Forester

Portland General Electric•Portland, OR

About The Position

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all. Forester Job Function Vegetation Management Manages vegetation in proximity to electrical facilities to promote resiliency of transmission services. Key Job Information Job Title: Forester Job Code: 6275 Grade: 7 Career Level: P3 – Career Professional Career Level Summary Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems and takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works independently with minimal guidance and acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in earth science, horticulture, geology, forestry, natural resources, or a related field
Equivalent experience may be considered
Typically five or more years of experience in tree trimming, arborist work, nursery work, or related fields
Experience must include vendor management and project management
ISA Arborist Certification required at hire
Expert knowledge of forestry processes and procedures
Thorough knowledge of forestry best practices, including tree trimming and herbicide/pesticide application
Thorough understanding of regulations impacting vegetation management
Strong knowledge of vendor management principles
Intermediate critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills
Working knowledge of database and documentation tools
Intermediate decision-making skills
Intermediate interpersonal skills
Intermediate written and verbal communication skills
Intermediate presentation skills
Intermediate organizational awareness
Ability to work long hours (typically for exempt positions; overtime applies for non-exempt)
Ability to work during severe inclement weather
Ability to meet regular, reliable, and predictable full-time attendance standards
Ability to work assigned shift schedules
Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
Lifting/pushing/pulling: More than 50 lbs.
Carrying: More than 50 lbs.
Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats)
Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)
Confined spaces
Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
Stairs (over 10 steps)
Ladders (over 10 rungs)
Office
Field

Nice To Haves

ISA Certified Utility Arborist and Oregon Pesticide Consultant certifications required within six months of hire
Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)

Responsibilities

Scoping Performs safety audits
Conducts job scoping
Analyzes risks and prioritizes jobs based on urgency and location
Scheduling Plans, organizes, and oversees vegetation clearance activities
Prioritizes work in alignment with department strategy
Schedules contract crews
Vendor Management Ensures contract crew performance meets PGE standards and specifications
Monitors crew productivity to ensure value relative to the statement of work
Reviews and corrects tree pruning practices to ensure compliance with vegetation clearance policy
Consultation Advises regional engineering on vegetation clearance needs and issues for capital projects
Represents the Forestry Department to contractors impacting or impacted by company operations
Serves as a subject matter expert on projects
Proactively analyzes issues and resolves complex problems in collaboration with stakeholders
Coordinates herbicide applications with PGE transmission foresters
Coordination Coordinates vegetation clearance with line restoration crews during emergency periods
Collaborates with regional line operations on maintenance and construction clearance needs
Coordinates vegetation clearance and selective herbicide applications with city, county, and state agencies
Compliance Reviews new standards, regulations, and agreements
Analyzes work processes to ensure compliance
Adapts work direction to meet changing standards