Lead Specialist, Vegetation Strategy

About us

National Grid is hiring a Lead Vegetation Strategy Specialist for our Electric Operations department in Syracuse, Buffalo or Albany, NY                                                                                                            

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. 

The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

As a New York Lead Vegetation Strategy Specialist, you’ll be at the forefront of transforming how we plan, analyze, and optimize vegetation programs—leveraging data, digital tools, and emerging technologies to make smarter, system-wide decisions that impact millions of customers.

At National Grid, we’re building a smarter, more resilient energy system—and vegetation strategy is a critical part of that future. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a role where your work truly matters, we encourage you to apply.

Key Accountabilities

What You’ll Do

In this high-impact role, you will:

• Drive Strategy: Develop and enhance vegetation management strategies for cycle pruning and hazard tree programs to improve reliability and operational effectiveness
• Turn Data into Insight: Analyze performance trends, identify root causes of vegetation-related issues, and translate findings into actionable improvements
• Influence Investment Decisions: Prioritize programs and recommend targeted investments that strengthen system resilience and reduce risk
• Lead Program Planning: Partner with Forestry Operations to develop annual work plans and ensure alignment with reliability goals
• Advance Digital Innovation: Help shape and deploy next-generation tools, data systems, and remote sensing technologies to modernize vegetation management
• Ensure Regulatory Excellence: Prepare and support key regulatory filings (e.g., NY PSC reports) and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards
• Enhance Standards & Governance: Review and refine technical specifications, policies, and governance practices to align with industry best practices
• Engage Industry Leaders: Collaborate with organizations such as IEEE, EPRI, and UAA to influence and adopt cutting-edge approaches to vegetation-related reliability

Why This Role Matters

You’ll have a unique opportunity to:

• Shape how vegetation management supports grid resilience in an era of increasing climate risk
• Work cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and regulatory stakeholders
• Lead innovation efforts that bring new technologies into real-world application
• Contribute to high-visibility initiatives that impact reliability metrics and customer experience

 What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a candidate who combines technical expertise, analytical capability, and strategic thinking:

• Strong knowledge of how vegetation impacts electric distribution system reliability
• Background in arboriculture, forestry, or a related natural resources field
• Experience applying data analysis and modeling to inform decisions and optimize performance
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Familiarity with vegetation management operations and industry practices
• Experience working with large datasets and business analytics tools
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive improvement across teams

What Sets You Apart

• You’re curious, forward-thinking, and energized by solving complex problems
• You thrive in environments where data, strategy, and execution intersect
• You’re motivated by making a measurable impact on reliability, safety, and customer outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Urban Forestry, or a related field (or equivalent experience)required.
• ISA Arborist Certification peferred (or ability to obtain within one year).
• 5+ years of relevant experience required(10+ preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as needed required.

More Information

Salary: per year $112,000 - $131,000

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.

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