Associate Vegetation Management Specialist Jobs

Invenergy is North America’s largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large‑scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

Position Overview

As Associate, Vegetation Management, you will support Invenergy’s vegetation management program for utility‑scale solar, wind, and transmission projects in the Western and Midwestern regions of the United States. You will manage the entire project lifecycle from development through operations, overseeing the creation of site‑specific vegetation and soil management plans, scheduling and managing pre‑construction seeding efforts, coordinating third‑party vegetation monitoring during construction, and ensuring contractors meet vegetation requirements. You will coordinate across internal teams—Development, Engineering, Environmental Compliance & Strategy, Project Management, and Asset Management— and with external consultants, civil and reclamation contractors, and regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

• Direct vegetation consultants on developing project‑specific vegetation and soil management plans.
• Review the developed plans to ensure that all conditions of state and local regulations, guidance documents, project permits, customer contracts, schedules, and budgetary expectations are met.
• Assist internal teams on estimating project‑specific vegetation establishment and maintenance related costs into economic models.
• Support permitting efforts by developing any required vegetation‑related language or resources for permit applications.
• Support project development by presenting vegetation management plans and practices to local landowners and community members.
• Oversee the construction contractor’s vegetation efforts while providing staff training on vegetation management strategies.
• Conduct site visits to projects in the development, construction, and operational stages with others from the project team to evaluate performance of vegetation processes during critical establishment milestones.
• Provide technical assistance during the operational stage by overseeing vegetation management consultants and contractors to achieve project‑specific objectives, commitments, and budgets.
• Support Vegetation Management leadership by reviewing project documents and plans, developing vegetation improvements and processes, and forward‑thinking strategies relevant to Invenergy’s vegetation program.
• Provide feedback and engagement with industry groups relating to vegetation management and ecosystem services on utility‑scale solar projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecological restoration, botany, soil science, or a related field.
• 2–5 years in vegetation implementation and planning or a land‑management related position.
• Familiarity with vegetation identification, soil sample collection, and traditional land‑management practices.
• Experience working on vegetation management during construction, coordinating with construction contractors, and collaborating with environmental consultants.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and make decisions that promote and advance company and project goals and objectives.
• Working knowledge of the EPA’s Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) principles and NRCS conservation practices.
• Self‑directed and detail oriented, with the ability and desire to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive materials, activities, and initiatives.
• Adaptability to a fast‑paced business environment with competing deadlines, and ability to quickly learn and implement internal processes.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring documents and communications are concise and accurate.
• Ability to navigate ArcGIS and/or Google Earth to interpret environmental spatial data and identify potential project risks.
• Flexible to travel to project site visits (up to 25% of time).
• Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Pay: $98,000.00 – $118,000.00 USD

Annual Bonus: 20% – 30% of base salary.

Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and more.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.