Regional Forester

Career finder•Menomonee Falls, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We Energies, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, is seeking a Regional Forester in our Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin location. WEC Energy Group is one of the nation’s largest electric generation and distribution and natural gas delivery holding companies serving 4.7 million customers across the Midwest. We are committed to providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy in an environmentally sustainable manner. Customers are the heart of our business, and we work every day to help grow and support communities where we provide vital energy services. As a Fortune 500 company, we value and develop our employees who are making a difference in a mission that matters. We don’t just offer a job; we provide fulfilling careers where safety and well-being are paramount. Join our team and experience first-hand our commitment to your success. We offer competitive pay and benefits to recognize your hard work and dedication. If you’re talented, energetic and ready for a career with a future, we want you on our team. We are powered by a diverse and inclusive workforce fueled by the pride in what we do. If you're driven by the passion to change lives, this is the place for you.

Requirements

Either a bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Urban Forestry or a related field along with two years of supervisory experience; or a two year degree in one of these fields and five years of supervisory experience.
Must obtain and maintain certification as an ISA Certified Arborist within 12 months of employment.
Must be able to make important decisions with minimal guidance related to resolution of customer issues; resolution of forestry related system reliability issues; and resource utilization.
Must be responsible for communicating expert level technical information and recommendations related to all aspects of vegetation management and so must have demonstrated strong technical skills, as well as above average oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal skills
Conflict resolution
Leadership and team building skills
Above average decision making skills
Mature judgment
Strong personal responsibility for results
Ability to think creatively and innovatively

Responsibilities

Collaborates with Area personnel to evaluate reliability concerns related to Line Clearance, recommends a course of action to resolve. Coordinates with area operations personnel to implement actions using Line Clearance resources, monitors progress and keeps management apprised of progress to resolve.
Oversees utilization of Line Clearance contract work force within area of responsibility. Develops and implements short term action plans to ensure progress and eventual completion of the company’s overall Line Clearance plan, recommends relocation or reassignment of Line Clearance crews as required.
Exercises authority to approve or disapprove Line Clearance work in order to ensure compliance with state and federal policies, WEC Energy Group standards and contract provisions.
Oversees program to periodically inspect work sites to observe Line Clearance contract crews and inspect work in progress. Ensures work is being performed safely using appropriate personal protective equipment, public hazard mitigation, tools, equipment. Directs actions to correct problems.
Reviews all Line Clearance contractor invoices and independently makes decisions to approve or disapprove invoices totaling approximately $250,000 per week.
Actively participates or leads multiple department, company, or external task forces and teams to develop, evaluate, and revise Line Clearance policies, operating procedures, work methods, process improvement and performance evaluation procedures.
Anticipates needs, coordinates, and may direct Line Clearance resources during storm emergency operations.
Attains expert level proficiency with systems and processes used to initiate, manage and track forestry work.
Confers with real estate, legal, landowners, and municipalities to interpret complex easement rights and resolve line clearance issues and disputes. Involves security and personnel when necessary to enforce easements for reliability and safety.
Establishes and maintains relationships with key municipal and agency personnel in assigned area. Communicates forestry program objectives and seeks to pro-actively coordinate activities related to Line Clearance work.
Supervises a team of Line Clearance personnel to perform all vegetation management activities in assigned areas.
Participates in community activities and external industry organizations as a representative of the company to advance good urban forestry practices and to educate the general public
Functions as company technical expert for all Vegetation Management issues. Provides expert level advice and recommendations in the development of long and short term Line Clearance plans and policy.
Develops and presents general and specialized Line Clearance related presentations and training to internal and external stakeholders.
Develops and maintains comprehensive Line Clearance/Forestry related literature and website information for customers, employees, municipalities, contractors.