Vegetation Program Lead

Eocene Environmental Group; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-Owned Company (ESOP)

Career Development Support

Company Vehicle for Work Use

Generous Paid Time Off

Recognized Holidays

Workwear Allowance

Wellness Incentives

Competitive Health Coverage

Job summary

Eocene Environmental Group, Inc. is seeking a Vegetation Program Lead to manage field teams and coordinate with utility partners.

This outdoors-focused role will oversee vegetation management operations, ensure safety, and drive process improvements across projects nationwide. You will work from diverse environments—from city streets to remote forests—leading crews, responding to emergencies, and supporting managers with program direction and contractor performance in a dynamic, employee-owned

Qualifications

• Degree or experience in Forestry, Arboriculture, or Environmental Science.
• Leadership experience with PG&E contractor work practices (preferred).
• Experience with emergency response or hazard tree removal (preferred).
• Excellent communication and independent work skills.
• Able to work in rugged terrain and varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Lead vegetation management operations and contractor performance.
• Coordinate VM activities, scheduling, and process improvements.
• Assist PG&E representative and manage customer interactions.
• Support meetings, field visits, and project management tasks.
• Ensure on-site safety and report equipment conditions.

Skills

Leadership

Field operations

Safety compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Team coordination

Education

Forestry/Arboriculture/Environmental Science degree

ISA Certified Arborist (preferred)

Job description

PROJECT DURATION

This is a temporary position lasting approximately 4 months, with the potential to extend to 6-8 months depending on workload.

COMPENSATION

$39.00-$45.00 per hour.

PER DIEM

Available for candidates traveling from out of state or outside the local area, pending review and approval.

TRAVEL

Depending on the project, overnight travel may be required and could account for up to 75% of work time for certain assignments. Per diem and lodging are provided when travel is required.

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS. LEAD WITH PURPOSE. GROW YOUR CAREER.

At Eocene Environmental Group, Inc., we’re not just managing vegetation-we’re protecting communities, enhancing ecosystems, and supporting the safe delivery of power across diverse landscapes. As a Vegetation Program Lead, your office is the great outdoors—from city streets to remote forests. You’ll lead field teams, coordinate with utility partners, and help shape sustainable right-of-way practices.

We’re an employee-owned company committed to innovation, safety, and professional development. As we expand nationwide, we’re looking for passionate leaders ready to grow with us.

What Makes Eocene Difference?

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance-benefits that set us apart from the competition:

• Employee-Owned Company - As an ESOP, every team member has a stake in our success and shares in the rewards.
• Career Development Support - We provide reimbursement for industry-related certifications and continuing education.
• Company Vehicle for Work Use - A company-provided vehicle is available for daily commute and work responsibilities.
• Generous Paid Time Off - Enjoy a strong PTO package from your first year, including vacation and personal wellness days.
• Recognized Holidays - Benefit from a comprehensive holiday schedule, including both standard and flexible days.
• Workwear Allowance - Annual support to help you stay safe and comfortable on the job.
• Wellness Incentives - Monthly reimbursement available for fitness memberships or wellness programs.
• Competitive Health Coverage - Access to robust medical, dental, and vision plans to support you and your family.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead vegetation management operations, contractor performance, project teams, and emergency response efforts in compliance with safety regulations and labor agreements.
• Solve moderate to highly complex problems independently; develop new approaches to improve processes and outcomes.
• Coordinate and support vegetation management (VM) activities, including scheduling, progress monitoring, and process improvement initiatives.
• At the direction of the PG&E Representative clarify expectations and program direction for contractor employees.
• Assist with customer interactions, including complaints, refusals, and access issues, as directed by the Program Manager.
• Support agency meetings, field visits, and project management tasks (routine and non-routine).
• Perform database “sleuthing” to identify and resolve issues.
• Provide support to Vegetation Management Inspectors (VMIs).
• Ensure on-site safety practices are followed and report on equipment and vehicle conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by PG&E representatives or EOCW management.

Job Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and clean MVR
• Degree or experience in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Leadership experience and familiarity with PG&E contractor work practices (preferred)
• Experience with emergency response or hazard tree removal (preferred)
• ISA Certified Arborist (preferred)
• Strong plant ID and invasive species knowledge.
• Excellent communication and independent work skills.
• Comfortable working in rugged terrain and varying weather conditions.