System Arborist - Oahu

hawaiianel•Honolulu, HI

1d•$78,000 - $99,600

About The Position

We recognize our competitive advantage -- our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company. Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package. BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION: The P MV VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Department of the P OPERATIONS PLANNING & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available. (Role: Professional) JOB FUNCTION: Administers, maintains, and monitors effectiveness of Hawaiian Electric’s system-wide vegetation management programs (includes Roadside, Transmission and Sub-transmission Rights-of-Way, and Customer Service Programs) to ensure safe service reliability, cost-containment, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in urban forestry, horticulture, arboriculture, or related field normally acquired through advanced, college level courses or equivalent experience.
ISA Certified Arborist to stay current on changes in arboricultural industry.
Working knowledge of common vegetation management crew structures, equipment, tools, techniques and methodologies and their appropriate application to ensure maximum work quality and cost-effectiveness.
Working knowledge of electric utility transmission and distribution construction and maintenance operations with particular emphasis on vegetation management activities.
Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and its application to tree inventory and performance management systems.
Working knowledge of personal computers and mainframe systems and related software applications (e.g. Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, Access, Word, etc.)
Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license. Must meet the standards for driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Driving Positions policy. These standards may be adjusted periodically to meet business and safety objectives.
Working knowledge of LEAN continuous improvement principles and best practices to achieve operational excellence.
Working knowledge of SafeStart principles and best practices to achieve a safe workplace environment.
Ability to perform both as an individual contributor and as a member of a self-directed work team.
Ability to remain flexible in a demanding working environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
Excellent written, oral and presentation skills in order to effectively communicate and respond to sensitive issues with all levels of the organization as well as external customers using tact, courtesy and discretion.
In-depth analytical and computational skills for technical and statistical computations and for monitoring and analyzing forecasts.
Demonstrated organizational and conceptual skills to be able to assess the demands of the job and to recommend proper actions.
Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities to work with, influence, motivate, and persuade a variety of groups or individuals (internal/external customers; e.g. crews, contractors, professional/local organizations, etc.) occasionally dealing with sensitive, difficult or confrontational issues.
Must be willing and able to hike distances in difficult, mountainous terrain.
Must be willing and able to be transported by helicopter.
Multiple years (5-7) experience in utility vegetation management functions, including arboriculture.

Nice To Haves

ISA Utility Specialist Certification, preferred.
Working knowledge of tree growth regulator and herbicide application methodology, environmental fate and mobility and activity in local plans and environment, preferred.
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to vegetation management operations and endangered species, preferred.
Working knowledge of comprehensive contractor performance evaluation systems, preferred.
Working knowledge of local tree identification, habit and growth characteristics, preferred.
Few years (1-2) of active, hands-on experience in tree trimming and care, preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages, directs and monitors on-site outside Vegetation Management contractors to ensure compliance with vegetation specifications.
Strategizes, administers, maintains, and monitors Hawaiian Electric’s system-wide Vegetation Management Program activities, including managing and directing of outside vegetation management contractors, to ensure that Company goals and objectives are achieved. This includes Hawaiian Electric’s Vegetation Management Roadside Program, Rights-of-Way Program (transmission and sub-transmission), and Customer Service Program.
Reviews established programs and recommends improved procedures and techniques to maximize effectiveness of various Vegetation Management programs.
Performs regular system-wide inspections using appropriate transportation means including walking, two-wheel and four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters. Responds to callouts and/or other Vegetation Management -related emergencies.
Performs periodic field audits of contractor work to ensure accuracy of reporting and quality of work. Ensures that contractor is adhering to all federal, state and local regulations with regard to safe work practices as outlined in ANSI Z133 and ANSI A300.
Collects, compiles, maintains, and manages data and records to evaluate contract compliance and pre- and post-work field inspections of outside vegetation management contractors. Reviews, rectifies, and manages contract work reports and invoices.
Plans, directs, and evaluates alternative methods for line clearance and vegetation management. Ensures contractor follow-up, proper billing and satisfactory resolution of unsatisfactory work and complaints.
Monitors contractors’ progress and conducts field inspections to ensure programs are within budget and on schedule and/or update strategies and resource requirements.
Provides timely and effective consultative technical, field, and personal support and assistance to internal/external customers to ensure satisfactory response and resolution of questions, complaints, and work requests (e.g. MECO, development of Tree Growth Regulator (TGR) Application programs, landscaping, etc.). This includes internal capital requests which require vegetation management expertise to assist with maintenance or installations of new facilities.
Performs advance notifications and procures tree removal permissions for sensitive and challenging customers.
Develops, implements, and conducts informational programs and presentations (including written and oral testimony for legislative matters) relating to Hawaiian Electric’s system-wide vegetation management programs for Company employees, customers, the general public, and government authorities.
Actively participates in local professional associations and events for internal and external customers and organizations to foster understanding and support of Company’s VM program.
Provides input on the forecasted operational needs for various Vegetation Management Programs. Monitors, researches, compiles, analyzes, and provides appropriate reports to Supervisor for budgeting and forecasting purposes.
Issues requisitions for materials and contract services to support Vegetation Management work.
Interacts with all employees and other internal and external suppliers and customers in a positive, supportive, and collaborative manner, to ensure the fulfillment of company strategic objectives.
Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.