Directs the statewide roadside vegetation management program. Responsible for providing oversight and support for all agency efforts to control, manage, and maintain vegetation on our roadsides and SCDOT facility grounds across the state. Keeps senior staff updated on any laws, regulations, or technological advances that affect the department's vegetation management program. Communicates effectively with district vegetation program coordinators, district engineers, agency directors, and other SCDOT staff to coordinate vegetation management/enhancement efforts. Also communicates with industry representatives, colleges, universities doing pertinent research, other state agencies, and other state departments of transportation in order to stay up to date and informed on issues affecting SCDOT's vegetation management efforts.
Prepares and conducts roadside vegetation management training to employees statewide including, but not limited to, pre-examination pesticide applicator license certification, and re-certification and vegetation management contract inspector training.
Develops and interprets roadside vegetation management and maintenance guidelines, contract specifications, procedures, policies and engineering directives. Administers pre-bid meetings for vegetation management contracts. Provides guidance and support to the county maintenance units in the development of their vegetation management plans.
Develops and maintains the statewide Debris Management Plan. Provides direction and support to districts and counties for the development of their local plans. Assists with FEMA coordination during and after qualifying events.
Responds both verbally and through written correspondence to internal and external inquiries, and complaints associated with SCDOT's roadside vegetation management program. Conducts investigations and on-site reviews as needed.
Serves as SCDOT’s representative to state vegetation interest groups and associations. Delivers roadside vegetation management presentations to public audiences statewide such as school groups, garden clubs, and conference attendees.
Reviews assigned encroachment permit applications and other special requests involving roadside vegetation. Makes onsite visits and prepares and submits comments in the required time frame. Performs other related duties as assigned.
A bachelor's degree and three and one-half (3.5) years of relevant program experience; or an approved acceptable equivalence. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.