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Utility Vegetation Management Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Groundsperson : Pella, IA

Pella, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Prior experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS High School ...

Showing results 21-40

Utility Vegetation Management information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$23

$44

How much do utility vegetation management jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility vegetation management in Iowa is $23.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility vegetation management?

A Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) job involves monitoring and managing vegetation near power lines, pipelines, and other utility infrastructure to ensure safety and reliability. UVM professionals assess tree growth, identify potential risks, and coordinate tree trimming or removal to prevent outages and hazards. They work closely with utility companies, arborists, and environmental specialists to maintain compliance with regulations. The role often includes field inspections, data collection, and the use of advanced technology like LiDAR and GIS mapping. Effective vegetation management helps prevent power outages, reduces wildfire risks, and ensures public safety.

What does a typical work day look like for someone in utility vegetation management?

A typical day in Utility Vegetation Management involves inspecting utility corridors, identifying vegetation risks, and coordinating or overseeing trimming and removal operations. You’ll spend time both in the field conducting site assessments and in the office documenting findings or planning upcoming work using specialized software. Collaboration with field crews, landowners, contractors, and utility company representatives is an important part of the job. While the work can be physically demanding and may require travel across different sites, it offers variety and the satisfaction of maintaining public safety and reliable utility services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in utility vegetation management, and why are they important?

Success in Utility Vegetation Management requires a solid understanding of arboriculture, environmental regulations, and utility safety standards, often supported by relevant certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist or Utility Specialist. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, work management systems, and handheld data collection devices is vital for effective planning and reporting. Strong problem-solving ability, communication, and organizational skills are crucial for collaborating with crews, landowners, and utility companies. These competencies ensure safe, efficient power line clearance and regulatory compliance, minimizing outage risks and environmental impact.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Vegetation Management jobs in Iowa?

For Utility Vegetation Management jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Utility Vegetation Management jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Vegetation Management jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Utility Vegetation Management job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,715 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Tree Service Equipment Operator : Des Moines, IA

Kendall Vegetation Services

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Preferred candidates will have experience operating a Jarraff and a Fecon Mower.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Always follow and help enforce safe practices and rules
  • Assist in preparing equipment and materials for each day's work at Foreperson's direction
  • Operate equipment as directed by Foreperson
  • Help maintain and repair equipment and tools used in operations
  • Assist other crew members in all aspects of daily activities and take a leadership role when required
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and public
  • Keeps informed on new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices.
  • Track and report mileage to Foreperson
  • Perform duties for storm work as needed

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Equipment Operators have no direct reports.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Prior heavy equipment operating experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High School diploma or education equivalent preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Must be knowledgeable about the daily maintenance and safe operations of all equipment used
  • Must possess physical strength and good balance to climb into and around mobile equipment
  • Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day
  • Must be able to work outdoors under varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions
  • Must be able to hear verbal instructions from a distance
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
  • Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Must have good vision and be attentive
  • Must have and maintain a Driver's License if hired for a driving position; must have and maintain a CDL and DOT Medical Card to operate any truck over 26,000 lbs.
  • Must be able to write, read and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information
  • Must be able to maintain balance over uneven terrain
  • Must be able to communicate with others
  • Must have endurance necessary to perform duties throughout a standard eight or ten hour day
  • Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

Position requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.

Work authorization requirements:

Position requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.

Must meet I-9 requirements.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.

Benefits Offered:

This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.

AI Usage Disclaimer:

As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.