Manager Vegetation Management

Job Summary
Develops, implements and manages Distribution Line-Clearance, Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) Program, Bare Ground Treatment, Landscape Maintenance and Tree Planting/Public Education Programs to ensure system reliability, regulatory compliance, public safety, cost effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

Essential Functions

• Designs and monitors maintenance distribution programs and budgets for assigned Local Operating Areas that meet or exceed departmental objectives.
• Designs and monitors the IVM program to meet or exceed regulatory compliance on Electric and Gas Transmission.
• Monitors, analyzes, and leads contractor performance and cost effectiveness.
• Prepares and develops project specifications and bid documents.
• Monitors, analyzes, and leads contractor field crew evaluations and contract compliance audits.
• Coordinates, creates and performs internal and external training on departmental policies, programs and initiatives.
• Coordinates fieldwork on projects and organization with outside agencies and/or customer representatives.
• Develops, maintains and executes work schedules, work planning, and quality control processes.
• Performs field supervision, inspection and coaching of work techniques and practices that reflect industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) and internal specifications.
• Provides timely investigation, response and resolution of customer complaints and claims.
• Conducts investigations on contractor safety incidents.
• Cultivates and grows beneficial working relationships with other company departments and personal as well as with outside state and local interests to improve program operations.
• Provides coordination and management of vegetation issues for construction projects.
• Provides support and coordination to LOAs as required during emergency/storm outage restoration situations.
• Approves contractor invoices.
• Assists in the development of the annual maintenance and capital budget.
• Leads and directs the Forestry Supervisors.

Required Qualifications For Position

• Bachelor's Degree In Forestry, Plant Biology, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in vegetation management or utility experience.
• Ability to project manage multiple concurrent projects and programs.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop others.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, prints, records, standards, and engineering drawings.
• General knowledge of electric and gas operations systems and equipment
• Proficient knowledge of arboricultural work practices, diagnostics, tree growth response, tree biology and plant physiology.
• Working knowledge of tree pruning and herbicide application techniques.
• Working knowledge of Tree Contractor's Equipment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Effective and confident public speaking skills.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with Mircosoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Confidence in leadership and decision-making.
• Working knowledge of GIS and web based software applications.
• DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State Valid driver’s license. Upon Hire
• ISA Certified Arborist (or ability to obtain credential within 6 months). Upon Hire
• Indiana Pesticide License Category 6 (or ability to obtain credential within 6 months). Upon Hire
• Required to respond to emergency/storm duties if and when necessary.
• Experience with managing and forecasting budgets.
• Ability to travel within the NIPSCO service territory in Indiana >50% of the time.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• More than 5 years of professional experience.
• ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist endorsement. within 180 Days
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)-PMI PMP Certification Upon Hire

Physical Demands


The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.​

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities. 

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away

Salary Range*:

$110,200.00 - $165,300.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2025-11-14

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2025-11-28

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.