Transmission Forester Assoc- Sr

About the role

Assign and recommend industry accepted management practices to provide corrective control of non-compatible vegetation conditions in utility rights of way to vegetation control contractors; inspect ongoing and completed assignments to assure contract compliance to reduce preventable vegetation interruptions of service and to provide, as much as practical, access to facilities for the purpose of repair and inspection.

Responsibilities

• After training, ground patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations, maintain records of work, and make the necessary arrangements with landowners for vegetation management and access to facilities.
• Perform aerial patrol on FAC-003 compliance lines to assess vegetation to conductor distances, actively capture conditions in forestry computers during aerial patrol, and coordinate any required response for imminent threats identified during the patrol.
• Investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns; document and resolve areas where FAC-003 vegetation management plan is constrained.
• Estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding of new and existing facilities.
• Contact governmental agencies, other utilities, landowners, and others to arrange and coordinate right-of-way vegetation management work plans required.
• Inspect vegetation management and work planning contractors for safety and contract compliance, recommending acceptance or corrective action.
• Recommend work plans, priorities, schedules, and contractor requirements in accordance with the vegetation management program and FAC-003 compliance.
• Operate the forestry computer programs and records systems.
• Guide and train others involved with the vegetation management program in proper work practices and utility vegetation management procedures.
• Identify and schedule aerial herbicide and aerial saw vegetation management, including required permitting.

Requirements

• Transmission Forester Assoc: Bachelor's degree in forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and two (2) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired, OR associate’s degree in one of the same fields and four (4) years’ experience in utility vegetation management industry, OR High school diploma and six (6) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.
• Transmission Forester: Bachelor's degree in forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and three (3) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired, OR associate’s degree in one of the same fields and five (5) years’ experience in utility vegetation management industry, OR High school diploma and seven (7) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.
• Transmission Forester Sr: Bachelor's degree in forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and four (4) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired, OR associate’s degree in one of the same fields and six (6) years’ experience in utility vegetation management industry, OR High school diploma and eight (8) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and safe use of pesticides required. Arborist certification is desirable.
• Possession of Certified Pesticide Applicator's license required for each state within the forester’s area of responsibility.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification required. ISA Utility Specialist required.
• Completion of an “in the wires zone” aerial patrol course required.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification preferred.

Skills

• Competency in GIS systems and Microsoft Office components such as: Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word in addition to other analytical tools.
• Extensive travel is required to inspect and plan for the Company's right-of-way maintenance program.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• A unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Pay

• Transmission Forester Assoc: $54,063-$63,703
• Transmission Forester: $63,496-$74,078
• Transmission Forester Sr: $74,551-$86,977

Schedule

• Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
• The Physical Demand Level for this job is: M – Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Company Information

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company — we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.