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NORTH VALLEY – Justin Kay has built a career in vegetation management, finding both stability and professional growth in the forestry industry. Kay has been working since December of 2023 As an inspector for Sierra Forestry Consulting, a subcontractor for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). Kay ensures power lines remain clear of hazardous vegetation to prevent outages and wildfires.
“I really just like working with trees,” Kay said. “Happy individual customers want the same thing the consumer wants, and that’s to protect the facility, prevent fires and outages.”
Since starting his role, Kay has honed his skills in tree identification and hazard assessment. “I recognize trees a lot easier now,” he explained. “When I look outside, I usually see the common trees I see just about day to day. So that part is pretty cool.” He also appreciates the camaraderie among his coworkers. “We get together in the morning and at the end of the day. It’s nice to have that structure.”
Employment in vegetation management has provided Kay with financial security and personal stability. “It just keeps me on track for what I want for my future—retirement, savings, job security,” he said. He also enjoys the physical aspects of the job. “I probably walk an average of three miles a day, if not more.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Kay’s career has been financial growth. “At first, I was only making probably like $20 an hour,” he shared. “Then PG&E recognized vegetation management as a union job. Now we get union wages, so that’s definitely been rewarding.”
Despite the benefits, Kay acknowledges the stress of his job. “My job is considered one of the top five most stressful jobs,” he said, referring to what he was told during onboarding. “So I just try to stay calm and relaxed, process everything at once without overwhelming myself.”
Kay credits his supervisors and coworkers for their ongoing support. “Any time I had a question, I just brought it up to my supervisor, and he was happy to let me call him at any time of the day or speak with him, and he would answer it,” he said. “So learning along the way like that was very helpful.”
A typical day for Kay starts at 7 a.m. with a morning muster. “We make sure we have all our PPE—protective equipment—and everything we need for the day,” he explained. His primary responsibility is to patrol power lines, identifying potential vegetation hazards. “My job is to patrol those power lines and the vegetation next to them, identifying any risk of hazards that could have strike potential or grow-in potential.”
Kay has pursued various certifications and training programs to advance his career. “I’ve done programs like CMA, IBM, and currently I’m in routine inspections,” he said. “Whether they’re advancements or not, I can put them on my resume, and the next employer can see those skills.”
Reflecting on his employment journey, Kay offers advice to job seekers facing challenges. “I know it took me longer than two years for a two-year degree. In fact, it probably took me five years. But I took it at my pace, and I graduated,” he said. “The possibilities are unlimited as long as you go forward with your idea, put effort into it, and persevere.”
Kay has also seen his confidence grow since becoming employed. “I really do enjoy this job—the exercise, the critical thinking, the problem-solving with customers,” he said. “I’m able to talk to people more confidently and problem-solve a lot quicker on my feet.”
Looking ahead, Kay is working toward obtaining an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification. “It’s a 200-question test, all random information,” he said. “I’ve been studying the study guide and other flashcards, but it does come down to experience and knowledge. That would increase my job security and potential positions higher up than where I am right now.”
Kay credits Impact Solutions with helping him gain work experience and build his resume. “They helped me get one or two jobs before I landed this one,” he said. “It was nice to have Impact Solutions there to back me up, support me, and have someone to talk to.”
Despite early challenges in job searching and being let go from previous positions, Kay remained persistent. “I just kept going to work every day, having good work ethic, and doing my best,” he said. Now, with a steady career in vegetation management, he looks forward to continued professional growth in the forestry industry.