Planned Distribution Arborist- CUA1

ACRT•Corsicana, TX

10d

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 and submits inspection results and recommendations to clients. It also plans, directs, and coordinates assigned tree-clearance crews. The position involves outdoor work and requires attention to detail and strong interpersonal communication skills. The employee generally takes a company-provided vehicle directly to the day’s work location rather than reporting to an office. The role requires working in rugged terrain and inclement weather, driving a pickup truck or 4x4 vehicle, and wearing safety-related equipment. Employees must complete online safe-driver and safety training, undergo drug/alcohol testing, and obtain ISA Arborist certification within 30 months of being assigned as a CUF.

Requirements

Associate's degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field; OR a high school diploma or GED. The posting also states that five years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a high school 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 knowledge of 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 and the ability to multitask, work independently, and work as part of a team.
Excellent communication skills and comfort interacting with senior management, customers, and clients.
Demonstrated critical-thinking skills and sound judgment for business decisions.
Must obtain International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist certification within 30 months of being assigned as a CUF.
Must complete an online safe-driver course and safety training.
Must undergo drug/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, taking growth rates into account.
Map circuits using client continuity lists.
Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and work prescribed by 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 of tree-trimming and tree- or brush-removal work in accordance with client specifications.
Manage the issuance of work and track work progress.
Perform outage investigations when necessary.
Discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues.
Perform herbicide audits.
Assist with storm restoration efforts.
Audit contractor tree-trimming and tree-removal work 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 trimming and 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.
As requested by the Senior CUF or Manager, perform necessary emergency-response duties in accordance with safety requirements, laws, regulations, and applicable labor agreements.
Meet attendance and work-hour requirements and conduct work safely to avoid endangering oneself or others.
Wear safety-related equipment such as a hard hat, safety vest, and safety glasses.
Exemplify ACRT’s Guiding Principles and build and maintain positive relationships with clients, tree crews, client customers, local client personnel, and relevant governmental agencies.
Maintain a positive attitude toward customers, peers, and the company, and serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers.
Participate in public presentations and meetings if required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Group health plans, including medical/prescription, dental, vision, and other coverage options.
Company-paid group life insurance.
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
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.
Veterans Day paid time off for veterans.
Company vehicle and gas card.
Meal and travel per diems (allowances).
Boot allowance.
Certification reimbursement program.