Forestry Field Associate

Southern Company • Atlanta, GA

1d • Remote

About The Position

This posting is to fill 3 positions in Distribution Forestry and 1 position in Forestry Capital Program. Distribution Forestry Field Associates are responsible for providing support to Distribution foresters in their respective work territories. This support includes but is not limited to identifying and documenting vegetation-related hazards on the right-of-way, monitoring contracted tree crews, communicating with GPC customers, and assisting with work planning. Capital Program Forestry Field Associates are responsible for providing statewide support to the Capital Forester. This support includes but is not limited to work planning on acquired vegetation easements, performing contracted tree crew inspections and audits, and communicating with GPC customers. The available positions support vegetation management activities for Georgia Power in the following areas. There is no required office location for these positions, but candidates should live within the work territory selected.

Requirements

• Must possess, or obtain within industry guidelines, ISA Certified Arborist certification
• Must possess, or obtain within industry guidelines, appropriate herbicide application license
• Demonstrate commitment to personal safety and the safety of your team
• Must be able to meet schedules and critical deadlines
• Able to value and interact with people with different perspectives and backgrounds
• Must be self-motivated and demonstrate ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to work with commonly used applications including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Access and Excel. Also, experience with mobile applications and GIS / GPS applications is a plus.
• Early start and extended work hours will be routine
• Ability to perform emergency call-out response and storm restoration support is required
• Must be able to identify the species of local vegetation and their growth characteristics
• Must have at least one year of verifiable driving experience (Must hold a valid driver’s license for the class vehicle to be operated. Driving permits are not typically considered a valid driver’s license).
• Must have no revocation of driving privileges within the 36 months prior to application, no convictions of major traffic violations (DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, etc.) within the 12 months prior to application, or any pending charges for a major traffic violation at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry or related field preferred
• ISA Utility Specialist desired
• Knowledge of distribution and transmission utility electrical systems desired
• Familiarity with ANSI Z-133, A-300 standards desired
• Knowledge of NERC Standard for vegetation management, FAC 003-5, preferred
• Utility integrated vegetation management experience desired
• Contractor management experience desired
• Ability to learn basic business skills such as budgeting and finance
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills highly desired
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a plus

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, planning and Implementation of an integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan across the assigned territory
• Perform rights of way patrols, vegetation, and electrical clearance assessments
• Communicate with customers and land owners regarding rights of way and vegetation matters
• Assist with management of the daily work-plans of multiple contractor resources to ensure work practices are performed safely, productively, and within schedule
• Perform on-going quality control inspections of completed work as well as work in progress to ensure compliance with contract specifications
• Establish and maintain relationships with various federal, state, municipal, and local government agencies and departments related to vegetation management.
• Represent Georgia Power to various organizations such as local tree boards, neighborhood associations, professional organizations, company or industry committees, etc.
• Effectively communicate vegetation maintenance objectives and practices to both internal and external customers
• Ensure all compliance and regulatory obligations are met
• Work outside normal business hours in support of emergency restoration efforts is expected

Benefits

• competitive base salary
• annual incentive awards for eligible employees
• health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being
• incentive program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level