Transmission Forester Assoc.-Sr.

American Electric Power•San Angelo, TX

About The Position

The Transmission Forester assigns and recommends industry accepted management practices to provide corrective control of non-compatible vegetation conditions in utility rights of way to vegetation control contractors. This involves inspecting ongoing and completed assignments to assure contract compliance to reduce preventable vegetation interruptions of service and to provide, as much as practical, access to facilities for the purpose of repair and inspection. This role also ensures compliance with FAC-003, actively oversees vegetation clearing for capital construction, and performs aerial patrols as required for FAC-003 compliance or reliability

Requirements

Bachelor Degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and three (3) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired, OR Associate’s degree in one of the same fields and five (5) years’ experience in utility vegetation management industry, OR High school diploma and seven (7) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.
Knowledge and safe use of pesticides required.
Possession of Certified Pesticide Applicator's license required for each state within the forester’s area of responsibility.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification required.
ISA Utility Specialist certification or can obtain within one year of promotion.
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.
Courses in horticulture and/or vegetation management desirable.
Possession of Certified Pesticide Applicator's license desirable for each state within the forester’s area of responsibility.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification required or can obtain within two years of employment.
Completion of an “in the wires zone” aerial patrol course within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

Ground patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations, maintain records of work, and make the 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, and 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.
With assistance, serve as SME for vegetation clearing process during scoping, construction, and in servicing with Project Management.
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.