(118) Project Manager - Utility Vegetation Management

Opterra Solutions, Inc.; Cookeville (TN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Opterra Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Project Manager for Utility Vegetation Management to oversee herbicide application and right‑of‑way projects across the Southeast.

The role requires leadership of spray crews, strong communication with customers, and planning across multiple states. The ideal candidate will travel extensively during the spray season (May through November) and work on-site in utility corridors, coordinating resources, ensuring safety, and delivering contracts on time.

Qualifications

• Experience in utility vegetation management or related industries.
• Proven leadership or supervisory background.
• Ability to read maps, aerial imagery, and project work plans.
• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively in the Southeast during spray season.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Manage utility right-of-way and vegetation projects from start to finish.
• Lead herbicide application crews on powerline and utility corridors.
• Ensure safety, efficiency, and contract compliance.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, chemicals, and logistics for multiple projects.
• Conduct field inspections and quality control reviews.
• Serve as primary contact for utility customers and stakeholders.
• Attend meetings and provide project updates.
• Read maps and review treatment boundaries; complete reports.
• Assist with budgeting, planning, and crew training in the off-season.

Skills

Leadership

Maps reading

Communication

Travel readiness

Project management

Safety compliance

Tools

GIS mapping

GPS navigation

Digital reporting systems

Job description

(118) Project Manager - Utility Vegetation Management

Job Category : Operations

Requisition Number : 115PR001555

• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

• Travel Required : Yes

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Project Manager for Utility Vegetation Management to oversee herbicide application and right-of-way vegetation control projects throughout the Southeast. The ideal candidate will have a background in utility, powerline, right-of-way, forestry, or vegetation management operations and be comfortable leading spray crews, communicating with customers, and managing project execution across multiple states.

This role requires extensive travel during the primary spray season (May through November) throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. During the off-season, the Project Manager will focus on planning, budgeting, customer development, training, scheduling, and preparing crews and equipment for the upcoming season.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Manage utility right-of-way and vegetation management projects from start to finish.
• Lead and supervise herbicide application crews operating on powerline, utility, and infrastructure corridors.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to contract specifications.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, chemicals, and logistics for multiple projects.
• Conduct field inspections and quality control reviews.

Customer Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for utility customers and project stakeholders.
• Attend customer meetings and provide project updates.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with utility representatives, contractors, and landowners.
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and promptly.

Landowner & Public Relations

• Meet with landowners and property managers regarding treatment activities.
• Address property access concerns and answer questions regarding vegetation management programs.
• Represent the company professionally in the field and within local communities.

Documentation & Compliance

• Read and interpret maps, GIS data, work plans, and treatment boundaries.
• Complete and review daily application reports, production reports, and safety documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all herbicide labels, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor crew adherence to safety standards and operating procedures.

Off-Season Planning

• Assist with customer budgeting and project planning.
• Develop spray schedules and resource forecasts for the upcoming season.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and crew training activities.
• Support maintenance planning and operational improvements.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in utility vegetation management, right-of-way maintenance, forestry, herbicide application, or related industries.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Ability to read maps, aerial imagery, and project work plans.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout the Southeast during spray season.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) but not mandatory.
• Utility right-of-way spraying experience.
• Experience working with electric utilities or vegetation management contractors.
• Knowledge of herbicides, invasive species, and vegetation management practices.
• Experience with GIS mapping platforms, GPS navigation, and digital reporting systems.

Opterra Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Travel Required

Yes . 75%

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.