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Program Manager, Vegetation Management

Job ID: 6089056

Date Posted:May 13, 2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

Program Manager, Vegetation Management

Salary Grade: G05

Minimum Midpoint Maximum

$90,316 - $121,926 - $153,536

This position is posted until filled.

SUMMARY:

Manages TNMP vegetation management (VM) program operations, maintenance, and performance in order to support system reliability, resiliency, wildfire mitigation, and public safety goals. Manages the execution of VM guidelines and program agenda, policies, procedures, and contract administration. Supports the successful execution of the various VM programs and activities as outlined in the System Resiliency Plan (SRP) and Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP), as applicable and/or required. Serves as a corporate spokesperson on vegetation management related issues with internal and external customers and state and local agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

+ Supports TNMP's VM Department and the execution of program objectives, maintaining trees and other vegetation along electric transmission and distribution (T&D) ROW, and responsible for weed control services at all distribution/ transmission substations and communication sites.

+ Develops and implements goals and objectives to support safe, reliable electrical service and system resiliency.

+ Understands and reports on key strategic VM projects and initiatives under the SRP.

+ Stays current on and understands applicable legislation and provides clarification on impacts to the VM program and SRP and assists in the development and filing of timely (i.e. monthly, annual) updates, as applicable.

+ Collaborates between departments and within VM Department.

+ Analysis of reliability trends as they relate to vegetation issues.

+ Designs and implements Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program that is based on the precepts of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

+ Manages the investigation, assessment, monitoring, and assignment of vegetation-related outages and possible ignitions to the appropriate mitigation owner to mitigate and minimize future vegetation outages, inform VM program budget, and provide data for business decision support and continuous improvement.

+ Collaborates with stakeholders to audit and continuously improve the VM program and SRP VM initiatives and related tactical plans

+ Prepares and monitors VM performance metrics and continuously improves VM program performance over time

+ Develops and manages an annual budget for vegetation management

+ Negotiates and manages multiple vegetation management contracts, enforces provisions, and prepares bid specifications; ensures contracts and other pertinent business correspondence and supporting documentation are adequately communicated and recorded.

+ Acts as a subject matter expert in preparation of responses to FERC/NERC/PUCT filings regarding TNMP's Vegetation Management programs; provides testimony when needed; monitors and evaluates FCC and other regulatory landscape changes for compliance and new business/market opportunity or restriction.

+ Designs, develops, and/or evaluates new methods for line clearance and vegetation management consistent with federal, state, and local regulations and utility industry standards to improve effectiveness; participates in the application of current and emerging technologies related to joint use activities for practical application and competitive advantage.

+ Stays current with the activities of peer utilities in the area of utility vegetation management and the reporting thereof. Collaborates with other utilities to determine additional sources of potential activities, approaches, technologies, and resources for utility vegetation management.

+ Fosters improved relationships with federal, state, tribal and local agencies to bolster understanding and acceptance of TNMP's obligations based on the access and maintenance of our rights-of-way.

+ Act as the primary liaison with federal, state, local, community, and non-profit organizations in a variety of joint projects to position the VM department as a community leader on tree and vegetation related challenges and proactively communicate TNMP VM program goals and objectives to external stakeholders.

+ Fosters understanding of and support for the Company's Customer Satisfaction program, including education for individual property owners, representatives of various governmental agencies, and the public.

+ Actively participates in nationwide industry organizations and acts as leading expert in this field.

COMPETENCIES:

+ Knowledge of vegetation management, hazard mitigation, community resilience and climate adaptation

+ Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in utility vegetation management principles and best practices

+ Knowledge of regulatory changes associated with industry

+ Knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and the Telecommunications Act of 1996

+ Knowledge, understanding, and commitment to express and implement the Company vision and goals

+ Effective leadership skills

+ Effective project management skills

+ Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor

+ Ability to respond promptly to customer needs and solicit dialog with customers to improve or exceed customer expectations

+ Ability to maintain positive and productive working relationships with various individuals, stakeholders, and groups

+ Demonstrated ability to drive complex and sensitive projects forward to meet prescribed deadlines

+ Ability to prioritize, schedule, organize, focus on, and complete work

+ Action-oriented, detail-oriented, goal-oriented, and budget-oriented

+ Ability to multi-task and effectively manage time in a dynamic environment

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in forestry, horticulture, arboriculture, natural resources or a related field and five years of related UVM experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.

Master's degree in related field is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification, Utility Specialist Certification, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, and/or Certified Pesticide Applicator certification(s) preferred.

Must possess current, legally valid drivers license and meet the Company's driving record requirements.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Advanced negotiation skills and ability to gain concessions without damaging relationships

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complicated scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents

Ability to respond to complicated inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community

Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format

Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors and to provide testimony in legal proceedings

Ability to interpret rules and regulations

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to apply the concepts of fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software

ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY:

Ability to define and solve complex problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

DECISION MAKING:

Uses expertise and knowledge to anticipate problems and set strategic goals and agendas for corporate vegetation management programs across variety of geographical areas throughout the Southwest United States. Works effectively with others throughout the organization to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems.

SCOPE AND IMPACT:

Responsible for overseeing expenditures for vegetation management programs and for positively contributing to system reliability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit up to 2/3 of the time and to stand, walk, and stoop up to 1/3 of the time. Good vision and ability to adjust focus is required. Manual dexterity is required. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Capable of driving long distances.

Willingness to work extended hours when necessary and travel overnight as requested

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office and field environment. Some travel is required.

SAFETY AND ADA STATEMENT

Safety Statement:

Safety is a core value at (TXNM Energy/PNM/TNMP) and our vision, "everyone goes home safe", reflects our commitment to promoting an environment conducive to learning, improving and building safety practices. Our safety value is built upon the belief that every employee deserves to work in an environment free from harm.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement:

If you require assistance with the job application process due to a disability, please contact HR ADA Analyst, at 505-241-4627.