Transmission Forester Assoc- Sr

American Electric Power•Shreveport, LA

10d•$54,063 - $93,188•Remote

About The Position

This role involves assessing vegetative conditions in utility rights of way, recommending and implementing management practices to control non-compatible vegetation, and ensuring contract compliance with vegetation control contractors. The goal is to reduce preventable service interruptions and provide access to facilities for repair and inspection. The position requires ground and aerial patrols, landowner coordination, cost estimation, and development of short and long-term vegetation management plans. It also involves inspecting contractors, coordinating with governmental agencies and other utilities, and maintaining detailed records and reports. Guidance and training of others in vegetation management procedures are also key aspects of the role. Extensive travel is required.

Requirements

Bachelor Degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and four (4) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired, OR Associate’s degree in one of the same fields and six (6) years’ experience in utility vegetation management industry, OR High school diploma and eight (8) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.
Knowledge and safe use of pesticides required.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification required.
ISA Utility Specialist required.
Completion of an “in the wires zone” aerial patrol course required.
Must act as a professional, employing a great deal of diplomacy to "sell" the Company's necessary vegetation control projects to the public.
Competency in GIS systems and Microsoft Office components such as: Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word in addition to other analytical tools is required.
Extensive travel is required to inspect and plan for the Company's right-of-way maintenance program.
Apply AEP Accounting Policies & Guidelines related to expense vs. capitalization for labor, services, and material in a proficient manner.

Nice To Haves

Arborist certification desirable.
Possession of Certified Pesticide Applicator's license required for each state within the forester’s area of responsibility.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification preferred.
Courses in horticulture and/or vegetation management desirable.

Responsibilities

Ground patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations.
Maintain records of work and make necessary arrangements with landowners for vegetation management and access to facilities.
Perform aerial patrol on FAC-003 compliance lines to assess vegetation to conductor distances.
Actively capture conditions in forestry computer during aerial patrol.
Coordinate any required response for imminent threats identified during the patrol.
Investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns.
Document and resolve areas where FAC-003 vegetation management plan is constrained.
Estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding of new and existing facilities.
Determine future utility vegetation management requirements and recommend short and long-term vegetation management work plans and best management practices.
Contact governmental agencies, other utilities, landowners, and others to arrange and coordinate right-of-way vegetation management work plans required.
Inspect vegetation management and work planning contractors for safety and contract compliance, recommending acceptance or corrective action.
Recommend work plans, priorities, schedules, and contractor requirements in accordance with the vegetation management program and FAC-003 compliance.
Apply and keep informed of current contract provisions.
Maintain records and prepare reports on costs, production, and work quality.
Operate the forestry computer programs and records systems.
Guide and train others involved with the vegetation management program in proper work practices and utility vegetation management procedures.
Identify and schedule aerial herbicide and aerial saw vegetation management, including required permitting.
Mentor Transmission Forester Associates as needed.
Support Transmission Forestry leadership and Transmission Forestry Staff positions in coordinating storm response for operational area.