Associate, Vegetation Management

Invenergy, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Invenergy, LLC is looking for an Associate, Vegetation Management in Chicago, IL. This role involves managing vegetation for utility-scale solar projects, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and collaborating with various teams to implement successful management practices.

The ideal candidate should have a background in environmental science, with 2-5 years of experience in vegetation management. The position offers a salary range of $98,000 - $118,000, along with a bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years in vegetation implementation and planning or land management.
• Familiarity with vegetation identification and soil sample collection.
• Experience coordinating with construction contractors and environmental consultants.

Responsibilities

• Direct vegetation consultants on project-specific vegetation and soil management.
• Review plans for compliance with regulations and project goals.
• Conduct site visits during all project stages to evaluate vegetation processes.

Skills

Vegetation management

Soil science

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Google Earth

Job description

Invenergy is North America’s largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

Position Overview

As Associate, Vegetation Management, you will primarily support Invenergy's vegetation management processes for utility-scale solar projects in the Upper Midwest, with a focus on Wisconsin and Indiana. You will support projects throughout all project stages including development, pre-construction planning, construction implementation, and operations. This position will oversee the development of site-specific vegetation and soil management plans, scheduling and managing pre-construction seeding efforts, overseeing third-party vegetation monitoring inspections during construction, and confirming contractors are meeting vegetation requirements and implementing adaptive management as needed. The role will coordinate across multiple internal teams (Development, Engineering, Environmental Compliance & Strategy, Project Management, Asset Management) and external partners (vegetation consultants, civil and reclamation contractors, regulatory agencies) to ensure successful implementation of vegetation actions and compliance with the project’s strategy during construction and throughout operations. The ideal candidate will be a driven team player, critical thinker, collaborative self-starter with keen attention to detail, and the ability and interest to effectively manage a diverse portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Direct vegetation consultants on developing project-specific vegetation and soil management plans.
• Review the developed plans to ensure that all conditions of state and local regulations, guidance documents, project permits, customer contracts, schedules, and budgetary expectations are met.
• Assist internal teams on estimating project-specific vegetation establishment and maintenance related costs into economic models.
• Support permitting efforts by developing any required vegetation-related language or resources for permit applications.
• Support project development by presenting vegetation management plans and practices to local landowners and community members.
• Oversee the construction contractor’s vegetation efforts while providing staff training on vegetation management strategies.
• Conduct site visits to projects in the development, construction, and operational stages with others from the project team to evaluate performance of vegetation processes during critical vegetation establishment milestones.
• Provide technical assistance during the operational stage by providing oversight of vegetation management consultants and contractors to achieve project-specific objectives, commitments, and budgets.
• Support Vegetation Management leadership in reviewing project documents and plans, developing vegetation improvements and processes, and forward-thinking strategies relevant to Invenergy’s vegetation program.
• Provide feedback and engagement with industry groups relating to vegetation management and ecosystem services on utility-scale solar projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecological restoration, botany, soil science, or related field.
• 2-5 years in vegetation implementation and planning, or land management related position.
• Familiarity with vegetation identification, soil sample collection, and traditional land management practices.
• Experience working on vegetation management during construction, coordinating with construction contractors, and collaborating with environmental consultants.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and make decisions that promote/advance company and project goals and objectives.
• Working knowledge of the EPA's Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) principles and NRCS conservation practices.
• Self-directed and detail oriented, with the ability and desire to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive materials, activities, and initiatives.
• Ability to act and adapt to a fast-paced business environment with competing deadlines, and quickly learn and implement internal processes.
• Strong attention to detail, assuring documents and communications are concise and accurate.
• Ability to navigate ArcGIS and/or Google Earth to interpret environmental spatial data and identify potential project risks.
• Flexible to travel to project site visits and to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for scheduled meetings (up to 25% of time).
• Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation

• Base Pay: $98,000.00 - $118,000.00 USD (annual).
• Annual Bonus: 20% - 30% (subject to performance and eligibility).
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and other company-wide benefits.

EEO Statement

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.