Vegetation Maintenance Specialist 1

About the role

This position is responsible for vegetation maintenance for the Cooperative.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, schedule and monitor vegetation contractor crews
• Conduct field visits of contractor crews
• Verify and approve the accuracy of contractor log sheets
• Investigate and handle customer issues and complaints including access refusals, the work performed, and other vegetation maintenance activities
• Notify supervisor and other appropriate personnel of problems encountered
• Make recommendations for solutions to problems
• Maintain assigned vehicle and tools
• Adhere to PEC and industry safety standards
• Prepare written documents regarding vegetation maintenance activities to ensure department compliance with internal policies, NERC, PUCT and NMPRC regulatory requirements and environmental regulatory requirements
• Participate in call out, outage and restoration activities
• Represent PEC on vegetation maintenance issues and associated environmental issues
• Assist supervisor in investigating and effectively resolving member complaints
• Periodic patrol of lines for tree encroachments and visibly faulty equipment
• Initiate requisitions for contractor work to be performed
• Approve invoices for work performed by contractors
• Operate PEC vehicle(s) for business purposes in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local law and PEC policies and procedures
• Maintain driver eligibility through appropriate valid Texas Driver's License and driving record in accordance with PEC policy
• Maintain the security of confidential information
• Stay abreast of advances in technology
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned

Supervisory and/or Leadership Responsibilities

Provides guidance to contractor crews. Oversees and approves the work of contracted crews

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data, configuration, or processing information
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service
• Knowledge of electric utility construction practices for transmission and distribution systems
• Knowledge of utility vegetation management safety rules and practices
• Skilled in time management
• Skilled in prioritizing and managing changing priorities
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to listen and understand information verbally and in writing
• Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze and resolve conflict and problems
• Ability to learn and comprehend basic electrical distribution and transmission systems
• Ability to learn and identify problematic equipment

Qualifications

Associates degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry, or related field of study. Directly related experience may substitute for education. International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist or obtain within two (2) years of hire. Valid Texas Driver's License and Motor Vehicle Report that comply with PEC policy

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee may be required to stand; reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel. The employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time. The employee may be required to lift, carry, push, pull or move up to 50 pounds. The employee may be required to traverse all types of terrain. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions including wet and/or humid conditions.

Pay

$32.35 Minimum Starting Base Pay + KPI Bonuses + Competitive Benefits. Qualifications may warrant greater starting base pay within the full pay range. Individual base pay is determined by experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training.

Schedule

Exempt employees receive a fixed bi-weekly salary to compensate them for all hours worked during each pay period. This position may be required to work more than 40 hours per week.