Forestry Field Associate

Support the Transmission Vegetation Management team by inspecting span-to-span Georgia Power Company’s transmission system to identify and document vegetation-related hazards. Additional duties include monitoring contracted tree crews, communicating with GPC customers, assisting with work planning, and supporting the integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan across the Forester territories in Rome, Atlanta Road, Oakley, Conyers, and Columbus Transmission Maintenance Center (TMC) areas. Some overnight travel may be required. Storm response and business needs may require work outside regular hours and days. The successful candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance to the assigned territory. Modified relocation assistance may be available.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, planning, and implementation of an integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan across the assigned territory
• Perform rights of way patrols, vegetation, and electrical clearance assessments
• Communicate with customers and landowners regarding rights of way and utility vegetation matters
• Assist with management of the daily work-plans of multiple contractor resources to ensure work practices are performed safely, productively, and within schedule
• Perform ongoing quality control inspections of completed work as well as work in progress to ensure compliance with contract specifications
• Establish and maintain relationships with various federal, state, municipal, and local government agencies and departments related to vegetation management
• Represent Georgia Power to various organizations such as local tree boards, neighborhood associations, professional organizations, and industry committees
• Effectively communicate vegetation maintenance objectives and practices to both internal and external customers
• Ensure all compliance and regulatory obligations are met, including Transmission Vegetation Management standard FAC-003-5
• Operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and participate in annual helicopter vegetation inspections
• Work outside normal business hours in support of emergency restoration efforts

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry or related field preferred
• Must possess, or obtain within industry guidelines, ISA Certified Arborist certification
• ISA Utility Specialist certification desired
• Must possess, or obtain within industry guidelines, appropriate herbicide application license
• Knowledge of distribution and transmission utility electrical systems desired
• Familiarity with ANSI Z-133, A-300 standards desired
• Knowledge of NERC Standard for vegetation management, FAC 003-5, preferred
• Utility integrated vegetation management experience desired
• Contractor management experience desired
• Knowledgeable about the growth patterns and typical mature heights of ornamental and landscape plants

Skills

• Demonstrate commitment to personal safety and the safety of your team
• Ability to meet schedules and critical deadlines
• Ability to inspect vegetation conditions along transmission rights of way in all terrain and weather conditions
• Ability to value and interact with people with different perspectives and backgrounds
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work without direct supervision
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Experience with mobile, GIS, and GPS applications
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a plus
• Early start and extended work hours will be routine
• Ability to identify the species of local vegetation and their growth characteristics
• Ability to perform emergency call-out response and storm restoration support

Behavioral Attributes

• Safety focused
• Demonstrate Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance daily
• Possesses a questioning attitude
• Function independently while serving the needs of your team

Vehicle Requirements

This position requires the use of a Georgia Power fleet vehicle. The following will be required if selected:

• Must have at least one year of verifiable driving experience
• Must hold a valid driver’s license for the class vehicle to be operated
• Must have no revocation of driving privileges within the 36 months prior to application
• No convictions of major traffic violations (DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, etc.) within the 12 months prior to application
• No pending charges for a major traffic violation at the time of application

Benefits

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes:

• Competitive base salary
• Annual incentive awards for eligible employees
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being
• Eligibility for additional compensation such as an incentive program

Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process. View a summary of benefits.