Vegetation Management Inspector (VMI)

Vegetation Management Inspector (VMI)

We are seeking Vegetation Management Inspectors to patrol utility right-of-way areas and identify hazardous trees, brush, and vegetation conditions that could affect utility line reliability or public safety.

This field-based position focuses on observation, inspection, documentation, and coordination with vegetation management crews, clients, and customers.

The ideal candidate will have experience in utility right-of-way operations, line clearance support, forestry field work, field inspections, or similar outdoor activities. Strong attention to detail, independent work habits, and clear communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned utility circuits and lines to identify hazardous trees, brush, and vegetation conditions.
• Identify, inspect, and evaluate vegetation along utility lines and within utility right-of-way areas.
• Document inspection findings and submit clear recommendations.
• Coordinate with vegetation management and tree clearance crews.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate crew activities as assigned.
• Discuss and help resolve property access issues needed for line clearance work.
• Serve as a liaison among clients, field crews, and customers as needed.
• Manage assigned daily routes and inspection workloads.
• Maintain accurate and consistent inspection documentation.
• Follow applicable safety requirements while working around utility infrastructure.
• Communicate professionally with customers, clients, and field personnel.
• Work around utility infrastructure and right-of-way areas.
• Independent route management with ongoing coordination among clients, field crews, and customers.
• Strong emphasis on safety, accurate documentation, and professional communication.
• Field observation and documentation
• Property access coordination
• Utility infrastructure safety awareness
• Reliability and accountability

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of relevant field experience

Valid driver’s license

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant field experience in utility right-of-way vegetation management, line clearance support, forestry field work, field inspections, or a similar area.
• Ability to work independently in the field and manage a daily route and workload.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, consistent documentation.
• Clear communication skills and ability to explain observed conditions and recommended next steps.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a company vehicle.
• Ability to safely perform assigned duties in outdoor field conditions.
• Ability to complete applicable pre-employment drug screening and background checks.
• Ability to walk on uneven ground and navigate varying outdoor terrain.
• Ability to enter and exit a vehicle frequently throughout the workday.
• Vegetation identification and evaluation
• Utility right-of-way inspection
• Hazard recognition
• Route and workload management

Preferred

• Previous experience as a Vegetation Management Inspector.
• Experience in utility right-of-way or line clearance operations.
• Familiarity with utility infrastructure and associated field safety requirements.

Pay

• $42.78–$52.87 per hour, depending on level and experience
• $50 per day worked

Up to $100 per day, as eligible

Subsistence allowance of $50 per day worked.

Benefits

• Employer-paid union benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and term life insurance.
• Company vehicle for business use.
• Company cell phone.
• Per diem of up to $100 per day, as eligible.

Employment Type

W-2 Employee

Work Location

Santa Rosa, California

Work Arrangement

Field-Based

Union Affiliation

IBEW Local 1245

Position Overview

This is a W-2 union position affiliated with IBEW Local 1245.

• Ability to perform inspection duties outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely perform assigned field duties.

Work Environment

• Field-based utility vegetation inspection work in the Santa Rosa, California area.
• Regular driving between assigned inspection locations.
• Outdoor work in varying terrain and weather conditions.

Independent judgment

Attention to detail

Crew coordination

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.