What are the responsibilities and job description for the Right-of-Way Assistant Manager position at Duck River Electric Membership Corporation?
DREMC is seeking a ROW Assistant Manager.
BE A PART OF POWERING MIDDLE TENNESSEE!
Be a part of powering Middle Tennessee! Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) is a member-owned electric cooperative, serving an area of approximately 2,500 square miles across 17 counties in southern middle Tennessee. Our amazing team at DREMC distributes safe and reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost, promotes and facilitates economic development, and enhances the quality of life over 85,000 members across 6,500 miles of line.
Location: Tennessee - Columbia, Lewisburg, and Chapel Hill
Job purpose:
The Right-of-Way (ROW) Assistant Manager is tasked with administering a comprehensive vegetation management program to ensure reliable and safe electric service. Coordinate with ROW contractors daily to ensure all work meets DREMC standards. They clearly communicate plans and available options to members while explaining the benefits of maintaining the right-of-way of the electric distribution system.
Job dimensions:
Internal Responsibilities – Work with the ROW team to ensure the electric distribution system right-of-way is maintained on a routine basis for the purpose of minimizing interruptions of electric service to members and remove safety hazards for line workers.
External Responsibilities – Communicate with members in a respectful manner to answer their questions regarding the DREMC ROW program, providing them a thorough overview of any work to be performed.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Manage ROW contract crews to ensure maintenance is performed to specifications in an efficient, effective manner.
2. Conduct daily field inspections of contractors to ensure expectations are met.
3. Communicate with members in advance of planned projects that may impact them.
4. Communicate the intended methods of clearing ROW to members to ensure expectations are met to achieve optimal clearance.
5. Coordinate with the Director of Manchester Operations on any service orders from districts or members to determine areas in need of off-cycle maintenance.
6. Inspect service orders to see what degree of work will need to be completed, if any.
7. Resolve any member concerns that contractors are unable to remedy.
8. Assist in the evaluation and planning of future jobs and projects.
9. Assist in clearing and removal of vegetation, as needed.
10. When meeting with members, must possess the aptitude to react accordingly and negotiate the desired outcomes for the safe, reliable, and economic operation of the power distribution system.
11. Prepare and submit weekly data to enable the Director of Manchester Operations to evaluate performance toward goals required for the current cycle.
12. Consistently demonstrates an intense intellectual curiosity that is controlled by sound business judgment in the best interests of DREMC.
13. May be required to attend training related to ROW or vegetation management to stay current on industry standards.
14. Emergency response coverage, as needed.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: A High School diploma or equivalent is required.
Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of right-of-way experience, line work, or electric utility support functions such as safety or heavy equipment operation is required.
Certification/License, etc.: Valid Tennessee Driver’s License or ability to obtain Tennessee driver’s license prior to first day of employment. Must be eligible and remain insured as a driver by the Cooperative’s group liability policy for the automotive fleet.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: A broad understanding of the electric utility industry is desired. In-depth knowledge of vegetation control methods, line clearance safety, and environmental compliance requirements related to electric utility operation. Knowledge of ROW easement and procedures. Knowledge of and ability to interpret OSHA, RUS and DREMC safety rules and regulations. Excellent communications skills, both oral and written, and ability to deal with a variety of internal and external contacts.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to walk long distances over uneven terrain, wooded areas, or utility right-of-way paths in varying weather conditions. Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, and reaching are required while performing field inspections and vegetation assessments. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds; occasional lifting of heavier equipment or vegetation debris may be required. Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to use tablets, GPS units, and mapping or vegetation management software in the field. Ability to safely operate a company vehicle and possibly small power tools or cutting equipment when assisting with vegetation clearing. May be exposed to hazards such as ticks, insects, snakes, poison ivy, and uneven terrain during outdoor work. Must be physically capable of responding to vegetation-related emergencies or outages, including after-hours or during adverse weather conditions.
Work Environment: Work is primarily outdoors in a field setting with regular exposure to all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow. Will spend extended periods in wooded or rural areas conducting inspections, coordinating with contractors, and addressing member concerns. Periodic office time required for data entry, reporting, communication, and coordination with internal teams and the Operational Support Manager. May be exposed to environmental hazards such as downed trees, overgrown vegetation near power lines, or mechanical equipment. Frequent driving between job sites, substations, and district offices; must maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record. Regular interaction with members, contractors, and coworkers requires professional communication skills and the ability to manage conflicts tactfully. Must be available for storm response or emergency ROW issues, including nights and weekends as needed.
EEOC: 102-First/Mid-Level | Non-supervisory | Pay Grade: 11 | Exempt | No residency requirement
Job Description effective date: November 2025
BENEFITS: DREMC provides a comprehensive program of employee benefits, including group medical, dental, vision, employer-sponsored medical clinic, life and long-term disability insurance programs, defined benefit retirement and 401K savings plans, tuition reimbursement.
Qualified candidates should apply at www.dremc.com under careers. Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and complete application form to be considered.
DREMC does not accept resumes from third-party recruiters.
Equal Opportunity Employer EOE/AA M/F/D/V
