Supervisor Forestry Operations

NiSource Inc.; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. seeks a Field Leader for Forestry Operations to guide a team of contracted crews in Electric and Gas vegetation management. You will manage annual work plans, budgets, safety, and regulatory compliance across projects from $10k to $5M, including emergencies and outages.

The role requires strong leadership, environmental awareness, and stakeholder collaboration. The position emphasizes on-site supervision, 24/7 readiness during storms, and coordination with supply chain to ensure

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required with 4+ years of forestry experience.
• Thorough forestry knowledge, pruning practices, tree biology, and herbicide use.
• Knowledge of gas/electric transmission and distribution systems.
• FERC/NERC guidelines and OSHA/ANSI practices familiarity.
• Valid driver's license required; pesticide applicator lic within 180 days.
• Experience with budgeting, scheduling, and contractor management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee annual work plans for vegetation management.
• Manage contracted workforce and 24-hour on-call crews for service delivery.
• Lead safety inspections, coach crews, and ensure BMP adherence.
• Coordinate with internal/external stakeholders and manage outages.
• Review budgets, extensions, invoicing, and project cost control.
• Ensure regulatory and environmental compliance across projects.
• Prepare bid specs and contract language with procurement.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate storm recovery efforts.

Skills

Forestry leadership

Budget management

Contractor management

Emergency response

Stakeholder coordination

Safety leadership

Project scheduling

Regulatory awareness

Decision making under pressure

Team leadership

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or business-related field

ISA Certified Arborist (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

ESRI ArcGIS

Database/documentation tools

Job description

Job Summary
A Field Leader supporting Electric and Gas Operations, the Supervisor of Forestry Operations provides leadership to a team of contracted suppliers directly responsible for the efficient and successful execution of a coordinated Utility Vegetation Management program and preventive maintenance plan. The Supervisor provides management of tree crews and utility work planners to support during emergencies on the Transmission & Distribution Electrical System. That support extends to Electric Line and Gas maintenance tasks, as well as construction projects and the installation of asset improvements. Projects managed by this leadership position typically range from $10k to $5M annually, and projects are managed concurrently. This includes all aspects of budgeting, long-term planning, scheduling, schedule adherence, safety, customer service, and contractor performance.
Position may be required to work extended hours for coverage during storms or other power delivery emergencies.

Essential Functions

• Develop, execute, and oversee Annual Work Plans for Electric Distribution, Sub-Transmission, Gas and Electric Transmission Vegetation Management: Determine and adhere to accurate budget forecasting and tracking; Monitor advancement, schedule, quality control, and cost effectiveness throughout the project life cycle. Approve project extensions, expenditures, and invoicing. Effective collaboration with stakeholders such as project managers, engineering, electric line operations, gas operations, environmental, etc. and ability to motivate stakeholders with varying priorities to accomplish a common goal.
• Actively manage contracted workforce for assigned geographic service territory, including 24 hour on-call tree crews, to ensure safe, reliable delivery of service: Onboard new suppliers; Evaluate projects for appropriate crewing and equipment; Research property ownership and customer contact information; Evaluate projects for environmental compliance and all appropriate state, federal, local permits. Schedule and coordinate planned outages.
• Demonstrate safety leadership by performing site inspections. Coach field crews on work techniques and industry BMPs to troubleshoot, motivate safe performance and support Continuous Improvement: Verify proper documentation and contractor qualifications; Provide additional support to larger or more complex projects to meet line clearance specifications and all anticipated project outcomes. Audit field crews for both safety and contract compliance. Various methods of transportation may be necessary to complete inspections: aerial, ground vehicle, walking, etc.
• Facilitate compliance with NIPSCO Safety Manuals and Policies by serving as a consistent and regular presence at work sites: Build relationships with internal and external groups to coordinate work efforts safely; Create and deliver training to all groups on departmental policies, programs, and safe work practices.
• Provide exceptional customer service: Perform timely investigations and resolution of customer complaints, inquiries and claims. Meet municipal representatives and property owners regarding planned projects, routine trimming, and other planned work. Attend project walk-downs and meetings where necessary. Supervise operations in a manner that prioritizes public safety.
• Respond to emergencies within the company's established procedures, incident command system structure, and storm recovery structure: This includes working across geographic boundaries when necessary and completion of General Orders Training.
• Ensure optimal use of technology, resources, and input from internal stakeholders to prioritize work plans, adhere to schedules, and drive cost savings while maintaining regulatory compliance: Research, compile, and submit necessary IURC, NERC, DOT, and other compliance documents and reports. Adhere to all environmental regulatory requirements during day-to-day operations.
• In coordination with NiSource Supply Chain and Procurement, formulate project specifications, bid documents, and contract language for: Electric Line Clearance - Maintenance and Demand, Gas and Electric Transmission Vegetation Management, Landscape Maintenance, Bare Ground Treatment, Herbicide Spray Program, Tree Replacement Program and Utility Work Planner annual and multi-year awards.

Required Qualifications for Position

• High School Diploma or GED
• 4+ years expert knowledge of utility forestry processes and procedures within qualifying industry experience and a documented history of progressive levels of responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge of forestry best practices and procedures, proper arboriculture pruning practices, tree growth response, tree biology and herbicide/pesticide applications. High
• Working knowledge of Gas and Electric Transmission and Distribution systems. Medium
• Working knowledge of federal regulating agencies such as FERC and NERC guidelines and standards and state agencies such as IURC Medium
• Working knowledge of OSHA and ANSI standard electric utility practices. High
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to quickly assess and make sound decisions, especially in emergency situations High
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications, ESRI applications, and using database and documentation tools. Medium
• Thorough knowledge of reading and interpreting maps, prints, records, standards, and engineering drawings Medium
• Ability to organize and manage multiple concurrent projects under stringent deadlines, conditions, and schedules. Medium
• Thorough knowledge of wildfire risk and prevention strategies, hazardous tree removal and assessment Medium
• Working knowledge of supplier management principles. Understanding of RFP, contract bid specifications, and budget tracking Medium
• Valid driver's license. High
• Pesticide Applicator - State Licensure within 180 Days

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or business-related field
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasionally
• Walking - Frequently
• Sitting - Frequently
• Lifting - N/A
• Carrying - N/A
• Pushing - N/A
• Pulling - N/A
• Climbing - N/A
• Balancing - N/A
• Stooping - N/A
• Kneeling - N/A
• Crouching - N/A
• Crawling - N/A
• Reaching - N/A
• Handling - Rarely
• Grasping - Rarely
• Feeling - N/A
• Talking - Constantly
• Hearing - Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - N/A
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Frequently

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*: $96,600.00 - $144,900.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.