Forestry Field Associate

About the role

We are filling the following positions:

• 3 Distribution Forestry Field Associates
• 1 Capital Program Forestry Field Associate

Distribution Forestry Field Associates provide support to Distribution foresters in their respective work territories. This includes identifying and documenting vegetation-related hazards on the right-of-way, monitoring contracted tree crews, communicating with customers, and assisting with work planning.

Capital Program Forestry Field Associates provide statewide support to the Capital Forester, including work planning on acquired vegetation easements, performing contracted tree crew inspections and audits, and communicating with customers.

Available positions support vegetation management activities for Georgia Power in the following areas. There is no required office location, but candidates should live within the selected work territory:

• Distribution Forestry Field Associate – West Georgia (Rome, Smyrna, Columbus, Jonesboro)
• Distribution Forestry Field Associate – Metro Atlanta (Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Atlanta, Tucker, Lithonia)
• Distribution Forestry Field Associate – North/East Georgia (Cartersville, Gainesville, Athens, Augusta)
• Capital Program Forestry Field Associate – Statewide

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 vegetation matters
• Assist with management of daily work-plans for multiple contractor resources to ensure safe, productive, and on-schedule work practices
• Perform ongoing quality control inspections of completed work and work in progress to ensure compliance with contract specifications
• Establish and maintain relationships with federal, state, municipal, and local government agencies related to vegetation management
• Represent Georgia Power to organizations such as local tree boards, neighborhood associations, professional organizations, and industry committees
• Effectively communicate vegetation maintenance objectives and practices to internal and external customers
• Ensure all compliance and regulatory obligations are met
• 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

Skills

• Demonstrate commitment to personal safety and the safety of your team
• Ability to meet schedules and critical deadlines
• Ability to learn basic business skills such as budgeting and finance
• Ability to value and interact with people from different perspectives and backgrounds
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills highly desired
• Self-motivated with the ability to work without direct supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Access, and Excel; experience with mobile applications and GIS/GPS applications is a plus
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a plus
• Ability to work early starts and extended hours routinely
• Ability to perform emergency call-out response and storm restoration support
• Ability to identify local vegetation species and their growth characteristics

Behavioral Attributes

• Safety-focused
• Demonstrates company values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance daily
• Possesses a questioning attitude
• Functions independently while serving the needs of your team

Additional Requirements

This position requires the use of a Georgia Power fleet vehicle. If selected, you must:

• Have at least one year of verifiable driving experience (must hold a valid driver’s license for the class of vehicle to be operated; driving permits are not typically considered valid)
• Have no revocation of driving privileges within the 36 months prior to application
• Have no convictions of major traffic violations (DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, etc.) within the 12 months prior to application, or any 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
• Potential eligibility for additional compensation, such as an incentive program

Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process. A summary of benefits can be found here.