Associate Vegetation Mgmt Program Manager​/Vegetation Mgmt Program Manager

Important Application Submission Information
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. Join 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 Burlington or Durham Ops in the Triangle Veg area. 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.

• 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 VM organization and regulatory teams to manage customer relations from a state regulatory basis.
• Develops vegetation management work plans and budgets for respective T/D Maintenance area/zone in collaboration with other VM Specialists, System Forester and Manager; ensures compliance with Federal and State T&D vegetation management standards.
• Monitors contractor performance to assure safe work practices, vegetation management procedures/standards adherence, and productivity consistent with Duke Energy expectations.
• Leads VM crews during emergency storm operations; works independently on complex issues; applies advanced knowledge and problem‑solving skills.
• Responds to customer and community concerns related to VM and Herbicide Programs; develops communication plans with key stakeholders.
• Works with government agencies, including DOT and Environmental, to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and proactive communication of area VM plans.
• Monitors work plan progress, reviews and approves invoices for contractor work, monitors unit costs, and adjusts work plans and expenditures as necessary.
• Performs regular patrols of Transmission or Distribution rights‑of‑way to identify issues that could impact safe and reliable operation.
• Manages expenditures within area of responsibility to meet budget targets and forecast changes.
• Coordinates construction clearing activities for construction projects in area of responsibility.

• Associate Degree in Engineering, Forestry or other related Technical Discipline, OR High School Diploma/GED with one year minimum related work experience.
• 1 year related work experience.

• Associate degree in Engineering, Other Technical, or Forestry.
• 3 years related work experience.
• In lieu of Associates degree(s) AND 3 years related work experience, High School/GED AND 3 years related work experience.
• Pesticide Applicator License, Driver’s License, and ISA Arborist or Utility Arborist Certification.

• Knowledge of how VM affects safety and reliability of the electrical system.
• Utility experience – Working knowledge to proficiency.
• B.S. in Forestry, Engineering, or related…