Job Specifications

Assist in creation, overseeing, and completion of patrols and vegetation management work plans vital to ensure the reliability and safety of Black Hills Energy's Electric transmission and distribution systems. Participate in and oversee the implementation of the company's vegetation program at the local operating company through the use of integrated vegetation management (IVM) principals. Assist in the identification of work that needs to be completed, coordinate the work of contractors to complete the necessary work, contact landowners to arrange the work, and inspect and audit completed work. Document and maintain records of work completed and for completing work with a high degree of attention to safety and quality as well as schedule and budget performance.

SALARY RANGE: $75,550 - $113,350 (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Vegetation Manager

LOCATION: Rapid City, South Dakota

• Required to live within 60 minutes of the reporting location.
• A comprehensive relocation package is offered for this position! Details about this package will be shared during the interview and offer process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work with management from relevant utility operating company and immediate supervisor to develop and manage long-range plans for vegetation management.
• Provide direct oversight, monitor performance, and implement control measures of external vegetation contractor(s).
• Assist in scheduling work of external contractors while balancing priorities of safety, timeliness, and critical nature of some tasks.
• Respond to internal and external customer requests to ensure proper clearances required in company standards are achieved within relevant utility operating company service territory.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with county, city, state, and federal organizations as well as landowners impacted by vegetation management work.
• Ensure compliance with federal standards.
• Inspect contract work to ensure compliance with company specifications.
• Coordinate and conduct aerial patrols flights within the service territory.
• Support System Operations during after hour outage restoration and emergencies.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investigate vegetation-related outages and develop plans to minimize outages.
• Find opportunities to improve vegetation management practices.
• Find opportunities to reduce cost of vegetation management while maintaining a higher degree of quality and productivity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of (5) five years of experience in utility vegetation management, forestry, and/or federal forestry services required.
• Associates degree in forestry, vegetation management or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Ability to obtain ISA (or equivalent) Certified Arborist within 12 months of employment required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of the Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) and Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) principles.
• Familiarity with the National Electric Safety Code and other electrical system safety standards.
• Ability to obtain a state specific herbicide license within 12 months of employment.
• Working knowledge of Arborist and forestry crews work for adherence with quality and safety standards.
• Strong decision making and prioritization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, detail oriented.
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications.
• Ability to learn specialized workflow management software and maintain proficiency with new systems and software as technology evolves.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated safety focus.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit for more information.