Utility Line Vegetation Clearance Cost Estimator - Remote w/Deployment to Client Sites

IEM is looking for aFull Time - Utility Line Vegetation Clearance Cost Estimator who would be under general supervision from the Program Manager, to provide technical expertise to by accurately assessing and estimating the costs associated with vegetation / tree removal and clearing around power lines and utility corridors.

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

Primary Location:

• Live anywhere that meets remote work requirements in the United States.
• Work will take place either in the field,in an office environment,or remotefrom a personal location and will depend on the need of the project.

Travel Requirements:

• This position will require some work to be conducted at a client site(s) with in Puerto Rico.
• Travel will be up to 50% of the time.
• Travel and other expenses are reimbursable in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations or DoD Regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct field surveys along utility rights-of-way to identify hazard trees, encroaching vegetation, and necessary clearing zones.
• Evaluate terrain, tree density, species composition, and access challenges to determine scope and complexity of clearing work.
• Review estimates for labor, equipment, and material costs required for vegetation removal, trimming, and disposal.
• Work closely with utility vegetation management teams, arborists, contractors, and environmental compliance officers.
• Collect and maintain accurate field data using GIS tools, vegetation management software, and standard forestry instruments.
• Review detailed cost estimates and project reports for internal planning and client use.
• Ensure all estimates consider safety regulations, environmental constraints, and applicable utility standards.
• Provide expert input for scheduling and prioritization of vegetation management activities.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and managerial competencies, including integrity, accountability, communication skills, and commitment to teamwork and excellence in responsibilities.
• Develop and research statistical tools and estimating methodologies based on historical systems acquisition cost schedules and technical and programmatic data.
• Continuously evaluate and improve cost analysis processes and methodologies.
• Identify potential challenges or risks that may impact cost estimates.
• Collect and analyze data to assess the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service.
• Create effective monitoring tools to ensure compliance with the cost analysis of procurements.
• Provides high-level technical/administrative guidance on work requirements and methods.
• Make recommendations on policies and procedures as needed to ensure the success and compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree: Associate's or bachelor's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field
• Experience :Three (3) years of full-time experience in timber cruising, vegetation management, utility line clearance projects to include financial and cost analysis or a related role.
• Experience and Degree Substitution: An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively perform the duties and functions of this position may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of tree species identification, vegetation risk assessment, and timber valuation.
• Familiarity with utility clearance standards (e. g. , ANSI A300, OSHA line clearance regulations).
• Proficient with mapping and field data collection tools (e. g. , GIS, GPS, mobile apps).
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in diverse outdoor environments and weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel across project areas
• Understanding of accounting, data and risk analysis, research methodology, and estimation metrics is vital.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in construction estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in cost estimating for electric utility projects.
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) certification from the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE).
• ISA Certified Arborist or Utility Specialist credential.
• Experience working with power utilities or vegetation management contractors.
• Understanding of NERC reliability standards and utility regulatory compliance.
• Certification from Society of American Foresters (SAF) or equivalent.

Additional Location and Travel Information:

• Office Locations: Often, these offices are either owned by the client we work with or by IEM. All candidates are expected to follow any rules and regulations of the office in which they are required to work for that project.
• Remote Work:All remote work environments require the ability to maintain minimum Internet speeds of 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download, as well as a ping rate of 100 ms or less during working hours, regardless of the type and number of devices using your Internet connection. You must also have account privileges and access to your Internet service provider account during working hours for the purposes of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed.

Benefits and more:

• Starting salary based on experience and location: $80,000 - $90,000.
• 10 paid Holidays
• Vacation Pay
• Sick Pay
• 401 (K) plan with matching
• Company paid STD and LTD

Equal Employment Opportunity. All IEM employment decision.