Staff Forester

Role Description

The Consulting Staff Forester reports to the Operations Manager at ACRT Inc. This position will coordinate vegetation management activities across the Company transmission system, distribution system, substations, plants, and other properties. This position will interact with contractors, Company internal groups, customers, and property owners. This position will schedule work and assign resources as company needs dictate within assigned area. This position will ensure compliance with federal, state, and municipal regulations, and provide job estimates for vegetation management work on capital projects. This position will also monitor work production, quality, and expenditures associated with vegetation management.

What You’ll Do

• Promotes a safety culture by performing duties consistent with IIF.
• Coordinates, plans and schedules work for vegetation, pole treating and inspection work.
• Provides cost estimates for Vegetation Management work.
• Performs job site inspections to confirm job site readiness and coordinates necessary resources to optimize manpower and equipment utilization.
• Monitors and assesses progress for contractors, as needed.
• Ensures corrective actions are taken as necessary to ensure performance meets contract and standards.
• Coordinates vegetation activities with Power Plants, dispatch, local management, and other entities, as required.
• Discusses and negotiates line-clearance issues with customers, vendors, local government entities, and special interest groups.
• Acts as primary contact for contract crews on company property responsible for authorizing and communicating changes in work scope.
• Responsible for communicating the completion of work to necessary parties.
• Coordinates and monitors emergency work as required.
• Investigates claims and is responsible for resolution of complaints and negotiates positive solutions.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with all departments of the Company.
• Provides expert utility arborist knowledge as required.
• Reviews and approves contractor invoices to ensure proper billing and accounting.
• Performs audits on contractor work to ensure all work is complete, accurate, and meets OG&E specifications.
• Accurately maintains records of completed circuit clearing and other vegetation management work and keeps records up to date and ensure information can be readily accessed and used.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent, or Bachelor's Degree in any discipline.
• If you have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, you must have 5 years of Field Experience in a job involved with Utility Construction, Maintenance or Service Restoration to include all Utilities (i.e., Electric, Water, Phone, or Gas) with 3 years of experience in the field of Arboriculture.
• If you have a Bachelor's Degree, you must have 3 years of work experience in the field of Arboriculture.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a Life Science field such as Horticulture, Forestry, Biology, Botany, or Landscape Architecture (Nice to have).
• 2 years working in a field associated with primary duties such as a Lineman, Sales Professional, Geographic Information System (GIS) Professional, Arborist, or in Land Management (Nice to have).

Your Skills

• Working knowledge of IVM (Integrated Vegetation Management) and the proper application of IVM techniques.
• Strong knowledge of arboriculture, horticulture, or vegetation management.
• Ability to link the impact of arboriculture, horticulture, or vegetation management to the efficient and safe operation of an electric utility.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to read/create maps and utilize GIS based applications.
• Strong ability to work in partnership with other members.
• Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with team members, leaders, customers, and communities.
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose problems, and resolve effectively.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to understand and comply with company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs and SSOPs).
• Demonstrated ability to adjust and adapt across varied working conditions.
• Strong Organizational Skills and an ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities.

Working Conditions

• Required to maintain permanent residence within thirty (30) minute commute of operational location where the position is based.
• May require occasional overnight stays for routine work and extended stays of 3-7 days for emergency storm restoration.
• May be required to work non-standard work schedules to include on-call weekends, and holidays.
• Exposed to extreme conditions and inclement weather.
• Required to operate motor vehicle safely in all traffic, weather and light conditions.
• May be required to work under hazardous conditions.

Benefits

• Group health plans including medical/prescription, dental, vision and a variety of other coverage options offered.
• Company paid group life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts or an option for a Health Savings Account with company match.
• Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and eligible family members.
• Automatic enrollment in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost.
• Roth or Traditional 401(k) Retirement plan with company match.
• Paid Vacation.
• Paid Holidays.
• Veterans Day paid time off for our veterans.
• Company vehicle and gas card.
• Meal and travel per diems (allowances).
• Boot allowance.
• Certification reimbursement program.