Senior Vegetation Management Inspector

PG&E; Cambridge; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Vegetation Management Inspector to lead crucial projects that ensure the safety and reliability of electric systems. This role involves overseeing field operations, managing contractor performance, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in vegetation management and strong interpersonal skills. Join a dedicated team committed to protecting communities and enhancing electric systems while enjoying competitive pay and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in vegetation management or related fields.
• Valid Class C driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vegetation projects and conduct field inspections.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Skills

Vegetation Management

Tree Assessment

Customer Relations

Safety Compliance

Interpersonal Skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Documentation Tools

Job description

Requisition ID# 164870

Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Operations - Other

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: San Carlos

Department Overview

Vegetation Management and System Inspections is committed to improving the electric system for the safety of customers and communities by inspecting electric equipment and managing vegetation near powerlines that could cause wildfires or power outages. The team inspects approximately 100,000 miles of overhead powerlines and manages over 1 million trees annually. System Inspections examines distribution, transmission, and substation equipment to identify potential risks, ensuring PG&E's equipment functions properly and reliably. The department comprises about 10,000 coworkers and contractors.

Position Summary

This role is an IBEW Local 1245 represented classification, with over 100 years of experience representing PG&E employees. It involves collective bargaining.

The position oversees vegetation management work on Electric Distribution or Transmission systems, including supervising VMI personnel, work quality, customer relations, safety, permits, and contractor performance. The Senior Vegetation Management Inspector-GC is a General Construction role, requiring travel and transfer to various PG&E locations within the service territory, with no guaranteed home base.

Preference will be given to applicants residing within 50 miles of the headquarters.

Starting hourly wage is $47.94, subject to collective bargaining increases. Wages depend on skills, experience, location, and other factors.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee vegetation projects, including field operations like tree assessment and trimming.
• Conduct field inspections (up to 95% of the time).
• Ensure compliance with program scope, contracts, and PG&E standards across the territory.
• Participate in safety and tailboard meetings; all employees can stop work if necessary.
• Represent PG&E in customer relations.
• Coordinate with contractors, communities, agencies, first responders, and other stakeholders.
• Manage field operations to resolve obstacles, control costs, and ensure quality.
• Maintain focus and proper equipment use; approve scheduling and scope changes as needed.
• Promote safety culture and ensure safety rules are followed; perform safety observations.
• Notify property owners and obtain permissions for tree work.
• Perform work verification inspections and document outages related to trees.
• Track and notify customers for non-routine work locations.
• Support emergency response activities, including dispatching and site checks.
• Ensure compliance with permits and environmental regulations.
• Proficiently use electronic devices and documentation tools; complete required reports.
• Maintain a valid Class C driver’s license and participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program.
• May audit work and assist with training new inspectors.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• High School diploma or GED
• Valid Class C driver’s license
• Five years of experience in one of the following:

• Tree crew climber/foreman with line clearance certification
• Vegetation Management Inspector and Certified Arborist
• Registered Professional Forester
• Utility Inspector or higher with vegetation management experience

• Or four years of honorable military service plus one year of vegetation management experience.

Desired:

• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish
• Residence within 50 miles of the location
• Certifications such as Line Clearance, Professional Forester, OSHA 30-hour, Certified Tree Safety Professional, ISA Arborist Utility Specialist, PMP
• Knowledge of forestry and utility vegetation management techniques
• Strong organizational, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

Pre-Employment Testing

Applicants must pass prerequisite and secondary tests, including a Physical Assessment, prior to interview. For details, visit PG&E's testing website.