Line Clearance Coordinator

City of Austin•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Contract Inspections Distribution Vegetation Management (VM) team is comprised of 12 field staff who oversee 6 or more contractors, representing 50–100 crews performing work for the Austin Energy Vegetation Management Program. The Line Clearance Coordinator (LCC) will support the management of newly approved FY24 VM Distribution contracts and additional contractor resources, assisting with work management, contractor invoicing, auditing, and quality assurance for both Distribution and Transmission operations. Key responsibilities include tracking and reporting contract expenditures, reviewing and approving contractor invoices, resolving customer issues and negotiations, directing contracted crews during storm restoration, participating in project design and scheduling to minimize tree-line conflicts, and engaging in public meetings to educate customers on Austin Energy’s line clearance program and standards.

Requirements

Knowledge of construction types, techniques and equipment common to electric utilities.
Knowledge of electric utility line clearance equipment and techniques.
Knowledge of local tree species and special considerations and constraints associated with their management.
Knowledge of all processes within the Utility Forestry Section.
Knowledge and skill in integrated vegetation management.
Skill in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external customers.
Skill in using computers and available software packages to manage work activities.
Skill in negotiating among the diverse perspectives of internal and external customers.
Ability to exercise sound judgement, tact, and diplomacy in all public contacts.
Ability to plan work and allocate resources effectively and efficiently.
Ability to work in stressful situations and adverse weather conditions.
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job.
Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Current certification from International Society of Arboriculture.
Licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture for pesticide application or ability to acquire license within 180 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance maintenance programs.
Customer Service experience with problem solving and resolutions with Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance maintenance for a diverse set of stakeholders (City Council, environmental, neighborhood groups and utility customers.
Experience planning, monitoring and approving vegetation Management work performed and completed by contracted Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance Crews.
Experience working with Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance program staff members from a governing electric utility company or consulting arborists within Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance program.

Responsibilities

Coordinates, oversees, and inspects contracted crews field activities in the clearance and removal of vegetation that may interfere with the transmission and distribution of electricity.
Reviews and approves contractor crew expenditures.
Tracks and monitors contractor progress on individual projects.
Monitors and manages the productivity of contractor crews to meet established work standards and improve cost effectiveness and efficiency.
Directs contracted crews during storm restoration as needed.
Communicates AE's Pruning Specifications, Shigo's principles, and required modifications to customers, staff, and contracted forces.
Meets and negotiates with customers to educate and obtain AE clearance standards.
Attends public meetings to educate and inform customers about AE line clearance program and standards.
Provides input on assigned contractor performance evaluations, sets schedules, and assigns tasks within the scope of assigned projects.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.