Contract Specialist | Erie, PA

ACRT Services•Erie, PA

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Contract Vegetation Specialist reports to the Operations Manager at ACRT Inc. This position will play a key role in identifying, inspecting, and evaluating trees and brush along utility lines and submitting inspection results to clients with recommendations. This position plans, facilitates, and coordinates the activities of assigned tree clearance crews. You will also be expected to participate in storm restoration events that requires extended hours and in-state travel. This position requires a love of working outside, excellent attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal communications skills.

Requirements

Two- or four-year forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources degree or related field OR high school diploma/GED plus two years of UVM experience. High school diploma/GED requirement can be substituted with 5 years of related UVM experience.
Must be (or working towards becoming) an ISA Certified Arborist, and must hold (or working towards holding) a State Pesticide License.
Be able to communicate and present himself/herself in a professional manner.
Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate FirstEnergy position regarding tree inquiry to property owners.
Interpersonal skills to gain cooperation with internal and external customers.
Demonstrate excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
Be able to effectively handle conflict.
Basic knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code, as well as relevant ANSI Standards
Working knowledge of overhead construction types, able to identify basic equipment and have general understanding and knowledge of the operation of transmission and distribution facilities.
Basic knowledge of PC software applications which include Microsoft Office
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
Knowledge of the FirstEnergy’s Accident Prevention Handbook and ability to work safely
Valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle required
The individual must have the physical ability to perform field surveys and inspections in all weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in urban forestry, plant identification, hazard tree evaluation, pesticide applications and communication skills.
6 months of Contract Specialist experience

Responsibilities

Execution of the annual vegetation management work plan utilizing utility work management software and reporting within the authority provided by FirstEnergy.
Resolution of property owner refusals, responding to property owner work requests, questions and resolving complaints within the authority provided by FirstEnergy.
Performing field inspections of vegetation management work completed by contractor tree crews and post-circuit inspections of rework to assure specification compliance
Administer required guidance, to contracted tree companies as it relates to implementing the FirstEnergy vegetation management specifications within an assigned territory
Implementing the quality control process.
Performing aerial, mitigation, and other vegetation inspections as necessary
Performing tree-related outage investigations
Assisting in forestry crew dispatching efforts including 24-hour on-call availability
Assisting with work-load estimates using predetermined methodologies
Reviewing and approving contractor timesheets
Performing all duties associated with clearing vegetation for new construction (not to include physically: removing trees, mowing, or operating heavy equipment)
Implementing the Vegetation Management Program and complete required documentation to ensure mandatory NERC FAC-003 Vegetation Management Standard, State Regulatory, and local environmental requirements are met
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Group health plans including medical/prescription, dental, vision and a variety of other coverage options offered
Company paid group life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts or an option for a Health Savings Account with company match
Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and eligible family members
Automatic enrollment in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost
Roth or Traditional 401(k) Retirement plan with company match
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Veterans Day paid time off for our veterans
Company vehicle and gas card
Meal and travel per diems (allowances)
Boot allowance
Certification reimbursement program
Scheduling flexibility at the discretion of Manager or Utility