Utility Vegetation Management

Students will have broad-based knowledge, training, and hands-on experience to pursue a career in utility vegetation management. Students will receive instruction in tree identification and measurement, utility trim types and tree reactionary growth, abiotic and biotic tree diseases, along with geographic information systems.   Following completion of this program, students will be able to enter the workforce as an entry level inspector.

Anticipate 10 -20 completers

The Utility Vegetation Management program is being created due to the growing industry of utility vegetation management across the country.  The goal of this program is to train entry level workers within this field who will have knowledge, training and some hands-on experience to have a successful start to their career.  The objectives of the program will be to train students in the following areas: native and ornamental tree and shrub identification, GPS data capture and geographic information systems (GIS), tree and shrub measurements, regular and reactionary tree growth, different utility systems and applicable trim types. 

This proposed certificate of achievement is in line with the Master Plan at Reedley College.  Also, it matches the State Center Community College Districts Master Plan Goal of Economic and Workforce Development by offering access to quality career technical programs.

 The Natural Resources Program utilizes the college’s program review process for program monitoring and improvement. In addition to the program review process, the program meets at least twice annually with its industry-based advisory committee to discuss the enhancement of the instructional program and industry/workplace needs.  Often discussions focus on the needs and the skills in order to obtain gainful employment.
 
The knowledge and expertise of industry partners and advisory committee members was utilized to develop this course.  Members are critical in expressing industry needs and trends and helping to steer the direction the program should take.

The college has all the resources need to support the program. Faculty teaching in the program meet the minimum qualifications.