Registered Professional Forester

** Must hold valid CA RPF License **

RPF is responsible for coordinating with property owners and vegetation management contractors regarding vegetation management work to be performed and when necessary, obtaining permits from public agencies; pre-inspecting in advance for vegetation management work; post-auditing vegetation management work; and documenting information for client’s vegetation management program. Business conduct must occur in accordance with OMS policies and procedures and be aligned with the goals of OMS.

Essential Functions:
• As requested by the client representative, the RPF shall perform all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with all safety requirements, laws, and regulations, and applicable labor agreements.
• RPF shall supply client with a copy of all permits obtained by RPF. In addition, RPF will have responsibilities in judging tree value, volume, and risk involved with hazard tree removal projects that contain commercially valuable sawlogs.
• RPF is to provide professional and technical advice on the management of client’s timberlands to assure lands are producing at their optimum potential.
• Internal
• Patrol specified electric line sections and identify vegetation hazards.
• Inspect individual jobs in the field to determine the number and types of units of work to be performed by the vegetation management contractor per span, as well as the rough estimate of time to complete the work.
• Secure the permission of each property owner before the vegetation management contractor commences tree removal work on any property for which PG&E does not already have removal rights. If the removal rights are not known or are unclear, then the RPF shall obtain Permission prior to the removal of any tree.
• Promptly inform Client’s Representative in writing of each instance in which RPF is unable to obtain Permission or permits.
• Supervise individual tree replacement and high production seedling planting activities, ensuring proper tree is chosen for site and planting techniques are in compliance with ISA standards.
• Audit on-going and completed vegetation management jobs in the field to ensure compliance with the job requirements and approved tree removal and pruning standards.
• Maintain direct contact with local client operating personnel as directed by the client representative.
• Maintain working relationship with all public agencies, including California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), United States Forest Service (USFS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) representatives in his/her assigned area.
• Timely resolve customer complaints.
• As deemed necessary by client’s representative, the RPF may be required to perform emergency or storm related tree work at any time. If required to perform such emergency or storm related work, RPF shall ensure that all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to perform such work shall be available within twenty-four (24) hours of client’s notification to RPF that such work is required. RPF shall ensure, at all times, that its employees have suitable protective clothing for work in inclement weather.
• Assist client foresters in planning and organizing timber harvests in accordance with all State, county and local laws governing actions.
• As assigned by client representative, complete Timber Harvest Plan, Emergency THP, Exemption, or Conversion form for submission to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, including all required permits.
• At the request of client’s representative, conduct CALFIRE and associated agency pre-inspections as necessary to obtain approved THP.
• Mark timber as agreed to by Client Representative.
• Inspect and guide other FTs to ensure tree marking is within specification of agreed silvicultural prescription in THP. (Marking guidelines in USFS Manual.)
• Monitor and audit timber logging contractor to ensure compliance with timber sale logging contract and agency regulations. Audit results shall be submitted as weekly or daily reports to the client representative using the Timber Sale Inspection Agreement and/or Notice.
• Conduct timber inventory as prescribed by PG&E Representative. Sampling methods will vary as conditions merit. Sampling methods are described in USFS Chapter 30.
• Perform timber appraisal of specified properties under the direction of client forester.
• Acknowledge and participate in OMS H&S programs.
• Duties will include completing H&S training.
• Other duties as assigned by OMS or the client.

Qualifications:
o Registered by the State of California as a professional forester in good standing.
o Two (2) years’ experience in hazard tree removal projects along utility rights of way.
o Familiar with vegetation management contractors’ work practices, proper arboricultural techniques and practices, Client’s Specification or other requirements as directed by client, and government agency requirements related to line clearances and fire prevention.
o At the discretion of the Client Representative, a portion of these qualifications may be waived for an otherwise exceptionally qualified individual.
o Required to maintain a Class C driver’s license, including participating in Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN), with DMV.
o Must have and maintain a clean driving record.
o Conduct a background check, clear drug screening, and physical exam.
o Approval by Client Representative.

Working Conditions:
Environmental Factors: Indoor and outdoor conditions; exposure to heat, cold, potentially hazardous chemicals, toxic materials; work on/walk on slippery or uneven and potentially mountainous terrain. Noise level is usually moderate. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, stand, walk for extended periods of time, walk long distances, sit during extended periods of time, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to perform tasks during a typical 8+ hour workday.