System Arborist - Oahu

Hawaiian Electric•Honolulu, HI

12d•$79,600 - $101,600•Onsite

About The Position

The System Arborist administers, maintains, and monitors Hawaiian Electric’s system-wide vegetation management programs to support safe service reliability, cost containment, and customer satisfaction. Programs include roadside vegetation management, transmission and sub-transmission rights-of-way, and customer service. The role manages outside contractors, assesses program effectiveness, and recommends improved procedures and techniques. The position combines regular system-wide inspections and field audits with contract and records management, customer support, operational planning, and public outreach. It also provides vegetation management expertise for internal projects and capital requests, supports budget and forecasting work, and participates in company emergency response activities as assigned. The role is based in Honolulu, Oahu.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in urban forestry, horticulture, arboriculture, or a related field, normally acquired through advanced college-level courses or equivalent experience.
Current ISA Certified Arborist certification.
Working knowledge of vegetation management crew structures, equipment, tools, techniques, and methodologies.
Working knowledge of electric utility transmission and distribution construction and maintenance, particularly vegetation management activities.
Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and its application to tree inventory and performance management systems.
Working knowledge of personal computers, mainframe systems, and related software, including Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word.
Valid driver’s license issued by the State of Hawaii or another U.S. state, and ability to meet the company’s standards for driving positions.
Working knowledge of LEAN continuous improvement principles and practices.
Working knowledge of SafeStart principles and practices.
Ability to work as an individual contributor and as a member of a self-directed team.
Ability to remain flexible and adapt to rapidly changing priorities in a demanding environment.
Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate tactfully and discreetly about sensitive issues with people at all organizational levels and external customers.
Strong analytical and computational skills for technical and statistical computations and monitoring and analyzing forecasts.
Organizational and conceptual skills to assess job demands and recommend appropriate actions.
Leadership skills and the ability to influence, motivate, and persuade varied groups or individuals, including in difficult or confrontational situations.
Willingness and ability to hike distances in difficult, mountainous terrain.
Willingness and ability to be transported by helicopter.
Five to seven years of experience in utility vegetation management functions, including arboriculture.

Nice To Haves

ISA Utility Specialist Certification.
Working knowledge of tree growth regulator and herbicide application methodology, environmental fate and mobility, and activity in local plants and environments.
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to vegetation management operations and endangered species.
Working knowledge of comprehensive contractor performance evaluation systems.
Working knowledge of local tree identification, habits, and growth characteristics.
One to two years of active, hands-on experience in tree trimming and care.

Responsibilities

Manage, direct, and monitor outside vegetation management contractors to ensure compliance with vegetation specifications and achievement of company goals.
Administer and monitor roadside, transmission and sub-transmission rights-of-way, and customer service vegetation management programs.
Review established programs and recommend improved procedures and techniques.
Conduct regular system-wide inspections using appropriate transportation, including walking, two-wheel and four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters.
Respond to callouts and vegetation management-related emergencies.
Perform field audits of contractor work to verify reporting accuracy and work quality, and ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations and ANSI Z133 and ANSI A300.
Collect, maintain, and manage data and records for contract compliance and pre- and post-work inspections.
Review and rectify contract work reports and invoices; ensure follow-up, proper billing, and resolution of unsatisfactory work and complaints.
Plan, direct, and evaluate alternative line-clearance and vegetation-management methods.
Monitor contractor progress and inspect field work to keep programs on budget and schedule, updating strategies and resource requirements as needed.
Provide technical, field, and personal support to internal and external customers, responding to questions, complaints, and work requests.
Provide vegetation management expertise for internal capital requests related to maintenance or installation of facilities.
Conduct advance notifications and obtain tree-removal permissions from sensitive or challenging customers.
Develop and deliver informational programs and presentations, including written and oral testimony for legislative matters, for employees, customers, the public, and government authorities.
Participate in local professional associations and events to foster understanding and support of the company’s vegetation management program.
Provide input on forecasted operational needs; research, analyze, and report information for budgeting and forecasting.
Issue requisitions for materials and contract services supporting vegetation management work.
Work collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and customers in support of company objectives.
Participate in assigned company emergency response activities, including preparation.