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Vegetation Management Inspector Jobs in Virginia

Utility Forester

Crewe, VA · On-site

$27.73 - $45.76/hr

... vegetation management programs. What You'll Do * Inspect rights-of-way and identify hazard trees, undergrowth, overhang, and other vegetation concerns that could affect electric reliability.

Job Posting Title Top Trimmer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee ... Inspect, maintain/prepare, and operate work tools (Chainsaw), heavy equipment (Chippers), and other ...

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Vegetation Management Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$24.3K

$54.5K

$98.2K

How much do vegetation management inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for vegetation management inspector in Virginia is $54,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $63,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vegetation management inspector?

A Vegetation Management Inspector is responsible for inspecting and assessing vegetation near utility infrastructure, such as power lines, to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. They identify hazardous trees or overgrown vegetation that may pose a risk to electrical systems and work with contractors or tree crews to mitigate potential issues. Their role helps prevent outages, wildfires, and other safety hazards caused by vegetation interference. Inspectors often document findings, communicate with property owners, and ensure that vegetation management aligns with local and federal guidelines. This position requires knowledge of arboriculture, utility regulations, and environmental safety practices.

What does a vegetation management inspector do?

As a Vegetation Management Inspector, your daily tasks often involve conducting field inspections along power lines or utility corridors to assess vegetation growth and identify potential hazards. You may document findings with photos or GPS data, communicate with property owners or contractors, and ensure that all activities comply with regulatory and safety standards. Inspectors typically collaborate closely with field crews, utility personnel, and environmental specialists to coordinate vegetation clearing or trimming work. This role involves a combination of outdoor fieldwork, report writing, and regular communication with various stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vegetation management inspector?

To thrive as a Vegetation Management Inspector, you need strong knowledge of vegetation species, environmental regulations, and safety practices, often supported by experience in forestry, arboriculture, or utility industries. Familiarity with GIS/mapping software, mobile inspection tools, and certifications such as ISA Arborist or Utility Vegetation Management credentials are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or in small teams are important soft skills. These abilities and qualifications ensure safe, efficient inspection and maintenance of utility corridors, compliance with regulations, and minimized environmental impact.

What are the most commonly searched types of Vegetation Management Inspector jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Vegetation Management Inspector jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Vegetation Management Inspector jobs in Virginia?

For Vegetation Management Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vegetation Management Inspector jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Vegetation Management Inspector jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Vegetation Management Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,468 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

$27.73 - $45.76/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Inspect rights-of-way and identify hazard trees, undergrowth, overhang, and other vegetation concerns that could affect electric reliability.

  • Monitor right-of-way contractors and arborists to ensure work meets safety standards, contract specifications, and Cooperative expectations.

  • Use vegetation management software, GPS tools, mobile devices, and field data to document work, support reporting, and improve program performance.


Job description

Southside Electric Cooperative is seeking a Utility Forester to help protect electric reliability, support safe right-of-way maintenance, and strengthen vegetation management across Southside Virginia. If you have experience in forestry, arboriculture, utility vegetation management, line clearance, or natural resources-and you enjoy working outdoors where your decisions make a visible impact-this could be a great fit.
About the Role
In this field-based role, you will identify vegetation risks, monitor contractor work, support hazard tree mitigation, and help ensure safe, reliable power delivery for Cooperative members. You will use forestry knowledge, tree risk assessment, GPS tools, vegetation management software, and sound judgment to support SEC's right-of-way and integrated vegetation management programs.
What You'll Do
  • Inspect rights-of-way and identify hazard trees, undergrowth, overhang, and other vegetation concerns that could affect electric reliability.
  • Monitor right-of-way contractors and arborists to ensure work meets safety standards, contract specifications, and Cooperative expectations.
  • Use vegetation management software, GPS tools, mobile devices, and field data to document work, support reporting, and improve program performance.
  • Partner with Operations, Engineering, System Operations, contractors, and other teams to reduce vegetation-related outages and support storm restoration.
  • Communicate professionally with members about tree trimming, line clearance, right-of-way maintenance, and vegetation management concerns.
What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in forestry, forestry management, arboriculture, natural resources, or a related field.
  • Four or more years of experience in forestry, arboriculture, utility vegetation management, or related electric utility field work.
  • Knowledge of right-of-way management, hazard tree assessment, tree identification, line clearance, integrated vegetation management, and electric distribution or transmission systems.
  • Ability to read design drawings, staking sheets, survey plats, easements, and vegetation-related service requirements.
  • Strong communication skills, good judgment, safety focus, and the ability to work effectively with members, contractors, employees, and leadership.
Preferred Certifications
  • ISA Certified Arborist
  • ISA Utility Specialist
  • Certified Pesticide Applicator
  • VDOT Work Zone Traffic Control - Basic
  • First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications
Why Join SEC?
At Southside Electric Cooperative, your work matters. You will help protect critical infrastructure, improve reliability, and serve communities across Southside Virginia in a mission-driven cooperative environment. This position offers the opportunity to combine outdoor field work, forestry expertise, technology, teamwork, and public service.
Ready to help keep Southside Virginia connected, safe, and growing? Apply today and bring your forestry and utility vegetation management experience to SEC.
All hires are subject to a pre-employment background check to include local, state, and federal criminal history; employment history; employment references; education verification; driver's record history; and, where applicable: license verification; safety history (linemen); and FMCSA query for positions requiring a CDL. We are a zero-tolerance drug-free workplace. All hires must take a pre-employment drug & alcohol test and have a pre-employment physical. All employees of Southside Electric Cooperative are subject to random drug tests at any time.