Vegetation Management / Program Manager - Amarillo, TX

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow?  A  position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Position Summary

Responsible for the effective and efficient use of Vegetation Management (VM) contractor resources with emphasis on safety, customer satisfaction, quality improvement and regulatory compliance. Coordinates VM operations (distribution & transmission line clearance, landscape maintenance & irrigation, weed abatement, right-of-way mowing and overheads safety inspection) for company owned facilities and ancillary programs such as the wood pole inspection & treatment program. Serves as liaison between Field Operations (CO&M & Engineering), Retail Services, Energy Supply, Environmental, Shared Services (Corporate Facilities), Risk Management (Claims), external customers, governmental agencies and VM contractor management/supervision. Responsible for accountabilities as assigned by VM's Daily Management structure.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assists in the development of the asset management strategy and annual Book of Work for the assigned geographic area. Identifies work based on information from company systems, databases and field estimates. Negotiates annual performance targets with VM management, Asset Management and VM contractors (SAIFI, tree-related events, budgetary, cost per unit, safety, regulatory compliance, guideline compliance, customer satisfaction, etc.). Works closely with contractor management/supervision to identify ""best-value"" crew complement and special maintenance requirements.

• Performs day-to-day contract administration. Field checks/audits VM contractor work (productivity, safety, quality of work, customer relations, etc.). Reviews and approves contractor time and activity reports. Approves various timesheet and invoicing documents. Performs root cause analysis of tree related outages. Monitors expenditures (from $2-$6 Million) relative to budget. Reviews monthly scorecards and productivity reports. Conducts quarterly plan, do, check, act (PDCA) meetings with contractor management/supervision.

• Coordinates the execution of work for electric circuit/ROW and facility maintenance and inspection within geographic and functional areas of responsibility while driving the achievement of all established targets and performance measures. Coordinates emergency storm work as needed on a 24/7 basis. Coordinates with contractors and Design to review distribution and transmission construction jobs requiring tree work and communicates changes to appropriate personnel. Coordinates the performance of ""safety zone clearances"" for commercial arborists and customers as well as permitting, barricading, and various contractor and customer arrangements

• Enters various field data into Company systems in a timely and accurate manner. Assists in developing department responses to internal/external information requests.

• Communicates with appropriate personnel (internal and external) regarding maintenance plans, customer complaints, refusals, inquiries and damage claims.

• Works closely with Federal, State and local Government agencies on as needed basis. Notifies municipalities of annual circuit maintenance and maintains communication with appropriate municipality personnel.

• Participates on daily management and problem solving teams.

Minimum Requirements

• 5 years' experience in utility vegetation management operations.

Preferred Requirements

• Associate's degree in forestry, Arboriculture or equivalent.

• Prior project or program management experience.

• Experience working with geospatial work management software.

• International Society of Arboriculture Certification and Certified Applicator pesticide license

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $99,000.00 per year

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

Deadline to Apply: 11/25/24

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