Vegetation Management Inspector Start - Sonoma County

Sierra Forestry Consulting LLC is hiring a Vegetation Management Inspector in Sonoma County, CA. The role involves patrolling for hazardous trees, inspecting vegetation along utility lines, and coordinating tree clearance crews. Responsibilities include documenting inspections, notifying property owners, and supporting emergency response. Candidates need a high school diploma, a Class C driver’s license, and relevant experience or certifications. The position requires physical stamina and effective communication skills.
The Vegetation Management Inspector Start (VMI-Start) will patrol for hazardous trees, perform identification, inspection and evaluation of trees and brush along utility lines.

The VMI will submit inspection results to clients with recommendations; may plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of assigned tree clearance crews; Discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues; may serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers.

The VMI position are covered under International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245, all employees in this position are required to join the union.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Perform circuit patrols in accordance with the annual VM plan, VM patrol standards and processes
• Identify required tree work along the existing PG&E rights-of- way; prescribing tree work to be performed; document inspection done
• Notify property owners/agencies when tree work will occur and obtaining any necessary authorizations from the property owners/agencies to perform the tree work
• May serve as contact for new business and re-construction work
• Perform work verification inspections verifying applicable inspection and tree work completion and quality
• Perform investigation and documentation of tree-related outages and attending outage meetings as requested
• May be assigned a variety of VM Tags; perform tracking, field checking, prescribing of work, and notifying of customers associated with non- routine locations
• Assist in close out CC&B cases in the field after fielding the case
• Support emergency response; dispatching tree crews, field checking sites, first responder stand-by agreements
• Work independently complete tasks assigned by the supervisor
• Support oversight of vegetation projects, including field operations such as tree assessment, tree trimming, and other work as required
• Participate in contractor safety and tailboard meetings
• Act as customer relations representative on behalf of PG&E
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
• Complete electronic and paper-based documentation and reporting

Desired Skills / Abilities:
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to read and follow maps
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rate
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Ability to prioritize and organize paying attention to detail for accuracy
• Accountable: accepting personal responsibility
• Ability to work additional hours and days

Minimum Qualifications:
• High School diploma or GED
• Required to maintain a Class C driver’s license
• Must be able to meet company driver acceptability requirements
• Ability to drive 4x4 truck or SUV

Experience / Education Requirements:

VMI Start
• One (1) year of related arboricultural experience, OR
• ISA Certified Arborist, OR
• 2-year or 4-year college degree in a related field

Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged periods of standing outdoors
• Prolonged periods walking and hiking outdoors in a variety of terrain
• Prolonged periods of sitting and driving 4x4 truck and/or SUV
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at times
• Must be able to bend, lift, stretch, climb and crawl to check equipment and buildings
• Must be able to perform work in a variety of weather conditions

Bargaining Position: Yes

Location: Sonoma County. Must live or be willing to relocate to Sonoma County by first day of employment

Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, AD&D and Term life Insurance

Company Vehicle for Business Use

Company Cell Phone

FLSA: Non-exempt Hourly

Compensation: $37.85 to $39.27 hourly

Subsistence: $50. per day worked

Per Diem: May be paid when meeting requirements

Employment with Sierra Forestry Consulting LLC is contingent upon satisfactorily passing applicable drug screening and background check. SFC is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.