Utility Forester
We are currently seeking a Utility Forester to join our team. We are looking for an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors and values the freedom of working independently. In this position candidates can expect to learn project management skills while planning projects and preparing for land clearing activities prior to and during construction. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ECI.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Demonstrate and direct a solid commitment to all aspects of safety.
- Under supervision oversee the execution of the annual vegetation management work plan.
- Under supervision perform the resolution of property owner refusals, responding to owner work request, questions and resolving complaints.
- Under supervision perform field inspections of vegetation management work completed by contractor tree crews and post-circuit inspections or rework to ensure specification compliance.
- Under supervision provide guidance to contracted vegetation companies within assigned territory; this includes all related vegetation management work such as work planning, tree work, herbicide work, new construction and all unplanned work activity.
- Under supervision coordinate all vegetation management activities within assigned territory, including maintenance, unplanned work, new business and storm response, by meeting scheduled timelines and achieving quality work scope completion while meeting cost targets.
- Assist in implementing the quality control process.
- Under supervision, perform aerial, mid-cycle and mitigation vegetation inspections.
- Under supervision perform Transmission tree-related outage investigations.
- Review and approve contractor time sheets.
- Under supervision, implement the Transmission Vegetation Management Program and complete required documentation to ensure mandatory state and federal regulatory standards are met.
Qualifications
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Forestry Science or related discipline OR Associate degree in Forestry Science or related discipline along with 2 years related job experience or High School Diploma (or GED) along with 4-5 years related work experience.
- Related work experience in utility vegetation or right of way management.
- ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist preferred
- State pesticide license is preferred.
- Working knowledge in urban forestry, plant identification, hazard tree evaluation, pesticide applications and communication skills.
- Ability to communicate and present himself/herself in a professional manner.
- Effective and written communication skills.
- Be able to effectively handle conflict and provide information for legal matters.
- Working knowledge of National Electric Safety Code, ANSI Z133.1 – Arboriculture Operations, and NERC Standard FAC-003-1 Transmission Vegetation Management Program.
- Working knowledge of overhead and underground construction methods, maintenance practices, overhead and underground construction standards, rates, procedures and service practices.
- Proficiency with PC software applications which include Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
- Possess the physical ability to perform field surveys and inspections in all weather conditions.
- Ability to build relationships and credibility, and provide staff support to management and higher levels of professionals, as needed.
Physical Demands & Working Environment
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employee must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodations, if available, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment
Work alone in an outdoor field environment; vehicle and foot patrol of utility power lines; remote locations as well as urban, city environment; physical demands and travel from site to site, including: walking/hiking on various surfaces including flat, dry, wet, slippery, uneven, rough, steep terrain, hills and slopes; exposure to noise, dust, grease, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions
Physical
The employee must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand, arm and shoulder movement in the performance of daily duties (e.g., forcefully beat down brush); carry, push and/or pull light to heavy amounts of weight, frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (sandbags); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with public; ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.
Company Overview
Environmental Consultants, Inc. (ECI) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at ECI have come from a variety of backgrounds, including: forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more. ECI offers exciting career opportunities with an excellent compensation package and ongoing growth potential.
Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal background check.
All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.
ECI is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE/AA : Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.