Vegetation Field Forman at QE Solar – Barre, Massachusetts

About QE Solar

We're making clean energy more efficient! For over a decade, the team at QE Solar has brought technical expertise, curiosity, and an investigative approach to the Solar Operations & Maintenance sector, maximizing asset uptime and return on investment while prioritizing safety. QE Solar manages well over 3GWs of PV/BESS projects and hundreds of employees, providing renewable assets owners the most reliable renewable asset service from coast-to-coast. QE Solar is known for an owner’s mindset in delivering consistent quality and service to our clients with a sense of urgency because we know maintenance issues impact the bottom line.

The Vegetation Management Technician is responsible for executing integrated vegetation management (IVM) services across utility rights-of-way (ROW), solar generation facilities, and related infrastructure corridors. This role supports safe, compliant, and efficient vegetation control through mechanical mowing, herbicide application, and environmental stewardship practices.

The ideal candidate maintains an active DOT Medical Card, holds pesticide applicator licenses in one or more operating states (MA, CT, RI, NY, GA, NC, SC, FL), and demonstrates proficiency operating commercial vegetation equipment while working within regulated utility environments.

Vegetation Management Operations

• Perform mechanical vegetation control including mowing, trimming, brush cutting, and selective clearing on solar farms and utility ROW corridors.
• Apply herbicides in accordance with state pesticide regulations, label requirements, and Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) standards.
• Maintain vegetation height thresholds to meet asset owner, insurance underwriting, and safety compliance requirements.
• Identify invasive species, hazard trees, and environmental risk areas impacting production or access.

Utility & Solar Site Execution

• Support maintenance of transmission corridors, substations, stormwater infrastructure, and photovoltaic arrays.
• Maintain clearances around electrical equipment, trackers, fencing, and drainage systems.
• Execute selective vs. full-site vegetation strategies as directed by site SOWs and work orders.

Regulatory & Safety Compliance

• Operate under OSHA, DOT, EPA, and state pesticide guidelines.
• Maintain a valid DOT Medical Card and comply with commercial driving requirements.
• Conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), daily tailboard safety meetings, and incident reporting.
• Follow environmental compliance standards including erosion control and pollinator-friendly practices where applicable.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Safely operate commercial mowing equipment including:
• • Remote slope mowers (Agria or similar)
  • Zero-turn and tractor mowers
  • UTVs, trailers, and spray rigs
• Perform daily equipment inspections, minor repairs, and maintenance documentation.

Documentation & Reporting

• Utilize digital work management platforms for time tracking, chemical logging, and production reporting.
• Maintain accurate herbicide application records and regulatory documentation across multiple states.
• Support audit readiness for environmental and safety inspections.

Required Qualifications

• Valid DOT Medical Card.
• Active Pesticide Applicator License in at least one of the following:
• • Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York
  • Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida
    (Multi-state reciprocity strongly preferred.)
• Experience in vegetation management within:
• • Utility right-of-way maintenance
  • Solar farm or energy infrastructure environments
• Ability to tow trailers and operate commercial vegetation equipment.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols around energized infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Category certifications related to ROW, Industrial Weed Control, or Aquatic Vegetation.
• Experience with Integrated Vegetation Management planning.
• Knowledge of regional vegetation growth patterns (cool-season and warm-season grasses).
• Experience with GIS mapping, digital inspection tools, or asset management software.

Work Environment

• Utility corridors, solar generation sites, and environmental restoration areas.
• Field-based role with seasonal peak activity aligned with vegetation growth cycles.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Vegetation height compliance and site condition scores.
• Herbicide application accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Safety performance and incident prevention.
• Production efficiency and equipment uptime.

QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This role is performed primarily in field, construction, or industrial environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position requires:

• Working in indoor and outdoor environments, including solar sites, construction sites, and industrial facilities, in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.)
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing on uneven terrain
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 50 pounds or more, with or without assistance
• Use of hands and fingers to operate tools, testing equipment, and technical devices with precision
• Ability to safely climb ladders, scaffolding, and work at heights
• Ability to work in confined spaces and near energized equipment while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols
• Visual acuity to read blueprints, schematics, and technical documents, and to identify potential hazards
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, harnesses, arc-flash protection, and other job-specific gear
• Effective verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members, supervisors, and other trades in active work environments

QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:

• 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
• Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more
• Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Discounted Life & Disability Insurance

Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:
QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.