Vegetation Management Inspector (VMI)

Crafted Staff; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 58,933 - 72,833; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Company vehicle

Per diem: up to $100/day

Subsistence: $50/day worked

Company cell phone

Job summary

Crafted Staff is hiring a Vegetation Management Inspector to patrol utility right-of-way areas in Santa Rosa, California. This W2 union position involves identifying hazardous vegetation and documenting inspection results.

The ideal candidate will have over a year of relevant field experience, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. The pay ranges from $42.78 to $52.87 per hour, alongside a comprehensive union benefits package.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of relevant field experience in vegetation management or similar.
• Ability to work independently and manage a daily workload.
• Strong attention to detail for accurate documentation.

Responsibilities

• Patrol utility circuits to identify hazardous vegetation.
• Document inspection results and coordinate with crews.
• Maintain professional communication with clients and crews.

Skills

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Field experience in utility/ROW vegetation

Job description

Overview

We're hiring Vegetation Management Inspectors (VMI) to patrol utility right-of-way (ROW) areas and identify hazardous vegetation (trees/brush) along utility lines. This is a W2, union position (IBEW Local 1245).

If you have field experience around utility ROW, line clearance operations, forestry/outdoor field work, or inspection/patrol-style work—and you want a role that's more about observation, documentation, and coordination than heavy physical labor—this role is a strong fit.

What you'll do

• Patrol assigned utility circuits/lines to identify hazardous trees/brush and vegetation conditions that could impact reliability or safety
• Perform identification, inspection, and evaluation of vegetation along utility lines
• Document and submit inspection results with clear recommendations
• Coordinate with vegetation/tree clearance crews (may plan, direct, and coordinate crew activities as assigned)
• Discuss and help resolve access issues needed for line-clearance work
• Serve as a liaison between clients, field crews, and customers as needed
• Maintain a safety-first mindset and professional communication in the field

What we're looking for

Required

• 1+ year of relevant field experience (utility/ROW vegetation, line clearance support, forestry field work, field inspections, or similar)
• Ability to work independently in the field and manage a daily route/workload
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, consistent documentation
• Clear communication skills (you can explain what you're seeing and what needs to happen next)
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a company vehicle

Preferred

• Prior experience as a vegetation management inspector or in utility ROW/line clearance operations
• Comfort working around utility infrastructure and following safety requirements

Pay & benefits

• Hourly pay: $42.78–$52.87 (based on level/experience)
• Union benefits package (paid by employer): medical, dental, vision, AD &D, and term life insurance
• Company vehicle for business use
• Company cell phone
• Subsistence: $50/day worked
• Per diem : up to $100/day (as eligible)

Work environment & physical requirements

• Field-based work; expect regular driving and outdoor work in varying terrain and weather
• Must be able to safely perform job duties in the field (walking uneven ground, entering/exiting vehicle frequently, etc.)

Pre-employment requirements

Employment is contingent upon satisfactorily passing applicable drug screening and background check.

Equal opportunity employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.