Associate Performance Manager, Vegetation Management

Shade Tree; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Shade Tree is seeking an Associate Performance Manager to lead vegetation management projects across Missouri and Illinois. You will oversee planning, execution, and delivery, coordinating multiple crews and ensuring safety, quality, and budget adherence.

You will supervise teams, enforce OSHA standards, and optimize resource use while maintaining regulatory compliance and thorough documentation. This role emphasizes leadership, safety, and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in vegetation management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of vegetation management projects, ensuring they meet client specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and manage multiple crews, ensuring they are trained, equipped, and performing at optimal levels.
• Enforce safety policies and ensure adherence to OSHA and company standards; conduct safety audits and meetings.
• Manage materials, equipment, and manpower to balance productivity with cost control.
• Inspect work for quality, address deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide regular project updates, resolve issues, and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Ensure projects stay within budget and scope; report variances as needed to leadership.
• Ensure crew training on vegetation management practices, safety protocols, and equipment use.
• Comply with local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations; manage permitting when necessary.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work, safety incidents, equipment use, and reporting for internal and customer records.

Skills

Leadership

Vegetation management knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Outdoor work adaptability

Team leadership

Culture building

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

ISA certification within 1 year

Pesticide/Herbicide License

First Aid/CPR certification desirable

OSHA certification desirable

Job description

The Associate Performance Manager is responsible for overseeing the overall execution and management of vegetation management projects, ensuring that all work is completed in accordance with safety regulations, quality standards, and within budget. This leadership role involves managing multiple crews, coordinating with clients, and ensuring the effective allocation of resources to ensure the success of vegetation maintenance projects for utility, right-of-way, and forestry services. The Performance Manager ensures all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of vegetation management projects, ensuring they meet client specifications and regulatory requirements. Work closely with Performance Manager to ensure resources are appropriately allocated and timelines are adhered to.
• Supervise and manage multiple crews, ensuring they are trained, equipped, and performing at optimal levels. Coordinate crew schedules and work assignments to ensure efficient and safe execution of projects.
• Enforce safety policies and ensure that all crew members are adhering to OSHA and company safety standards. Conduct regular safety audits, meetings, and ensure that safety protocols are followed at all times to minimize risk. Monitor work quality to ensure it meets or exceeds company standards, industry regulations, and customer expectations. Address any issues or deviations in work performance.
• Ensure the effective use of materials, equipment, and manpower to ensure productivity while controlling costs. Monitor fleet maintenance and equipment usage to minimize downtime and maintain cost efficiency.
• Conduct regular inspections of work completed by crews to ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and client requirements. Address quality control issues and ensure corrective actions are taken.
• Must be able to provide regular project updates, resolving issues, and managing expectations. Ensure customer satisfaction through high-quality service delivery.
• Ensure projects are completed within budget and scope, reporting variances as necessary to the Performance Manager.
• Ensure all crew members are properly trained in vegetation management practices, safety protocols, and equipment use. Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Ensure all operations are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental impact, vegetation management, and safety. Manage the permitting process as necessary.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed, safety incidents, equipment use, and any other necessary reporting for both internal records and customer reporting.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Additional certifications or coursework in arboriculture, forestry, or a related field is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in vegetation management, tree trimming, or related utility work, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role. Experience managing large teams and complex projects is required.
• The job areas will be in Missouri and Illinois. Applicants will need to live within a desirable distance of work area to reduce travel impacts. Valid driver’s license, with a clean driving record.

Certifications:

• ISA certification is required within 1 year of employment.
• First Aid/CPR certification is desirable.
• Pesticide/Herbicide License is required. If not a current holder, needs to be obtained within 60 days of employment.
• OSHA certification or training in safety standards (OSHA 10 or 30) is desirable.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to manage multiple crews and projects simultaneously.
• In-depth knowledge of vegetation management practices, including tree trimming, right-of-way clearing, and vegetation control.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and manage timelines effectively.
• Problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues in the field and implement effective solutions quickly.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and outdoor environments.
• Desires to lead, learn, and grow.
• Willing to build a strong culture that aligns with the values of the organization.

Shade Tree is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.