System Arborist

Liberty•Joplin, MO

About The Position

Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business, and as an employee team. At Liberty, we hire passionate people who care about doing the right thing for our customers. We are entrepreneurial, creative, and outcome-focused. Here, your natural talent and achievements will flourish in an inclusive environment of teamwork, trust, and continuous learning. We are always pursuing excellence to exceed our ambitions goals, rewarding both the goal outcome and how we achieve it. PurposeThe System Arborist / Vegetation Specialist supports the Vegetation Management program by conducting both field and office activities that ensure safe, reliable, and compliant utility operations. This role bridges administrative and field functions, providing technical expertise in arboriculture and vegetation management, and is designed as a developmental position for succession planning, preparing the incumbent for advancement to Coordinator and Supervisor roles.Accountabilities

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Vegetation Management, Natural Resources Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through college resulting in a degree or equivalent as well as industry specific knowledge. Public interaction and presentation skills are recommended. Must be familiar with ANSI Z133.1 and ANSI A300 Standards.
Minimum two years’ experience in Utility Operations with responsibilities in line clearance vegetation management. Experience in urban forestry, forestry, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a comparable area.
Valid Operator’s Driver’s License, Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture preferred.
Work requires the ability to read technical information and data, policies, laws, guidelines, and procedures at a college level.
Work requires the ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situation.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Job may have responsibility for the direction or supervision of others, both direct and indirect.
Assist in Budget Management
Knowledge of Internet software and the Microsoft Office Suite of products. Knowledge of basic office equipment should include: Internet and email, copy and fax machines, postage meter and telephone. Experience with Inventory Systems and Software. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Continually works to improve supervisory skills. Position interacts with both internal and external parties on a regular basis.

Nice To Haves

Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of vegetation management programs, plans, and procedures, ensuring regulatory compliance and service reliability.
Oversee contract compliance and coordination for vegetation work, including tree pruning, removal, herbicide, tree growth regulators, mechanical clearing, and utility arborist activities.
Prepare, manage, and submit required reports and documentation for state, local, and federal agencies; maintain positive relationships with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
Monitor area plans, budgets, schedules, resource allocation, and special projects, leveraging strategic and emerging technologies for productivity.
Act as liaison with city, county, state, and federal agencies, green industry groups, electric operations, and customers; address inquiries, complaints, and property owner refusals, escalating as needed.
Conduct inspections for system reliability, compliance, and customer requests; assist crews and facilitate line related work.
Manage data collection software, reporting, and troubleshooting; train new employees and contractors.
Lead or assist in emergency response for storm.
Support ongoing maintenance schedule and priority monitoring for vegetation management activities