Vegetation Management Inspector (VMI)

Vegetation Management Inspector (VMI) Employment Type: W-2 Employee Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly Work Location: Santa Rosa, California Work Arrangement: Field-Based Pay Range: $42.78–$52.87 per hour, depending on level and experience Experience Required: Minimum 1 year of relevant field experience License Required: Valid driver’s license Union Affiliation: IBEW Local 1245 Subsistence Allowance: $50 per day worked Per Diem: Up to $100 per day, as eligible Pre-Employment Screening: Applicable drug screening and background check Position Overview 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. This is a W-2 union position affiliated with IBEW Local 1245. Essential Duties and 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk on uneven ground and navigate varying outdoor terrain.
• Ability to enter and exit a vehicle frequently throughout the workday.
• 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.
• 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.

Key Competencies

• Vegetation identification and evaluation
• Utility right-of-way inspection
• Hazard recognition
• Field observation and documentation
• Route and workload management
• Independent judgment
• Attention to detail
• Crew coordination
• Customer and client communication
• Property access coordination
• Utility infrastructure safety awareness
• Reliability and accountability

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.
• Subsistence allowance of $50 per day worked.
• Per diem of up to $100 per day, as eligible.

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.