In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

The preferred location for this position is in Garner/Cape Fear area covering Cape Fear, Maxton, and Fuquay Ops Center. The exact location will be determined at the time of offer based on business needs.

Depending upon the qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher level within the job hierarchy* *

This is the entry level of the Vegetation Management (VM)classification hierarchy. Employees at this entry level have responsibility for contractor management and oversight with close supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop skills, and the ability to work with greater independence. They have knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures. Manages IVM programs including multi circuit planned maintenance, system level herbicide applications, reactive customer requested work and hazard tree programs to drive overall program strategy of improved customer reliability and regulatory compliance as applicable

Strategic focus:

Coordinates highly visible community sensitive VM projects with support and oversight from Management and other VM personnel
Assists internal engineering and VM personnel to strategically improve system reliability
Assists local operation and maintenance personnel to address local system needs being impacted by vegetation.
Supports as needed VM organization and regulatory teams to manage customer relations from a state regulatory basis.
DVMP/TVMP Annual Planning Develop vegetation management work plan and associated budget for respective T or D Maintenance area/zone in collaboration with other VM Specialists, System Forester and Manager. Work with System Forester and Manager to assure that work plan is in compliance with Federal and Stated T&D vegetation management standards and regulatory requirements.
General Contract Management Monitor the performance of contract resources to assure safe work practices, vegetation management procedures/standards adherence, and productivity consistent with Duke Energy Expectations. Lead role for area VM crews during emergency storm operations. Works independently on complex issues. Applying advanced knowledge and problem solving skills to wide-ranging issues. Integrates industry knowledge related to data into everyday business practices and decision making.
Customer Relations (Internal and External)This positions responds to customer and community concerns associated with our VM and Herbicide Programs. Responsible for the development of communication plans with key stakeholders associated with VM projects.
Governmental/Community Relations Works with government agencies, including DOT and Environmental to ensure compliance with appropriate state and federal regulations and pro-active communications of area vegetation management plans and procedures to community stakeholders.
Work Plans Monitor respective Transmission or Distribution Maintenance Area vegetation management work plan and budget by inspecting/reporting work plan completion progress, reviewing/approving invoices for contractor work, monitoring unit costs, and adjusting work plans and expenditures as necessary.
Inspections/Patrols Perform regular patrols of Transmission or Distribution rights-of-way to identify issues that would potentially impact the safe and reliable operation of the line.
Financial Management Manage expenditures within area of responsibility to ensure that budget target and forecast changes are met. Implement adjustments within area of responsibility to complete necessary work while meeting budget forecasts, including forecast changes.
Construction Clearing As assigned, coordinates construction clearing activities for construction projects in area of responsibility.

Note: This posting is for one position. Dependent on relevant experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.

Required/Basic Qualifications (Associate Vegetation Management Program Manager)

Associate Degree in Engineering, Forestry or other related Technical Discipline
In lieu of Associates Degree High School Diploma/GED and one year minimum related work experience
1 year related work experience

Required/Basic Qualifications (Vegetation Management Program Manager)

Associates degree in Engineering or
Associates degree in Other Technical or
Associates degree in Forestry
3 years related work experience
In lieu of Associates degree(s) AND 3 year(s) related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 3 year(s) related work experience
Pesticide Applicator License, Drivers License and ISA Arborist or Utility Arborist Certification

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Possess working knowledge of how VM affects the safety and reliability of the electrical system.
Utility Experience – Working knowledge to proficiency
B.S. - Forestry, engineering, or other related field
ISA Arborist or Utility Arborist
Certification Pesticide License
Utility Experience
Construction Management Knowledge
Demonstrated ability to implement vegetation management methods, processes and procedures and train and develop other foresters in the implementation of the same.
Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated effective communication and customer
relations skills both verbal and written.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate program effectiveness.

Working Conditions

Field
Garner/Cape Fear area covering Cape Fear, Maxton, and Fuquay Ops Center or within a reasonable commute (45 min)

Specific Requirements

Possesses working knowledge of how VM affects the safety and reliability of the electrical system
Utility Arborist Certification
Registered Professional Forester
PMI Knowledge & Project related work experience
Familiarity with GIS databases and other geo-spatial systems
Utility Experience - working knowledge to proficiency
Construction Management Knowledge
Demonstrated ability to implement vegetation management methods, processes and procedures and train and develop
Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated effective communication and customer relations skills both verbal and written.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate program effectiveness.

Specific Requirements

The following required education & experience can be interchangeably accepted:

Bachelors with 1-3 years of Electrical or VM Experience
Associates with 3-7 years of Electrical or VM Experience
High School diploma with 3-10 years of VM or utility experience working in distribution and/or transmission

Travel Requirements

15-25%