management budget and maintaining monthly budget reviews and awareness of contractor costs within assigned area

Joins professional organizations to keep abreast of current industry developments; maintains communications with all pertinent agencies and departments and have knowledge of regulations, ordinances and rulings that impact the company or program

Participates in the communications and activities such as Arbor Day/Earth Day events with appropriate agencies and departments and with various community organizations

Adheres to Company and industry standards to ensure safety

Assists in preparing written documents regarding Vegetation Management activities to ensure the department compliance with internal policies and NERC/PUCT/NMPRC regulatory requirements

Assists in leading large numbers of personnel and contractors in outage restoration situations up to and including large scale division outages caused by natural disasters, weather, etc.

COMPETENCIES:

Working knowledge of tree physiology and biology

Work knowledge of herbicides and related regulations

Knowledge of electric utility construction practices for transmission and distribution systems

Knowledge of Utility Vegetation Management safety rules and practices

Ability to apply knowledge of Company's environmental policies and procedures when scheduling and performing vegetation management

Ability to prioritize, schedule, organize, focus on, and complete work

Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor

Ability to effectively respond to customer requests for service and/or assistance with a sense of urgency

Excellent listening and observation skills

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Forestry or Arboriculture with three to five years experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

ISA Arborist Certification is required.

State Pesticide Applicators license must be obtained within six months of hire date.

Must possess current, legally valid drivers license and meet the Company's driving record requirements.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations

Ability to effectively listen and get clarification to respond to a wide-range of questions

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals

COMPUTER SKILLS:

General knowledge of GIS vegetation management database

Working knowledge of personal computers

Knowledge of spreadsheet and word processing software

ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

DECISION MAKING:

Ability to analyze and evaluate some of the basic influencing factors on vegetation growth such as weather, growing season, availability of water, etc. in order to forecast the general impact on system reliability, public safety and environmental consequences.

SCOPE AND IMPACT:

Responsible for accounting of O&M and capital expenses incurred within assigned area.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit up to 2/3 of the time and to stand, walk, and stoop up to 1/3 of the time. Good vision and ability to adjust focus is required. Manual dexterity is required. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Works outdoors 75% of the time in different types of weather including extreme heat and cold. Requires driving and walking through customers' properties and sometimes rough terrain. May work with herbicides and related equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Outdoor environment.

SAFETY AND ADA STATEMENT

Safety Statement:

Safety is a core value at (TXNM Energy/PNM/TNMP) and our vision, "everyone goes home safe", reflects our commitment to promoting an environment conducive to learning, improving and building safety practices. Our safety value is built upon the belief that every employee deserves to work in an environment free from harm.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement:

If you require assistance with the job application process due to a disability, please contact HR ADA Analyst, at 505-241-4627.