ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vegetation Management Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Merjent

Restoration Operations Manager

Swisher, IA · On-site

$110K/yr

The role is best suited for a candidate with deep, practical experience in SWPPP construction and implementation, erosion and sediment control, and vegetation establishment and management who is ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVegetation Management JobsVegetation Management Jobs in Iowa

Vegetation Management information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$28

$46

How much do vegetation management jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for vegetation management in Iowa is $28.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $33.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vegetation management?

A Vegetation Management job involves maintaining trees, plants, and other vegetation to ensure they don’t interfere with utility lines, roads, railways, or other infrastructure. Workers in this field assess vegetation growth, trim or remove hazardous plants, and implement strategies to prevent future issues. They may work for utility companies, municipalities, or private contractors. The role often requires knowledge of arboriculture, environmental regulations, and specialized equipment.

What skills and qualifications are needed for vegetation management?

To thrive in Vegetation Management, you need a background in environmental science, forestry, or a related field, along with strong plant and tree identification skills. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, herbicide application equipment, and relevant safety and pesticide certifications (such as ISA Certified Arborist or Applicator’s License) is often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are essential for collaborating with utility companies, landowners, and regulatory agencies. These competencies are vital to ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible vegetation control and maintenance.

What are common challenges in vegetation management?

Professionals in Vegetation Management often encounter challenges such as working in difficult terrain, adapting to varying weather conditions, and identifying invasive or hazardous species. Balancing effective vegetation control with environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance can also be complex. Additionally, the role may require coordinating with utility companies or government agencies to ensure public safety while minimizing service disruptions. Overcoming these challenges requires adaptability, up-to-date technical knowledge, and strong teamwork.

What does vegetation management do?

Vegetation management involves inspecting, trimming, and removing trees, shrubs, and other plants near power lines, pipelines, or infrastructure to prevent outages, fires, and safety hazards. It often requires knowledge of safety protocols, use of specialized tools, and adherence to environmental regulations.

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

The most popular types of Vegetation Management jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

Vegetation Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vegetation Management job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,283 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Jarraff Operator : Ottumwa, IA

Kendall Vegetation Services

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Mechanical Trimmer (Jarraff Operator) operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Must have past experience operating a Jarraff for this position.
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:
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.

Apply