Vegetation Technician

New Energy Equity; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Benefits

Medical

Dental & Vision

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance and Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Voluntary Benefits

Paid Absences

Job summary

New Energy Equity is seeking a Vegetation Technician to join our field operations team. This outdoor role emphasizes safety, accurate documentation, and routine vegetation control near high‑voltage solar equipment and heavy machinery.

Expect a 35-hour average in the field, with a blend of administrative tasks and on-site work. The ideal candidate will have strong physical stamina, a safety-first mindset, and proficiency with basic computer tools (Outlook, Teams, Excel) to manage routes, track

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated safety-first attitude in industrial/field roles.
• Experience operating heavy commercial vegetation equipment (zero-turn mowers, brush hogs, commercial trimmers).
• Experience with small engines or equipment maintenance is a plus.
• Basic computer literacy for administrative reporting and task tracking.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; able to tow a 20-foot trailer.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety standards, OSHA guidelines, and site safety plans.
• Perform hands-on vegetation control with equipment on solar sites.
• Manage routing, daily work orders, and field reports.
• Use Microsoft Teams and Outlook for communications and task tracking.
• Record site logs, incidents, and contract data as required.
• Cope with occasional basic civil/site upkeep tasks.

Skills

Safety-first mindset

Heavy equipment operation

Computer literacy

Driver's license

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Teams

Excel

Job description

New Energy Equity and Energy Support Services is seeking a motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented Vegetation Technician to join our field operations team. Safety is our top priority. We operate on active solar sites around high-voltage equipment, heavy machinery, and variable terrain—maintaining a strict safety culture and ensuring our team members go home safely every day is foundational to how we work.

This role is primarily a physical, outdoors-focused position paired with essential administrative, routing, and operational responsibilities. Expect to spend 35 hours a week, on average, in the field performing physical tasks. The ideal candidate combines strong physical field work and a safety-first mindset with computer literacy to manage routes, track goals, and complete site documentation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Safety & Compliance:

• Adhere to & Enforce Safety Standards: Strictly follow and enforce all company safety protocols, PPE requirements, OSHA standards, and site-specific safety plans at all times.
• Site Hazard Audits & Documentation: Conduct mandatory pre-work safety assessments and site inspections to identify, document, and mitigate hazards (e.g., thermal risks, electrical hazards, terrain issues, damaged infrastructure) before beginning work.
• Safe Equipment Operation: Safely transport, load, and operate heavy vegetation equipment, trimmers, and utility trailers.
• Helper Safety Supervision: Lead by example and ensure that seasonal helpers or crew members understand, follow, and maintain strict safety compliance on site.

Field Execution & Maintenance:

• Perform direct, hands-on mechanical vegetation control, including operating commercial-grade zero-turn mowers and brush hogs within fenced arrays, and detailed weed-whipping around electrical equipment, poles, and post foundations.
• Execute a 4-day weekly field schedule to manage vegetation across assigned facilities on a variable rotation cycle, adapting to weather and growth conditions.
• In-House Maintenance: Perform routine small equipment maintenance and minor repair tasks (e.g., blade sharpening, belt replacements, oil/filter changes, basic small engine troubleshooting) to maximize equipment uptime safely.
• Occasional Civil Maintenance: Perform basic civil and site upkeep tasks as needed on an infrequent basis (e.g., debris removal, minor fence touch-ups, or tree/heavy brush clearing).

Administration, Operations & Routing:

• Routing & Work Order Management: Plan daily routing for assigned regional sites; log and complete work orders promptly upon task execution. Same day completion of Service Reports, once a job is finished.
• Task Tracking & Digital Tools: Use Microsoft Teams and Outlook daily to manage communications, track assigned tasks, participate in team workflows, and ensure project updates are clear.
• Safety & Site Logs: Generate accurate site condition reports, incident logs, and mandatory job safety documentation in a timely manner.
• Contract & Data Tracking: Track completed site cuts in spreadsheets against contractual cut limits, flagging sites approaching limits for additional client coordination.
• Field Research & Support: Conduct basic administrative research as needed (e.g., sourcing local repair shops, evaluating equipment options, locating storage units, or coordinating local vendor support).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated safety-first attitude with a clean safety record in previous industrial or field roles.
• Previous experience operating heavy commercial vegetation equipment (zero-turn mowers, brush hogs, commercial trimmers).
• Experience with small engines or commercial equipment repair and maintenance is a major plus.
• Basic computer literacy and comfort using software applications (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and Excel/spreadsheets) for administrative reporting, task tracking, and goal management.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; comfortable towing and maneuvering a 20-foot utility trailer daily is desirable.
• Experience operating chainsaws safely and performing minor fence repairs is a plus (not required).

SKILLS AND PHYSICAL REQUIEMENTS:

• Safety Commitment: Uncompromising commitment to personal safety, team safety, and proper PPE use in high-voltage solar environments.
• Physical Capability: Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, lift 50+ lbs regularly, and walk long distances over rough or uneven solar array terrain daily.
• Digital & Administrative Proficiency: Comfortable with email, digital messaging, spreadsheet entry, web research, and basic organizational tools.
• Self-Management & Accountability: Strong time-management skills to balance physical field labor with timely administrative follow-through.

TRAVEL:

• Daily Regional Travel: Travel is primarily daily commute travel to and from assigned job sites within the regional hub footprint, returning home most evenings.
• Overnight Travel: Overnight stays are rare/minimal and generally limited to exceptional circumstances or distant site outliers during peak growing season.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

The expected annual compensation range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000, encompassing base pay and potential incentive target opportunity. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

• Retirement Benefits
• Medical
• Dental & Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Voluntary Benefits
• Paid Absences

About Us:

At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we’re leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions. As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we’ve successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments. Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers. But there’s more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do. Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority. With over 250 projectsacross the U.S., our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamic and a fun, fulfilling career path. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future.

The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document’s preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.

New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at [e-mail]