Planned Distribution Arborist- CUA1

ACRT Services • Kemp, TX

12d

About The Position

The Planned Distribution Arborist reports to the Planned Distribution Senior Consulting Utility Forester at ACRT, Inc. The role identifies, inspects, and evaluates trees and brush along utility lines, submits inspection results and recommendations to clients, and plans, directs, and coordinates assigned tree-clearance crew activities. It involves working outdoors and requires attention to detail and strong interpersonal communication.

The position inspects and manages vegetation, assesses tree-trimming work, maintains regulatory and client compliance, and builds relationships with clients, tree crews, customers, and government agencies. Employees generally take a company-provided vehicle directly to their reporting location rather than reporting to an office. The role includes required drug and alcohol testing, safe-driver and safety training, and obtaining ISA Arborist certification within 30 months of being assigned as a CUF.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED is required, with five years of experience substituting for the diploma or GED plus two years of related utility experience.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to learn and use company- or job-specific software systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) or a similar software suite.
• Ability to identify local trees and understand growth rates.
• Ability to work in rugged terrain and inclement weather.
• Ability to read and follow maps.
• Ability to drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle.
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, able to multitask and work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort interacting with senior management, customers, and clients.
• Critical-thinking skills and sound judgment for making business decisions.
• Must complete an online safe-driver course and safety training.
• Must obtain International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist certification within 30 months of being assigned as a CUF.
• Must undergo drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field.
• One year of experience on the Oncor VM System.
• ISA Certification.
• TDA Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use.
• Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware.

Responsibilities

• Identify and inspect local trees and understand their growth rates.
• Map circuits using client continuity lists.
• Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and work prescribed for client tree-trimming contractors.
• Enter tree-trimming and tree or brush removal prescriptions into a handheld computer or similar system, and use computers and associated software to perform duties.
• Notify property owners about tree-trimming and tree or brush removal work in accordance with client specifications.
• Manage work issuance and track work progress.
• Conduct outage investigations when necessary.
• Discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues.
• Perform herbicide audits.
• Assist with storm restoration efforts.
• Audit tree-trimming and tree-removal work completed by contractors in the field for compliance with work request forms and approved trimming.
• Determine when the next tree trimming is required.
• Complete post-audit forms documenting the adequacy of tree-trimming and tree-removal work and forward them to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator.
• Obtain permits from public agencies and document work.
• Comply with regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards.
• Perform emergency-response duties when requested by the Senior CUF or Manager, in accordance with safety requirements, laws, regulations, and applicable labor agreements.
• Adhere to attendance and work-hour requirements and conduct work safely.
• Wear safety-related equipment, including a hard hat, safety vest, and safety glasses.
• Know and exemplify ACRT’s Guiding Principles.
• Serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers.
• Maintain positive relationships with customers, peers, the company, local client personnel, and relevant government agencies.
• Participate in public presentations and meetings when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Group health plans, including medical/prescription, dental, and vision coverage, plus other coverage options.
• Company-paid group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts or a Health Savings Account option with company match.
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program for 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, including Veterans Day paid time off for veterans.
• Company vehicle and gas card.
• Meal and travel per diems (allowances).
• Boot allowance.
• Certification reimbursement program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree