Forester

PPL Corporation•Hazleton, PA

About The Position

The Forester supervises field activities that coordinate and execute PPL Electric Utilities’ vegetation management program in its Central region. The role oversees employee and contractor safety, completion of work scopes, cost efficiency, reliability standards, and customer service, including frequent direct contact with the public. The Forester may also provide expert testimony on behalf of the company in litigation and supervises bargaining unit employees performing line-clearance operations, requiring accurate interpretation of the labor agreement. The position leads vegetation management work across transmission and distribution planned work, capital projects, and storm response. It oversees line-clearance inspectors and certified vegetation contractors and is responsible for the region’s schedule, quality, cost targets, compliance with program specifications and policies, and applicable federal reliability standards. The Forester also serves as the regional lead for customer inquiries and environmental issues related to vegetation clearing and treatment. The assigned work location may be onsite, remote, or hybrid, and may change. Remote work may still require in-person presence for coordination. The position may receive an emergency and storm assignment, which can require work after hours and outside the normal schedule.

Requirements

Associate degree in Forestry Science, an agricultural or environmental field, or a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.).
At least 5 years of experience in utilities, line clearance, maintenance, or construction.
Demonstrated expertise or knowledge of energized and deenergized facilities, training, and clearances.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload to maximize budget allotments, and experience with accounting and customer relations.
Demonstrated experience leading teams and projects.
Possess or be able to obtain a Pennsylvania pesticide license within 6 months of employment.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Project management certification from a recognized organization such as the Project Management Institute.
Familiarity with electric utility equipment and processes.
Customer interface experience.
Strong written, oral, presentation, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated initiative and leadership skills.
Knowledge of supervising subordinates and handling difficult personalities.
Experience dealing with outside contractors and their subordinates.
Ability to speak in front of large groups.

Responsibilities

Lead and direct regional vegetation management activities for transmission and distribution planned work, capital projects, and storm response.
Supervise and direct a skilled workforce to ensure safe, productive performance, including bargaining unit line-clearance employees and vegetation management contractors.
Ensure system-wide work practices comply with applicable vegetation management and company specifications, policies, procedures, and federal reliability standards.
Serve as the company’s lead personnel for customer inquiries about vegetation management clearing work and negotiate with property owners to balance customer satisfaction with completion of the work scope.
Supervise up to 6 line-clearance inspectors and 150+ certified vegetation contractors performing vegetation removal, trimming, mowing, herbicide treatment, customer notification, and quality assurance.
Research and analyze vegetation management methods and procedures, including tools, equipment, crew types, and herbicides.
Lead regional responses to environmental issues or concerns related to clearing and treatment activities.
Execute regional vegetation management activities to meet schedules, complete quality work scopes, and achieve cost targets.
When applicable, provide in-person employee supervision to ensure compliance with FLSA wage-and-hour requirements and safety rules.
May take on an emergency and storm role that supports power restoration or response to other issues affecting customer service, potentially requiring after-hours work outside the normal schedule.
Perform other assigned duties and comply with company policies and standards.