Vegetation Management Associate I

About the Role

Manage annual vegetation maintenance work to be completed safely, in full compliance with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) Biennial Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) plan, DLC VM specifications, industry best management practices, and within the allocated budget. Assume fiscal responsibility for project assignments, support emergent work activities, and engage customers in the process.

Responsibilities

• Ensure regulatory PUC compliance from customer notification and work plan development through execution of the work plan.
• Engage customers to notify them of upcoming vegetation maintenance activities on their properties and educate them on the importance of utility vegetation management and proper arboricultural techniques.
• Administer utility line clearing contracts and manage projects, exercising appropriate controls and maintaining associated documentation (such as project details, budgets, and schedules).
• Utilize professional judgment to optimize the work plan.
• Facilitate contractor efforts in accordance with the work plan to maximize contractor efficiency, effectiveness, and end-product quality as per contractual requirements.
• Manage and resolve customer concerns related to contractor activities to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Serve as a liaison with key community individuals and groups such as special interest groups, local, state, and federal officials and/or agencies.
• Available 24/7 for timely response to emergent situations (storms, callouts, etc.) requiring departmental representation and support.
• Actively participate in the advancement of the program through completion of special assignments and daily assigned tasks.
• Proactively support, and assume when requested, duties of peers.
• Obtain and retain professional credentials by pursuing available continuing educational opportunities.
• Utilize data to make business decisions, support data stewardship activities, and partner with IT on underlying data needs.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in a related field such as Forestry, Environmental Science, or other related disciplines. A combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to identify local tree species (including growth and failure characteristics).
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of MS Office; Excel is required.
• Self-motivated, organized, and possess strong time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Available for extended hours and weekends in time of need.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Forestry, Environmental Science, or other related disciplines.
• Electric utility background.
• Two (2) or more years of utility line clearance industry or closely related experience.
• Experience with ESRI software, specifically ArcGIS 9.x or higher.
• PA Dept of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicators License.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to operate Company or personal vehicles on an extended daily basis.
• Ability to safely walk rights-of-way, traversing difficult terrain under all weather conditions.
• Available 24/7 to respond to emergency situations, both single event and longer duration events.
• Must be cognizant of hazards associated with driving and walking circuits through diverse terrain.
• Exposure to chemicals, electrical energy, and noise.
• When in the field, must access and evaluate work activities along rights-of-way, in potentially severe weather, over distances which may exceed several miles.
• When in the field, exposed to line clearance workers operating heavy equipment, working overhead in and around energized high voltage equipment.

Work Location

Position works in the office or in the field. Reporting location and frequency may be subject to change based on job role and department needs.

Storm Roles

All Non-Union Employees will serve in storm roles as appropriate to their role and skillset. Duties can vary across the Company and may include working with operations for service center support or with the communications, customer service, or government affairs teams to respond to public and customer requests for information.

Scope

Responsibilities are generally tactical and basic in nature, however work may vary in type and complexity, requiring the incumbent to adjust to the given solution. Primary focus is on daily deliverables and outputs, while developing a knowledge of the broader context in which the work is being performed.

Decision Impact

Independent discretion or decision-making capability is mostly limited. There is normally a general framework of established boundaries to help employees perform their roles and make decisions. Situations that require deviation from this general framework are typically not made alone. The employee may recommend a solution, however recommendations are frequently presented to their manager or more senior-level professionals for review and approval prior to the decision being made.

Benefits

We live by our values! We are safe above all else, guided by our commitment to integrity, and dependable, collaborative, and steady. We believe in equity and equal access to work, resources, and opportunities as critical elements of a clean energy future for all. We are ingrained in our community; we work where we live and are committed to serving our vibrant, diverse communities.